Washington, DC Auto Defect Lawyer

Injured by a Defective Car Part?

Auto defect cases often involve powerful defendants, aggressive legal teams, and efforts to shift blame, but Regan Zambri Long’s award-winning Washington, DC auto defect lawyers combine almost 200 years of combined experience with the resolve to take on the world’s largest car makers.

Our board-certified partners are AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and we routinely litigate cases where corporations would rather deny responsibility than fix dangerous defects. Our product liability lawyers work closely with leading automotive engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals to identify defects, trace them back to the manufacturer, and explain how they caused real harm. The results speak for themselves. We have recovered over $1 billion in personal injury settlements and verdicts, including auto defect outcomes of $15.2 million, $11.3 million, $10 million, and $2.3 million. Recognized as one of America’s Best Law Firms, we are trusted by clients nationwide, as reflected in more than 100 5 star Google reviews.

Have you or a loved one been injured because of a vehicle defect? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will reach out to you personally. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is no fee unless we win your case.

Schedule a free consultation

Contact Us Form

Complete this form and our team will get back to you as soon as possible

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
regan badge
logo 1.png
nbta.png
superlawyers 1 2 1.png
superlawyers 1 1.png
isob 1.png
copy of washingtonian 1.png

Most Common Vehicle Defects That Lead to Accidents

Per the United States Code, a defect ” includes any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.”

 

Auto defects can turn an ordinary drive into a life-altering event. Here are some of the most prevalent issues we encounter:

 

  • Design flaws in critical safety systems: Automotive safety systems, such as airbags and seat belts, are the first line of defense in an accident. However, when poorly designed, these systems can fail at the most critical moments. The devices meant to prevent injury could harm drivers and/or passengers. Real-world recalls illustrate how these failures occur, including a 2025 Ford recall involving 240,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs after regulators found that seat belt anchor bolts were not properly secured, a condition that could prevent occupants from being properly restrained in a crash. Similar concerns have arisen with airbag systems. In early 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an urgent safety warning after crashes involving faulty airbag inflators were linked to at least 10 crashes nationwide, resulting in eight deaths and two severe injuries, showing how defects in systems intended to protect occupants can instead lead to catastrophic outcomes.
  • Manufacturing errors and quality control issues: Even properly designed vehicles can become dangerous due to manufacturing errors. Common problems resulting from manufacturing errors include structural weaknesses, brake systems, and tire defects. A 2024 study analyzing crashes involving defective vehicles found that brake and tire issues accounted for approximately 65% of the defects identified in those cases, illustrating how manufacturing and quality control failures in these components can play a significant role in defect-related accidents.
  • Faulty electrical systems and computer malfunctions: Electrical and software issues in our increasingly computerized vehicles can have dire consequences. Examples include sudden acceleration, steering system failures, and battery fires. In 2025, the NHTSA opened an investigation into approximately 2.9 million Tesla vehicles equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving system after receiving more than 50 reports of traffic-safety violations and reviewing a series of crashes. Regulators stated that the system, which requires active driver supervision, appeared to induce vehicle behavior that violated traffic safety laws, highlighting how software and computer-controlled systems can contribute to dangerous driving conditions when they malfunction or behave unpredictably.

Again, these are only examples. They don’t represent all the ways a defective vehicle can cause a motor vehicle accident. If you’ve been injured due to a vehicle defect, contact Regan Zambri Long for a free case evaluation.

What Compensation Is Available in Washington, DC Auto Defect Cases?

Washington, DC Auto Defect Lawyer

You may be eligible for compensation after being injured in a car accident resulting from auto defects. Compensation that may be available includes:

 

  • Economic damages: These are tangible losses that can be easily calculated in monetary terms. Examples include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
  • Non-economic damages: While harder to quantify, these damages are equally important. They include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.
  • Punitive damages: A jury may award victims punitive damages in some cases involving manufacturing defects that result in significant motor vehicle accidents.

Let our team calculate the full value of your claim – schedule your free consultation today.

What Rights Do You Have Under Washington, DC Product Liability Laws for Auto Defects?

