When you're injured in a car accident, it’s easy to assume the cause lies with a reckless driver, poor road conditions, or just bad luck. But what if the true culprit is hidden under the hood — a defective aftermarket car part?
In Pennsylvania, victims injured due to non-original (non-OEM) or third-party vehicle components may have the right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. These cases fall under product liability and personal injury law, and they can be complex, involving multiple responsible parties like manufacturers, mechanics, and retailers.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know if you’ve been injured by an aftermarket part, from understanding what these components are to figuring out who may be legally responsible.
What Are Aftermarket Car Parts?
Understanding Non-OEM Components
Aftermarket car parts are made by companies other than your vehicle’s original manufacturer. These components are widely used as replacements or upgrades and are typically less expensive than their OEM counterparts.
Why Are They Used?
People choose aftermarket parts for several reasons. They’re often cheaper, easier to find, and available in a wider variety of styles and brands. Some shops may even recommend them to lower repair costs or increase profits. However, quality and compatibility can vary greatly, and not all aftermarket parts meet federal safety standards.
When Aftermarket Parts Cause Harm
Common Failures That Lead to Injury
While many aftermarket parts work well, others may pose significant safety risks. Failures often involve critical systems like brakes, airbags, steering, or suspension.
Brake System Failures
Aftermarket brake pads, rotors, or calipers may wear out faster or lack the friction performance of OEM parts. This can increase stopping distances or lead to total brake failure — especially dangerous at intersections or on highways.
Airbag Malfunctions
Faulty airbags or incorrect installation of aftermarket airbag systems can result in airbags failing to deploy or deploying too late, too early, or too forcefully. In all cases, this can lead to serious injuries like head trauma, chest injuries, or broken bones.
Suspension and Steering Defects
Aftermarket shocks, struts, or steering components that are poorly made or incompatible with your vehicle can lead to loss of control. This puts drivers at risk for rollovers, off-road accidents, or collisions in tight traffic situations.
Legal Grounds for Suing in Pennsylvania
Product Liability Laws in the State
Pennsylvania law protects consumers through strict product liability principles. This means a manufacturer, distributor, or seller can be held liable if their product is proven to be defective and directly caused harm — even if they weren’t negligent.
You may have a valid product liability claim if:
- The part was defectively designed or manufactured
- It was sold without adequate instructions or warnings
- The defect existed when the part left the manufacturer’s control
- That defect directly caused your injury
Negligent Installation Claims
In some cases, the fault doesn’t lie with the part itself but with the mechanic or installer. If a shop used an improper component, failed to test it, or ignored obvious safety concerns, they can be sued under negligence law. Pennsylvania courts may hold them accountable if it can be proven that their actions fell below reasonable professional standards.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
Two-Year Limit in Most Cases
Pennsylvania gives injured individuals two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This applies to both personal injury and product liability claims.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are exceptions. If the defect wasn’t immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” may allow the clock to start from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury’s cause. For minors injured in such cases, the timeline may be extended until after their 18th birthday.
Missing the statute of limitations will likely result in the loss of your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is. This makes it essential to act quickly.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Injury?
1. Manufacturers
The manufacturer of the aftermarket part may be held responsible if the item was defective, poorly designed, or lacked necessary safety warnings. Strict liability often applies in these situations, making it easier to prove your claim.
2. Retailers and Distributors
Retailers and distributors that sell unsafe parts or fail to provide clear warnings may also be liable. This is especially true if they knowingly sold a part with compatibility or safety issues.
3. Mechanics and Installers
If the aftermarket component was installed incorrectly, used despite known risks, or applied to a vehicle without proper testing, the mechanic or repair shop may be held accountable under professional negligence.
4. Other Parties
In rare situations, used car dealers, previous owners, or other third parties may bear some responsibility — particularly if they concealed defects or safety issues related to aftermarket modifications.
How to Prove Your Case
Gathering Evidence
To succeed in a lawsuit, you need to prove that:
- The part was defective
- That defect caused your injury
- The injury resulted in measurable harm
You’ll need documentation like:
- Medical records
- Accident photos
- Expert mechanical inspections
- Repair shop invoices and installation receipts
- Witness testimony
Preserving the defective part is also critical. Do not allow the vehicle or part to be destroyed or discarded until it has been examined by your attorney or an expert.
Expert Testimony
An expert in vehicle safety or automotive mechanics may be called upon to explain how the part was defective, how it failed, and how that failure directly led to your injury. Their analysis often makes or breaks a product liability case.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you win your case, you may recover damages for:
- Medical bills, including emergency treatment, surgery, rehab, and future care
- Lost wages, especially if your injury prevented you from working
- Pain and suffering, which compensates you for physical and emotional distress
- Property damage, such as your totaled or damaged vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life, in cases of permanent or long-term injury
In rare situations, punitive damages may be awarded to punish especially reckless or egregious behavior by the part’s manufacturer or installer.
Steps to Take After an Injury
If you were injured due to a defective aftermarket car part, taking the right steps early can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your safety comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Early treatment also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident.
2. Preserve the Vehicle and Part
Don’t repair or replace anything yet. The damaged part may be key evidence. Ask the shop to hold onto it, and avoid making any changes to the vehicle.
3. Gather All Documents
Keep all receipts, installation records, emails, and photos related to the part and the repair. This paperwork can help prove where the failure occurred and who may be liable.
4. Contact a Lawyer Quickly
A Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can guide you through the next steps, investigate your case, and make sure everything is filed on time. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still sue if I agreed to use aftermarket parts to save money?
Yes. Even if you chose to use aftermarket parts for cost reasons, you are still entitled to expect that those parts are safe and functional. If a part was defective or improperly installed and caused you injury, you may have grounds for a lawsuit regardless of your prior consent to its use.
What if I don’t know whether the part was OEM or aftermarket?
It’s not uncommon for drivers to be unsure about the origin of the parts used in their vehicle. A mechanic, attorney, or forensic auto expert can help investigate and determine whether the part in question was aftermarket. Maintenance records and part invoices will also play a key role in this determination.
Is the installer or the manufacturer responsible for a faulty part?
It depends on the circumstances. If the part was defective as sold, the manufacturer or distributor may be liable under product liability laws. If the part was installed incorrectly or chosen inappropriately for your vehicle, the mechanic or auto shop could be responsible for negligence. In some cases, both may share liability.
How much time do I have to file a lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, especially if the injury or cause wasn’t immediately apparent. Consulting an attorney early can help ensure you don’t miss important deadlines.
Do I need to prove the manufacturer was negligent?
Not necessarily. Pennsylvania follows strict liability principles in product defect cases. This means you don’t have to prove negligence—only that the product was defective and caused your injuries. However, negligence may still be relevant in cases involving installers or retailers.
Contact Fulginiti Law Today
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a defective or improperly installed aftermarket car part, you don’t have to face the consequences alone. These cases often involve technical evidence, legal deadlines, and multi-party liability — all of which can be overwhelming without professional guidance.
A qualified Pennsylvania product liability attorney can help you determine if you have a case, who is liable, and what your claim may be worth. They will handle the complex legal process while you focus on recovery.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Fulginiti Law today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation that can help you recover your losses, pay your medical bills, and move forward with peace of mind.
