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Every day, Metro Detroit drivers rely on their vehicles to get them safely to work, school, and home. When a hidden auto defect causes a crash or makes an accident far worse, the results can be catastrophic. These cases aren’t simple “accidents”—they are preventable incidents caused by dangerous products, failed engineering, or irresponsible manufacturing practices.
What Constitutes an Auto Defect Case?
An auto defect case arises when a vehicle or one of its components is unreasonably dangerous due to poor design, flawed manufacturing, or a failure to warn the public about known risks. These defects can cause serious crashes, worsen the impact of a collision, or lead to injuries that should never have occurred.
The Michigan Auto Defect Landscape
Michigan’s auto industry is deeply connected to Detroit’s history, and so are the legal standards that protect consumers. Auto defect cases fall under Michigan’s product liability laws, which require detailed investigations, technical evidence, and expert analysis. Because of the auto manufacturing presence in our state, defect litigation is common—but also highly technical and fiercely defended.
Why Auto Defect Cases Are So Complex
These cases often involve:
- Large manufacturers with vast legal resources
- Multiple insurance companies disputing fault
- Engineering, design, and production records that require expert interpretation
- Extensive testing, reconstruction, and preservation of evidence
Defect claims demand a law firm that understands not only personal injury law, but also automotive engineering, crash dynamics, and the tactics used by major corporations and insurers.
LSM’s Reputation for Handling Challenging Liability Cases
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we are known throughout Metro Detroit for taking on—and winning—cases that many firms walk away from. Our team has successfully handled complex wheel-off cases, auto component failures, and difficult liability disputes. Clients trust us because they don’t just get one attorney—they get our entire team working together on their behalf, with more than 50 years of combined expertise behind them.
What Is an Auto Defect?
Auto defects fall into three main categories, each with its own legal standards and unique challenges.
Design Defects
A design defect occurs before a vehicle or part is ever manufactured. The blueprint itself is unsafe.
Examples include:
- Vehicles prone to rollovers
- Fuel system failures that increase the risk of fire
- Faulty roof structures that collapse during a rollover
Because design defects affect entire models or product lines, they often involve large-scale litigation or recalls.
Manufacturing Defects
These defects happen during assembly or production, even if the original design was safe.
Examples include:
- Improperly installed brakes
- Electrical systems with flawed wiring
- Components made with weak or contaminated materials
Manufacturing defects usually affect a smaller number of vehicles but are no less dangerous.
Failure to Warn / Inadequate Instructions
Manufacturers have a duty to inform consumers of known risks. When they fail to warn—or delay issuing a recall—they can be held liable.
Examples include:
- Missing or unclear safety warnings
- Delayed recalls despite evidence of danger
- Instructions that fail to explain proper use or risk prevention
Who Can Be Held Liable for Auto Defects in Michigan?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a defective vehicle or component:
- Vehicle manufacturers (Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, etc.)
- Component or parts manufacturers
- Dealerships that sold a defective vehicle
- Repair shops whose improper service contributed to the failure
- Third-party distributors and suppliers
- Insurance companies attempting to deny or undervalue legitimate claims
Determining liability requires technical inspections, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of Michigan product liability law—something LSM’s team handles every day.
Michigan Laws Affecting Auto Defect Claims
Michigan Product Liability Basics
Michigan law holds manufacturers and sellers responsible when their products are unreasonably dangerous. Plaintiffs must prove:
- The product was defective
- The defect caused the injury
- The injury resulted in measurable damages
Auto defect cases often involve both engineering evidence and medical evidence, which our team helps clients navigate with clarity and transparency.
Statute of Limitations for Defect Claims
Michigan law generally gives injured individuals three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, deadlines can vary depending on the type of claim and parties involved. If you suspect an auto defect, it is critical to preserve the vehicle and contact an attorney immediately.
No-Fault Insurance Interaction with Defect Claims
Michigan’s no-fault system adds another layer of complexity to defect cases.