Our attorneys are well-versed in local and federal laws that protect consumers and will protect your rights in an auto defect claim. We understand:

 

  • Time limits for filing auto defect claims: In DC, §12–301 states that you generally have three years from the date you were injured to file a product liability lawsuit. . In some cases, the clock may start “ticking” or counting down when you discover (or should have discovered) the injury or defect. Be aware that the statute of limitations may not start counting down until a victim reaches the age of majority if they’re a minor.
  • Burden of proof requirements: In auto defect cases, you must demonstrate that the vehicle or component was defective, the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control, the defect was the proximate cause of your injuries, and you were using the product (in this case, a motor vehicle) properly at the time the accident occurred.
  • Federal safety regulations and manufacturer obligations: Manufacturers must comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards under the NHTSA. When automakers become aware of defects, there is also a general requirement that they alert the public and issue recalls accordingly. Data released by NHTSA shows the scope of this responsibility in practice. In 2024 alone, there were 704 recalls issued due to safety defects, affecting more than 21 million vehicles across the United States, reflecting how frequently manufacturers are required to take corrective action when defects are identified.

Don’t let legal deadlines pass – contact our DC auto defect lawyers immediately to protect your rights.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long As Your Auto Defect Lawyers?

Auto defect litigation requires a law firm with the experience, resources, and judgment to take on vehicle manufacturers and prove that a defect existed long before an accident occurred.

 

At Regan Zambri Long, our approach to auto defect cases is shaped by decades of product liability experience and a record of results in cases involving unsafe vehicles and failed safety systems.

 

  • Proven verdicts and settlements in auto defect and vehicle safety cases: Since 1997, we have recovered dozens of multimillion-dollar personal injury settlements and verdicts, including outcomes tied directly to defective vehicles and automotive safety failures. These include a $15.2 million settlement for the death of a carpenter who was crushed by a dump truck with a defective back-up alarm, a $11.3 million settlement for a woman who suffered severe burns as a result of a defectively designed automobile, a $10 million product liability case against a car manufacturer, and a $2.3 million settlement for a teenager who was severely injured due to a defectively designed seat belt
  • National recognition for trial excellence and consumer advocacy: Our work across complex personal injury and product-related litigation has been recognized at the national level. All six partners are currently named among Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in the United States, selected from approximately 135,000 personal injury lawyers nationwide, and Regan Zambri Long has been consistently recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America.
  • Demonstrated expertise in product liability and mass tort litigation: Auto defect cases are product liability cases at their core and often involve defects that affect multiple vehicles, trigger recalls, or raise common safety issues across a model line or component. Experience with mass tort litigation is relevant in these situations because it involves managing complex discovery, coordinating expert analysis, and litigating against manufacturers facing widespread defect claims. Our attorneys have been named Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers for Product Liability Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation, reflecting peer acknowledgment of our ability to handle technically complex, manufacturer-focused cases.

 

Clients choose Regan Zambri Long because of this combination of proven results, technical experience, and long-standing recognition in auto defect and product liability litigation.

How Regan Zambri Long Handles Auto Defect Cases

dc motorcycle accident lawyer Christopher Regan

When you choose Regan Zambri Long, you’re partnering with a team that has a proven track record in complex auto defect litigation. Here’s how we approach your case:

 

  • Investigation and evidence-gathering process: Our investigation may involve a thorough analysis of your car accident. This involves analyzing the scene itself, any available pictures of the accident, the police reports, and other available materials. We may also speak with witnesses. Their testimony might help establish that you were driving safely when your accident occurred.
  • Working with automotive engineering experts: Auto experts can strengthen your case by providing general technical insights, performing forensic analyses of relevant evidence, using innovative technology to recreate how a car accident likely happened, and providing testimony if necessary.
  • Negotiating with manufacturers and insurance companies: Seeking compensation after a car accident resulting from a defect involves filing a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. Usually, it’s the manufacturer who is held liable in these circumstances. Technically, their insurer may be responsible for paying your claim. Because an insurance company is in the business of making money, an insurance adjuster might not offer the full amount of compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help by handling all negotiations with the insurer, their manufacturer, and any other parties (such as the manufacturer’s attorneys) who may be involved in the case.

Put our proven experience to work for you, reach out to our dedicated DC attorneys now.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Read What Our Clients Say About Us

How Long Does an Auto Defect Injury Case Take?

The timeline of a case can vary based on many factors. That said, the following is a general breakdown that often matches the real-world timeline:

  • Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation: 1-2 weeks
  • Investigation and Evidence Gathering: 2-4 months
  • Filing of Claim or Lawsuit: Typically within the first year after the accident
  • Discovery Phase: 6-12 months
  • Negotiations and Potential Settlement: Ongoing throughout the process
  • Trial (if necessary): 1-2 weeks, usually occurring 18-24 months after filing

Have you or a loved one been injured because of a vehicle defect? You don’t have to seek justice on your own. Lawyers with years of experience handling cases like yours can help you fight for what you deserve.

Join our long list of satisfied clients – contact the Washington, DC, product liability lawyers at Regan Zambri Long to discuss your case.

Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, PLLC
1919 M St NW Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20036

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.