In cases involving motor vehicles of any type, there is in almost all cases, a clear and extremely fruitful paper trail available. The source of this information is the manufacturer of the vehicle and/or the component in dispute. This data is not furnished on a voluntary basis, of course, but a consultant with knowledge of the inner workings of the manufacturers organization and procedures can elicit valuable information. In many instances this paper trail will point very clearly to a product problem or "concern" in the manufacturers vernacular. This information can include: Product Standards, Design Criteria, Testing Results, Failure Reports, Warranty Statistics, Accident Investigation Reports.
In order for the interrogatory to be fruitful, these sources must be properly varied and directed. In addition, there is an ever increasing number of governmental regulations and studies. These agencies as well as other quasi-governmental groups compile a wealth of accident/failure statistics.
Couple these sources of information with a consultant knowledgeable in vehicle design, manufacture, operation, and failure analysis and you will provide your client with the best possible representation.