PIP Benefits
Personal Injury Protection covers:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Replacement services
When You Can Sue Outside No-Fault
You may bring a lawsuit against a manufacturer or negligent party if:
- You suffered a serious impairment of body function
- You experienced permanent disfigurement
- A loved one suffered wrongful death
- The accident was caused or worsened by a mechanical failure
Compensation Beyond PIP
A defect lawsuit may allow recovery for:
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Loss of earning capacity
- Future medical expenses
- Punitive damages in certain cases
What to Do After a Suspected Auto Defect Injury
When an injury occurs because something in your vehicle failed, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make or break your case. Defect claims rely heavily on physical evidence—especially the vehicle itself. Here is what Liss, Shapero & Mitnick recommends:
Safety First
Your immediate priority is your health and the safety of everyone involved. Call 911, seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor—and follow all recommendations from first responders and doctors.
Preserve the Vehicle (This Is Critical)
Do not allow the vehicle to be destroyed, repaired, or released until it has been examined.
The vehicle is the single most important piece of evidence in an auto defect case.
Document the Defect and Your Injuries
If possible:
- Take photos or videos of the defective part or failure
- Photograph the interior and exterior of the vehicle
- Record any unusual noises, dashboard lights, or malfunctions
- Keep all medical records and receipts
- Write down your recollection of what happened while details are fresh
Avoid Letting Insurers Take the Vehicle Before an Independent Inspection
Insurance companies often try to move or take possession of a vehicle quickly. Do not allow this until an experienced attorney has secured an inspection.
Once the vehicle is gone, crucial data may be lost forever.
When to Call an Attorney
Call an auto defect lawyer as soon as you suspect a mechanical or structural failure caused or worsened the crash. Early involvement allows our team to:
- Secure the vehicle
- Conduct a defect-specific investigation
- Preserve black box data
- Protect you from insurance tactics that can weaken your claim
At LSM, we take these steps immediately—because your rights come first.
How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Builds a Strong Auto Defect Case
Auto defect cases are some of the most complex personal injury matters in Michigan. Our approach reflects decades of experience, deep technical knowledge, and a firm-wide commitment to giving every client the attention they deserve.
Full-Team Approach
When you hire LSM, you don’t get one attorney—you get the entire team, working collectively on every case.
From intake to litigation, our attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and staff all play a role in building your case with precision and care. This family-style approach is a hallmark of our firm and a key advantage for clients.
Early Investigation & Evidence Preservation
We act quickly to protect crucial evidence.
- Immediate vehicle inspection performed by trusted professionals
- Black box/ECU data downloads to capture speed, braking, and other pre-crash information
- High-resolution imaging and defect analysis
- Preservation letters to ensure manufacturers and insurers do not destroy evidence
Early action is often the difference between proving a defect and losing important data forever.
Working With Industry Experts
Auto defect cases require collaboration with specialists who understand the science behind vehicle failures. We partner with:
- Mechanical and automotive engineers
- Crash reconstructionists
- Human factors experts
- Auto design specialists
Their expertise helps us identify the root cause of the failure and prove liability in court.
Handling Complex Manufacturer Disputes
Manufacturers fight hard to deny responsibility. Our team is experienced in:
- Conducting forceful negotiations
- Challenging manufacturer testing
- Exposing delayed recalls
- Holding corporations accountable in court
We are especially known for taking on “thin liability, high-damage” cases—the kind of cases many firms avoid—and delivering results. Our long history with wheel-off incidents is an example of our ability to handle high-stakes, highly technical litigation.
When an Auto Defect Changes Your Life, LSM Stands With You
A defective vehicle can shatter your sense of safety in an instant. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that follows. We approach every case with compassion, clarity, and the integrity that has defined our practice for decades.
Early legal involvement is essential in auto defect cases. Evidence must be preserved, experts must be engaged, and insurers must be held accountable. When you come to us, you become part of our family—and we fight for you as if you were our own.
You deserve a team that knows this work, cares deeply, and stands firmly by your side from the very first call.
Get Your Free Consultation – Your Rights First
Liss, Shapero & Mitnick
2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)