Besides the driver, another party, such as a manufacturer or mechanic, may also be liable for a car crash due to mechanical failure. Any of these parties may be liable for your accident-related losses, depending on what went wrong and who failed to act with reasonable care.
The most common mechanical issues that lead to crashes include tire blowouts, brake failure, steering problems, malfunctioning taillights or headlights, and suspension defects. These problems can cause a driver to lose control, veer into oncoming traffic, or be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Car accident cases resulting from mechanical failure are complex. These typically require expert analysis to determine which part failed and why, unlike crashes caused by drunk driving or speeding. That’s why it’s in your best interest to talk to our car accident attorneys first before speaking to any insurers and accepting their settlement offer.
Liability for Mechanical Failure Accidents
In a typical car accident, the focus is often solely on the drivers involved. However, other than the drivers, the following parties may also be liable for a mechanical failure crash:
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Maintenance or repair shop
- Parts manufacturer
- Auto dealership or seller
Determining liability in these cases depends on several factors. Sometimes, it’s the driver or vehicle owner who ignores warning signs. In most situations, however, liability falls on a repair shop that made a mistake, the vehicle manufacturer that released a faulty product, or a seller who sold the defective vehicle.
One of the biggest challenges in these claims is proving what caused the crash. Unlike a simple rear-end crash where fault is apparent, mechanical failure claims often require a deeper investigation, including vehicle inspections, accident reconstruction, and expert testimony. Insurance providers are also quick to dispute such cases. They may argue you were negligent in maintaining the vehicle or claim there’s no way to verify when or how the failure occurred.
You may also face complications when multiple parties are involved. For instance, if a repair shop replaced your brake pads incorrectly and the faulty work caused a crash, they may share liability. Likewise, if the part itself is defective, the manufacturer of the part can also be responsible. A Hanover car accident lawyer can help untangle those details to ensure you get compensation from all the available sources.
How a Hanover Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
You need legal guidance as soon as possible if you’ve been hurt in a crash and suspect mechanical failure is the cause. Your Hanover car accident lawyer will investigate maintenance records, recall notices, and product histories. Likewise, they will work with qualified engineers, mechanics, and accident reconstruction professionals to build a compelling case that proves the defect and its causal link to your injuries.
Your Hanover car accident attorney will also communicate with insurers and negotiate maximum compensation. They can also file a product liability claim if a defective part or poor workmanship was the cause of the mechanical failure that led to your accident.
Discuss Your Case With Our Dependable Hanover Car Accident Lawyers
You should act fast if you’ve been injured in a car crash due to mechanical failure. The sooner you speak with our Hanover car accident attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, the higher your chances of obtaining key evidence that corroborates your claim. Send an online message or dial 717-229-6580 for your complimentary case review.