Who is At Fault When a Mechanical Failure Causes a Car Accident?

A mechanical failure occurs when some part of your vehicle fails because it doesn’t meet manufacturer standards. While establishing fault in this type of car accident can be difficult, it’s essential because it determines who must pay for the damages caused as a direct result.

If you’re curious about what causes these mechanical failures to occur or want to know who bears responsibility for the accident, you’ve come to the right place.

7 Common Types of Mechanical Failures that Cause Car Accidents

Vehicles have various moving parts. Any one component—or a combination of multiple components—can cause a car accident to take place. Take a look at seven of the most common mechanical problems that cause auto accidents.

1. Tire Defects
   When a tire blows out, it’s difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Blowouts occur when the tires are old, worn down, or have either too much or too little air in them.
2. Faulty Brakes
   Faulty brakes are a leading cause of rear-end collisions. That’s because when brakes either lose strength or give out altogether, the vehicle has nowhere to go but forward. Faulty brakes result from low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or an antilock brake system defect.
3. Problems with Steering
   A car’s steering wheel enables a driver to control which direction the vehicle travels in. When the steering wheel is faulty, control is limited if not eliminated entirely. This problem is often caused by factors like defective ball joints and poor assembly.
4. Faulty Headlights
   When a car’s headlights become dim or go out completely, it limits the visibility of both that car’s driver and the drivers of other vehicles.
5. Faulty Windshield Wipers
   When windshield wipers don’t work at all or not quickly enough during precipitation, it hinders the driver’s visibility.
6. Transmission Failure
   Sometimes a car’s engine fails, causing the vehicle to stop in the middle of the road. This problem occurs when either the engine doesn’t have enough oil, or it’s defective.
7. Electrical System Malfunction
   Whether it’s a low or failed car battery, a malfunctioning alternator, loose or failed spark plugs, or bad battery cables, a malfunction with the electrical system can cause the car to crash.

Who Is Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure?

Determining liability for car accidents that occur due to mechanical failure can be tricky. One party may be solely at fault, or multiple parties may contribute a certain percentage of fault—also known as comparative negligence. It all depends on the situation at hand. Here are the three primary parties who can be held liable for these accidents.

1. Driver Negligence
   The driver bears responsibility when he or she doesn’t seek proper repairs, delays routine maintenance, ignores a recall statement, or fails a vehicle inspection.
2. Manufacturer Liability
   A vehicle manufacturer is responsible for issuing recalls regarding defective parts. If a component is found to be defective after a car accident and the manufacturer did not issue a recall, they will be held liable. The manufacturer can also be held liable if quality standards were not met during production.
3. Maintenance Negligence & Repair Shop Liability
   If incorrect or low-quality repairs are the cause of a car accident, the independent mechanic or repair shop that performed them can be held liable for damages.

How to Pursue Compensation After a Mechanical Failure Accident?

1. Stay at the Scene
   Don’t leave the scene of a car accident until information has been exchanged, emergency assistance has been contacted, and evidence has been gathered.
2. Call for Medical Assistance
   Your first priority after getting in a car accident should be to ensure your safety. If you sustained any injuries, even minor ones, seek necessary medical attention. Even if you don’t sustain physical injuries, you can still sustain internal injuries. That’s why we recommend getting a routine physical exam after a car accident to rule out any undetected injuries.
3. Call the Police
   Call the police to report the accident. Just keep in mind that an officer may or may not show up to investigate the scene and file a report, depending on the accident’s severity.
4. Gather Evidence
   Gather as much evidence at the scene as possible—including photos and videos, witness statements, and what direction each vehicle involved in the accident was traveling in at the time of the crash. Keep pertinent documents that would help your attorney represent your case—like medical records, contact and insurance information from other involved parties, and vehicle maintenance records.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
   Your auto insurance provider will need to know the details of the accident to file a claim. An adjuster will contact you after the accident to discuss the case. Provide this person with the necessary details without sharing too much information.
6. Consult a Reputable Attorney
   A skilled attorney will help walk you through the claims and litigation process and help you secure maximum financial compensation for the damages incurred.

How to Prevent Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure?

Here are our top tips and tricks for avoiding mechanical failure car accidents altogether.

Routine Vehicle Maintenance

• Get an annual inspection
• Change the oil roughly every 3,000 miles, unless otherwise specified in your vehicle’s manual
• Seek necessary repairs and part replacements

Pre-Trip Inspections

Before embarking on a trip that involves significant driving, follow this checklist:

• Check tire pressure
• Check the oil level
• Check brakes, headlights, steering wheel, and battery
• Ensure your auto insurance is up to date

Checking Recalls

• Heed to any manufacturer recalls promptly

Safe Driving Practices

• Drive the speed limit
• Don’t drive while distracted or under the influence
• Use your signal when turning
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
• Heed to stop signs and traffic lights

Scottsdale’s #1 Car Accident Attorney

If you recently got in a car accident that was caused by a mechanical failure, Shapiro Law Team is the name you can trust to provide Superior Representation. As the area’s leading personal injury lawyer for car accident cases, David Shapiro is prepared to determine liability and seek maximum financial compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.