Accidents Resulting from Mechanical Failure
Every year, millions of Americans spend about 290 hours each on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers will be in car accidents that cause serious injury or death. While some accidents result from driver errors, others are the result of a mechanical failure. Mechanical failures can include issues with the engine, brakes, electrical wiring, steering and suspension, and more. When an accident results from mechanical failure, who should be held liable?
Depending on the reason for the mechanical failure, drivers, mechanics, manufacturers, or sellers can be held liable for an accident.
The Vehicle Owner May Be Liable
Vehicle owners are responsible for taking their vehicles in for routine maintenance and addressing any issues they may notice with their vehicles. Proper maintenance will better ensure that a vehicle is running well and can reduce the risk of accidents caused by a mechanical failure. For example, if a vehicle owner notices there is a problem with the brakes and waits to have the issue checked or doesn’t have the issue checked at all, the owner may be held liable for an accident if the brakes failed while driving.
The Mechanic May Be Liable
However, if the vehicle owner took the car into a mechanic to have the brakes checked and replaced, and the mechanic did not replace the brakes, the mechanic may be held liable for the accident.
The Manufacturer May Be Liable
A manufacturer that created a faulty product can be held liable for an accident if it was caused by a defect in the vehicle or part. In recent years, automobile manufacturers have recalled millions of vehicles due to manufacturing defects that have caused brakes, airbags, power steering and cruise control, among other things, to fail. In some cases, these defects have caused accidents that have injured drivers and passengers.
Discuss Your Case with Our Car Accident Attorneys
Vehicles have many mechanical parts that are necessary to make them run. Unfortunately, any of these parts can fail and cause an accident. Mechanical failure accidents can cause injury or death, leading to substantial medical bills, pain and suffering, and/or loss of wages. The person or company responsible for the accident should be held financially responsible for expenses incurred by the injured party.
However, proving liability in these cases is a complex process requiring a thorough investigation of the vehicle and the accident. Often, the burden of proof lies with the plaintiff who was at fault, or with the manufacturer if he/she was negligent in the production of the vehicle.
If you are involved in an accident that was no fault of your own, you should speak with a car accident attorney who can help with your case. At Cunningham Bounds, our experienced Mobile, AL car accident attorneys provide high-level service to victims of auto collisions. We are committed to holding those liable in a car accident responsible, and we work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at Cunningham Bounds to consult with our car accident lawyers about the details of your case. Call us at (844) 417-0930 today for a free consultation.