California Defective Door Latch Accident Lawyer
Victory Law Group LLP offers a free initial consultation about defective door latch accident injuries. Discuss what happened, available records and possible next steps with the firm.
- Free initial consultation
- Ask for attorney fees and case costs in a written agreement
- Offices in El Segundo, Newhall, Los Angeles and Oakland
- Explore the injury case process and California personal injury services
Share only a brief description in this form. Please do not include medical records, financial details or other sensitive documents. Ask the firm how to provide those securely.
Door Latch Failures Cause Thousands of Ejections Every Year
A door that opens during a collision can raise questions about the latch, vehicle condition and the circumstances of the crash. A suspected defect needs investigation; an injury alone does not establish a product defect.
If available, bring the vehicle year, make and model, photographs, collision report and repair or recall records to the consultation. Ask the attorney about preserving the vehicle and components before repairs or disposal.
Contact Victory Law Group for a free initial consultation about the incident and possible next steps. Ask for attorney fees, case costs and the scope of any proposed representation in writing.
Not sure if you have a case? We’ll review your situation for free and explain what compensation you may be entitled to.
Federal Safety Standards Require Strong Door Latches
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206, established in the early 1970s, sets crashworthiness requirements for door locks and door retention systems. Under these regulations, automakers are required to design door latches that can withstand an inertial load of 30 times the force of gravity during an auto accident.
When automakers fail to meet these standards and a victim is injured due to a defective door latch, they can be held liable and required to compensate victims for their injuries and damages.
A door latch can be considered defective when there are:
- Design flaws – The latch was poorly designed and fails to meet safety standards
- Manufacturing defects – The latch was improperly made or assembled
- Insufficient warnings or instructions – The manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about safe use or known risks
- Mechanical or technological failures – The latch fails due to faulty components or technology
At Victory Law Group, we work with engineers, medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to thoroughly investigate door latch failure claims. We can prove the cause of the failure, establish liability, and demonstrate the automaker’s negligence.
We’ll ensure that automakers are held accountable and pay for the damages caused by their defective door latches.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Major Recalls for Defective Door Latches
In recent years, thousands of vehicles have been recalled due to defective door latches. Ford Motor Company, in particular, has issued multiple recalls for faulty door latches that prevent doors from staying closed during accidents.
Some of the recalled Ford vehicles include:
- 1997-2000 Ford F-150 trucks
- 1997-2000 Ford Expeditions
- 1997-2000 Ford F-250 Super Light Duty trucks
- 2000 Ford F-150 Super Crew trucks
- Certain 2012-2014 Ford Fiestas
- 2013 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs
- Certain 2014 Ford Fusions and Lincoln MKZs
It’s important to regularly check safecar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if your vehicle has been recalled. If your car has been recalled for a door latch defect, you should have it towed to the nearest authorized dealer immediately for repair.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a defective door latch—whether your vehicle was recalled or not—you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Contact Victory Law Group today for a free consultation.
We Can Help With Your Product Liability Claim
If you’ve been injured due to a defective door latch, Victory Law Group can assist you with your product liability claim against the automaker. Our attorneys have experience handling product liability cases and understand how to hold manufacturers accountable for defective products.
We’re committed to helping you pursue the maximum compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Call us to speak with an attorney immediately, or submit an online contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Common Questions About Personal Injury Cases in California
If you’ve been injured, you probably have questions about how the legal process works, what it costs, and how long you have to take action. Here are straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often from injured Californians.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
The firm offers a free initial consultation. Before hiring the firm, ask for the proposed written agreement explaining attorney fees and case costs, including how they are calculated, when they are owed and what happens if there is no recovery.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
Many California personal injury lawsuits have a two-year limitation period, but the deadline depends on the claim and circumstances. Claims involving government agencies can require an earlier administrative claim. Exceptions and other time limits may apply.
Ask an attorney promptly about the exact deadlines for your situation. Requesting a consultation does not extend a deadline. See the California Courts guide to filing deadlines and its government-claim guide for general information.
How is the value of my case determined?
A website cannot determine what an individual case is worth. An attorney may review responsibility for the incident, available evidence, medical expenses, lost income, the effect of an injury and available insurance or other sources of recovery.
Bring records you already have and ask what additional information would help the review. Any evaluation depends on the facts; a consultation is not a promise of compensation.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Responsibility for an accident can be disputed and can affect a claim and any compensation. Tell the attorney what happened, including facts that may suggest you or another person contributed to the incident.
An attorney can review the evidence and explain how California fault rules may apply. Do not assume that a percentage of fault or a particular recovery can be determined before that review.
How long does a personal injury case take?
There is no single timetable. Treatment, evidence gathering, disputed facts, insurance discussions and any court proceedings can affect how long a matter takes.
Ask the attorney about the likely next steps, what information is still needed and how the team would communicate updates. An initial estimate is not a guaranteed completion date.
Do I have to go to court?
Some injury matters resolve through discussions or settlement; others require a lawsuit and may proceed to trial. The appropriate approach depends on the facts, deadlines and the parties’ positions.
Ask the attorney what steps may be needed, what your participation would involve and how settlement and litigation decisions would be discussed with you.
Still have questions? We’re happy to answer them during your free consultation. No pressure. No obligation.