Although most car accidents are a result of negligent driving, some occur because of defective equipment parts. There are many situations in which a manufacturer or repair shop might be to blame. A particularly clear case is when your airbags do not deploy as they should. Car manufacturers are required to ship new vehicles with functioning airbag systems. They can be held liable if your car is found to have faulty parts or improper installation. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, it is imperative that you speak with a qualified personal injury attorney right away. Tennessee is an at-fault state, so a skilled attorney can investigate whether or not a car manufacturer or other parties are liable for your crash. 

Tennessee Product Liability Laws

Before explaining Tennessee’s product liability laws, you should understand the car dealership and private sellers’ responsibilities. Most states have lemon laws to protect consumers from defective vehicles. Tennessee’s lemon law only protects purchases from a manufacturer. The coverage does not apply to consumers who purchase used cars from dealerships or private sellers. Technically, unless the terms of a used car sale include a warranty or similar guarantee, the purchaser is responsible for the vehicle once it is in his or her possession. When buying a used vehicle, make sure that it does not need airbag replacements.