Legal Question in Product Liability in Arizona

40 MPH Car accident - No air bag deployment, no seat belt lock, and faulty brake

I had a car accident rearendind a 1 ton work truck, I was sited. Other than a bruise across my chest from hitting the steering wheel and a gash on my knee from hitting the dash board,of which, pictures were taken, there were no injuries. General Motors hired a private contractor to take pictures and download the vehicle's computer. They contacted me and told me everthing was working properly. I, and numerous others including mechanics, highly doubt this. Am I entitled to copies of the info that the private contractor got from my vehicle, and do I have a case against GM?


Asked on 2/19/01, 1:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

J. Scott Wickland Law Office of J. Scott Wickland, P.C.

Re: 40 MPH Car accident - No air bag deployment, no seat belt lock, and faulty b

This is in reply to your recent inquiry regarding your automobile accident. Generally, you are not entitled to anything from General Motors prior to filing a lawsuit. Even after filing a lawsuit, they can argue that the information is priveleged work product, however, it is highly unlikely that argument would pass muster before a Superior Court Judge in Arizona. Technically, yes, you do have a case against General Motors, assuming you can prove their products were defective. Unfortunately, in order for you to prevail, you will need to hire your own experts to inspect your vehicle regarding the defective air bag, defective seat belt lock and faulty brakes. This could potentially run in the thousands of dollars. You would probably spend more money on experts than what you would receive on a settlement or jury verdict. It would not make good sense to pursue this type of case, without there being extensive damages, i.e., wrongful death, etc. I hope this helps. If you have further questions, please post them on www.lawguru.com; or, you may call this office at (520) 718-8888.

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Answered on 4/04/01, 12:04 pm


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