Car accidents usually occur due to driver error or negligence, but in some cases, mechanical failure may cause a crash. At James Alexander Law, our car accident lawyers in central New York have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured victims who have been hurt due to negligence. We understand the multifaceted aspects of mechanical failure investigations and are well-versed in proving fault in these complex cases.
Common Issues That May Result in Mechanical Failure
Brake Failure
Defective or failed brake systems can result in serious accidents that lead to catastrophic injury or death. When brakes fail, a driver may not be able to stop and can wreck into other vehicles, road signs, telephone poles, and other objects. Brake failure in large vehicles like tractor-trailers can be disastrous, causing rear-end collisions multi-car pileups, and other types of crashes. If a manufacturing or design defect caused your brakes to fail or malfunction, you may be able to recover compensation from the designer and/or manufacturer in a product liability claim. In some cases, a mechanic or auto repair shop could be at fault due to improper repairs.
Defective Tires
Tire blow-outs can cause drivers to lose control, spin out, and crash into other vehicles. There are different types of defects that may cause tires to blow out or malfunction, including tread and steel belt separation, missing components, faulty puncture repair, retread failure, and tires made without separation prevention features.
Steering Issues
Steering and suspension problems can also lead to motorists losing control and running off the road or hitting other vehicles. Steering issues can be complex, making product liability claims involving this issue challenging. If you believe you were injured due to a steering malfunction or defect, it’s critical to seek the counsel of an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Problems with the Accelerator
When an accelerator pedal gets stuck or breaks, getting into an accident is a likely possibility. This defect can be especially hazardous when traveling on curvy roads or at high speeds.
Faulty Electrical Systems
The electrical system in your car provides power for your lights, ignition, and other important components of your vehicle. If a faulty electrical system causes a fire, brake lights to go out, or the engine to malfunction, you may find yourself in a precarious situation that could result in serious injury.
Malfunctioning Windshield Wipers
Maintaining a clear view of the road is essential for any driver. Faulty windshield wipers can prevent you from seeing other vehicles or obstructions in the road, which could lead to a serious or even fatal crash. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident involving malfunctioning windshield wipers, a personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Faulty Airbags
Bad airbags are a common manufacturing defect that result in recalls almost every year. If an airbag randomly deploys while you’re driving, it’s easy for your vision to be obstructed and to lose control of your vehicle. In the past, some airbags sprayed small fragments of metal that caused serious injury to motorists and passengers inside a vehicle.
Can a Car Be Totaled Due to Mechanical Failure?
If a mechanical failure leads to a serious crash, a car can easily be totaled, and people can be hurt or killed. Although your insurance may cover vehicle damage or injury that results from an accident caused by mechanical failure, multiple parties could also be liable for damages, including:
- Vehicle manufacturer
- Designer of the vehicle
- Mechanic
- A driver who fails to properly maintain or repair their vehicle
- Other parties involved in an accident
How a New York Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Regardless of whether multiple parties may be liable, recovering compensation in a mechanical failure liability claim is challenging. These types of claims require extensive examination to build a solid case, so it’s important to hire an auto accident attorney with experience handling mechanical failure investigations and lawsuits. A lawyer can evaluate your case, advise you of your options, identify all possible sources of compensation, and fight to help you recover the maximum settlement or award you need and deserve.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney in Central New York
James Alexander Law has a track record of success when it comes to recovering maximum compensation for personal injury clients. For more than 38 years, their car accident lawyers have provided exceptional legal representation to clients in Central New York, Rochester, and the Southern Tier and North Country areas. If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a crash caused by mechanical failure, trust our team to help you get through it. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call 1-800-529-1333. We offer two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, New York.
