A number of factors can contribute to a car accident.
- Distracted driving.
- Impaired driving.
- Poor road conditions.
What about mechanical malfunction or driving an unsafe vehicle?
About 12% of auto accidents occur due to some type of malfunction (Source: AA1 Car) and the effects can be far-reaching.
Manufacturer Malfunction, Defect, or Driver Negligence?
In some cases, mechanical problems happen due to a defect in the manufacturing process, and in that case, a car manufacturer could be liable for resulting damages. In other cases, the vehicle manufacturer has taken the necessary steps to inform the public of a safety recall. Not all motorists take the time to deal with this and in that case, the individual that neglected to deal with the recall could be responsible for the mechanical failure.
Of course, there’s also the fact that vehicles need maintenance for general wear and tear. Brakes can last anywhere from 25,000 miles to 70,000 miles, depending on a variety of factors. If a motorist ignores brake problems, they could be at fault in an accident where they were unable to stop. The same goes for a variety of other basic automotive maintenance areas. Lack of maintenance will increase the likelihood of mechanical failure that could cause a serious accident.
Have you been in an auto accident that you feel was caused by common mechanical failures or failure by the other party to maintain their vehicle?
There are cases where someone:
- Fails to deal with a safety issue / recall on their vehicle
- Drives a vehicle, despite knowing they are having problems with their brakes or their steering
- Continues to drive on tires that have little to no tread
- Drives with reduced visibility despite knowing their windshield wipers are damaged or worn out and / or not clearing snow, ice, or other debris from windows
- Neglects to replace burnt-out lights
- Ignores alert lights on their dash that signify a mechanical problem
It can leave you feeling angry and frustrated when you’ve dealt with auto damage, personal property damage, or an injury or loss of life that should not have happened.
In addition to damage to your vehicle and an impact on your car insurance, an auto accident can change every facet of your life, your health, your ability to earn a living, and in the case where death occurred as part of an accident involving a loved one, your family could be left devastated, life permanently altered.
Just like automobile makers need to make sure their vehicles meet safety standards, drivers have a responsibility to ensure they pay attention to recall notices for their make and model as well as operate their vehicle safely. Safe vehicle operation includes appropriate vehicle maintenance that ensures the vehicle can safely stop, turn smoothly through an intersection, and so forth.
An Auto Accident Attorney Consultation: Find Out What Can be Done
Legal help is available for those who are the victim of a scenario where someone drove an unsafe vehicle, where they neglected a known safety issue (such as a recall), or where you suspect that one of these issues was at play in a vehicle accident. A no-obligation auto accident attorney consultation can help you learn more about your rights and potential legal recourse to help you pay for damages and get restitution for injuries, pain, and suffering.
- You may be able to sue a car manufacturer in case of a mechanical defect.
- Help from an experienced legal team could help you with insurance claims. Before you file a claim, get legal advice.
- If you have suspicions about carelessness or neglect on the part of the other driver with respect to vehicle maintenance or safety recalls, your attorney can help, up to and including hiring a private investigator or car safety expert to help provide proof of neglect.
Book a no-obligation legal consultation with an auto accident attorney to ensure all your bases are covered.
We will explain to you everything about our representation in plain English (or Spanish) to ensure there are no surprises. We strive to provide honest communication and work hard to obtain a fair amount of compensation for our clients.
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