You expect your car to keep you safe. If a hidden defect or faulty part causes an accident, a faulty car parts injury claim may help you recover losses. Failures such as brakes, airbags or steering can injure drivers, passengers and other road users, and it isn’t always obvious who is responsible.
If you were injured due to a vehicle defect, you may be entitled to vehicle defect compensation. Depending on how the fault arose, responsibility may sit with a manufacturer, a dealer or a mechanic.
This guide explains your rights under UK law, including the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and negligence, and sets out who may be responsible, what evidence you’ll need, and how a solicitor can help you start your claim. Our team handles no win, no fee defective product claims from start to finish, guiding you every step of the way.
Can you make a claim for a faulty car part or vehicle defect?
When a vehicle fault causes injury, you may be able to bring a faulty car parts injury claim under UK law. A vehicle defect can arise in several ways, including:
- Design faults where a part is unsafe even when built correctly
- Manufacturing defects where something went wrong during production
- Failure to warn, where drivers were not properly informed about a known risk
In the UK, these cases are usually covered by the Consumer Protection Act 1987. This act allows you to claim compensation from the manufacturer, importer or supplier if a product is proven unsafe. You may also claim under the law of negligence if a company or mechanic failed to take reasonable care when supplying, inspecting or repairing your car.
You can still bring a car manufacturer liability claim even if the vehicle was second-hand or later became part of a recall. A recall notice does not cancel your rights.
If a fault caused an accident and you were injured, you could seek defective vehicle compensation with help from a specialist solicitor. They can confirm who is legally responsible, gather evidence and begin your claim.
What types of vehicle defects lead to injury claims?
Not all car faults are minor. Some defects can cause serious accidents, resulting in a faulty brakes injury claim or other forms of compensation. Knowing the most common types of vehicle defects can help you recognise when an injury may be linked to a manufacturing or design fault.
Common causes of defective vehicle compensation claims include:
- Faulty brakes or steering systems that cause loss of control
- Airbag or seatbelt failures that worsen injuries in a crash, leading to a potential claim for defective airbag injury
- Electrical faults or software malfunctions that trigger sudden shutdowns or fires
- Tyre defects leading to blowouts or skidding
- Suspension or structural failures that affect stability
Car recalls often highlight these risks. If your vehicle has been recalled for safety reasons, it can support your car recall injury claim by showing that a defect was already known to the manufacturer.
Modern vehicles increasingly rely on advanced technology, and software-related issues are becoming more common. Faulty driver-assist systems, braking sensors or automated controls can all lead to dangerous situations and potential liability for the manufacturer or supplier.
A solicitor can assess the circumstances and advise whether your injury could form part of a valid product liability injury claim.
What evidence helps prove a faulty car part injury claim?
Strong evidence is essential to support your faulty car parts injury claim. It helps establish that the vehicle or part was defective and that the defect directly caused your injury. Gathering information as early as possible can make a big difference to the outcome of your case.
Important evidence includes:
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage and the faulty part
- Engineering or expert reports that confirm how the defect caused the failure
- Recall or service notices showing known problems with that model or component
- Witness statements and police reports describing what happened
- Medical reports and treatment records proving your injuries
- Vehicle maintenance, MOT and service history confirming regular upkeep
If possible, keep the defective part. It can be crucial in showing how the failure occurred. Reporting the issue to the manufacturer or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) can also help document the defect officially.
Early legal advice is vital. A solicitor can secure evidence, arrange expert inspections and gather the right reports to support your evidence for a defective car part claim. Acting quickly ensures nothing is lost or damaged and helps build a clear case for defective vehicle compensation.
How long do you have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years to start a faulty car parts injury claim. This period usually begins on the date of the accident or from when you first realised that a defect caused your injury. Acting quickly is always best because evidence can become harder to find as time passes.
There are some exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18, the three-year time limit starts on their 18th birthday
- If the person lacks mental capacity, there may be no time limit until capacity is regained
- If a defect is discovered later, the time limit may begin from the date it was identified
A solicitor can review your case and confirm how long you have to claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
Even if you think too much time has passed, it’s worth checking. Legal professionals can confirm your exact deadline and advise on the best next step for your product liability injury claim.
