Auto accidents happen for a variety reasons, including speeding, tailgating, driver distraction and reckless driving. Yet what you might not realize is that car accidents are sometimes caused by vehicle manufacturers. Even if you purchase a brand new car, truck or motorcycle, if the vehicle was poorly designed or defective, you could be involved in a collision moments after you get behind the wheel.

Following are examples of some common automotive defects:

• Defective brakes: Every day millions of drivers put their trust in their vehicles’ brakes. If a single component of a braking system is defective, the mechanism could engage suddenly and cause a serious accident, or may not engage at all — leaving the driver helpless to stop his or her automobile.
• Malfunctioning airbags: Time and time again, airbags have proven their effectiveness in saving lives. It’s no wonder then why modern cars and trucks are equipped with multiple airbags. However, when these safety devices malfunction, the consequences can be fatal. If a collision occurs and an airbag fails to deploy, vehicle occupants may suffer unnecessary harm. Also, if the airbag deploys suddenly when there is no impact, it can lead to a serious collision.
• Seatbelt defects: Studies have shown that seatbelts can save lives and reduce injuries — but only if they work. Like defective airbags, defective seatbelts can result in unnecessary injuries if they fail to tighten when a vehicle stops short or is involved in a crash.
• Tire defects: Vehicle tires must be inspected before being released to market. If the treads are defective, they can cause SUV rollovers and other types of devastating auto accidents.