We often think of car accidents as caused by a driver’s negligence, and such is the case for the majority of accidents. Driver error, carelessness, or recklessness are by far the most common causes of car accidents in Washington and elsewhere; however, sometimes a faulty auto part or mechanical failure causes an accident. Crashes caused by mechanical problems can be serious or even catastrophic, often impacting other motorists in collisions as well as the driver of the car with a failed part. This type of accident claim quickly becomes complex. Proving liability for an injury victim’s damages sometimes requires a different legal approach than typical car accident claims. Make sure to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in Lake Stevens for legal guidance.
What Types of Mechanical Failures Cause Car Accidents?
Drivers and their passengers rely on crucial components of their vehicles to function properly, enabling them to steer, control acceleration, and apply brakes appropriately to control their car. If one of these crucial systems malfunctions, the result can be loss of control and a car accident. The most common mechanical failures that cause car accidents include the following:
- Defective tires
- Brake system failures
- Steering system failures
- Headlight, taillight, and brake light failures
- Windshield wiper failures
- Unwarranted airbag deployment
- Engine failure
- Frozen accelerator
- Transmission failure
Although vehicle part failures are more common, sometimes mechanical failures in traffic signals also cause car accidents.
Who Is Liable for Damages After a Car Accident Caused By Mechanical Failure?
When a driver experiences a sudden loss of control, the result can be a terrifying car accident. In some cases, the accident may involve another vehicle. After an accident, the insurance companies of all involved parties investigate to determine the cause of the accident and the at-fault party. The company’s goal is to protect its profits by assigning fault to someone other than its client as often as possible. When a car accident victim hires an attorney, their lawyer conducts an independent investigation and pursues compensation from all parties who contributed to the accident.
Common liable parties in mechanical failure accidents include the following:
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle
- The manufacturer of a defective car part, electrical system, or tire
- A negligent driver who failed to have adequate maintenance performed on their vehicle or failed to repair a malfunctioning part
- A negligent vehicle repair shop if they applied faulty or inadequate repairs or negligent maintenance
The evidence needed to prove liability varies depending on whether the claim is against a negligent driver or repair shop, or against the manufacturer of a defective part.
Proving Liability for Negligence In a Car Accident Case
When a driver’s negligent error or recklessness behind the wheel, or their negligence in repairing or maintaining their vehicle, causes an accident, and the injury victim seeks compensation for their losses, the evidence must demonstrate the following:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of reasonable care to the injury victim, such as the duty to follow traffic laws and adequately maintain their vehicle
- They breached their duty of care through negligence
- The breach of duty directly caused the accident and injuries
- The injury victim suffered damages from the injury
Damages in car accidents often include property damage, medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for pain and suffering. It’s important to speak with a Lake Stevens personal injury lawyer for legal guidance.
Proving Liability for a Defective Car Part
When the investigation shows that a defective vehicle part or tire caused a crash, proving liability requires meeting a different standard. Manufacturers are held to strict liability. Proving this type of case requires evidence that the car or car part has a design defect, manufacturing mistake, or marketing error that caused the accident. It is not necessary to prove negligence in product liability cases.
Call Wells Trumbull for Representation In Your Mechanical Failure Car Accident Case
Navigating a complex case with the possibility of multiple at-fault parties under different standards of liability requires careful handling. Contact Wells Trumbull for experienced, assertive legal representation to maximize your chances of full and fair recovery.