What compensation could you receive?
If you are injured because of a vehicle defect, a faulty car parts injury claim can help you recover compensation for both physical and financial losses. Every case is assessed individually, but typical areas of defective vehicle compensation include:
- Pain, suffering and loss of quality of life
- Medical expenses, treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Lost earnings or reduced ability to work
- Travel expenses linked to your injury or appointments
- Home adaptations or specialist equipment if required
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the severity of your injuries and the long-term impact they have on your life. A solicitor can assess these factors and negotiate with insurers or manufacturers on your behalf.
Compensation is not only about money. It also helps highlight the importance of safety and accountability for vehicle producers and suppliers.
Our experienced team can review your car manufacturer liability claim and provide an early estimate of its potential value during a free consultation. All claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so there is no upfront cost or financial risk to you.
What should you do if you suspect your vehicle caused your injury?
If you believe a fault in your vehicle caused your accident, it is important to act quickly. Taking the right steps can protect your safety and strengthen your faulty car parts injury claim.
Here is what to do:
- Stop using the vehicle immediately to avoid further danger
- Arrange an independent inspection by a qualified engineer or garage
- Keep the faulty part if possible and store it safely as evidence
- Notify the manufacturer and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if a car recall injury claim might apply
- Gather all relevant documents such as service records, repair invoices and recall notices
- Contact a specialist solicitor to discuss your product liability injury claim and next steps
Be sure to seek expert legal guidance as soon as possible. A solicitor can secure vital evidence, liaise with insurers and start your vehicle defect compensation UK case without delay. They can also guide you through the process of reporting the defect and ensure the manufacturer is held accountable.
If you’re unsure where to start, Injury Lawyers 4U can assess your case and explain your options clearly and confidentially.
Taking the next step after a vehicle defect injury
If a faulty part or vehicle defect caused your accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation. A faulty car parts injury claim can help you recover losses and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
At Injury Lawyers 4U, our experienced solicitors handle no win, no fee defective product claims every day. We gather evidence, prove liability and secure fair defective vehicle compensation for clients across the UK.
If you believe a defect caused your injury, contact Injury Lawyers 4U today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will assess your case, explain your options and guide you through each step of your claim with care and expertise.
Frequently asked questions about faulty car part injury claims
Can I claim if my car was recalled after my accident?
Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation even if your car was recalled after your accident. A recall is often strong evidence that the manufacturer knew or should have known about a defect.
If you were injured before the recall notice was issued, your right to claim remains. A solicitor can use recall documents and manufacturer statements to support your car recall injury claim.
Do I need to prove exactly what part was faulty?
No, you do not have to identify the precise fault yourself. Expert engineers can investigate and prepare reports for your faulty car parts injury claim. What matters is showing that the vehicle or component did not perform safely and that this caused your injury.
Can I claim even if my car was serviced regularly?
Yes. Regular servicing can strengthen your product liability injury claim because it proves you maintained your vehicle properly and did not contribute to the fault. Keep all service and MOT records as evidence.
Who pays compensation – the manufacturer or the insurer?
This depends on how the defect occurred. If it was a design or manufacturing issue, the manufacturer or importer is usually liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 vehicle defect law.
If the fault was introduced during a repair, the garage or its insurer may be responsible. Your solicitor will identify the correct party and handle communication with insurers.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Yes. Most vehicle defect compensation UK claims must be made within three years of the accident or from when you discovered the defect caused your injury. There are exceptions for children and people who lack mental capacity. A solicitor can confirm your deadline.
Can I claim if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. If you contributed to the accident, for example by ignoring a warning light, your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence. However, you can still claim if the defect was the main cause of the injury.
What if the defective part was fitted by a mechanic or garage?
If a garage installed a faulty or unsafe part, you may have a car manufacturer liability claim or negligence claim against the garage or supplier. They must use safe, suitable parts and fit them correctly.
Do I have to pay upfront to make a claim?
No. Most cases are handled as no win no fee defective product claims. This means you pay nothing upfront and only a success fee if your claim succeeds. It’s a simple, risk-free way to pursue fair compensation with help from Injury Lawyers 4U.