Fender benders, crashes, vandalism, storm damage are all examples of “events” that result in car insurance claims. Contact The Flood Law Firm today by calling (860) 346-2695. It’s best to maintain your vehicle and have the equipment and components regularly tested by a professional mechanic. When you are involved in a car accident, depending on the circumstances, you might believe that the other driver is responsible for what happened. brake failure, broken airbags, airbags that injure, defective tires, defective accelerators or. When your car fails to perform as it should, it could be due to a mechanical failure. And while only a small percentage of those were a result of mechanical failure, the cause of these collisions is no less important. The Ford Edsel has become the ultimate example of failure no matter the industry. With car accidents caused by mechanical failure, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic or driver may be liable. Your wiper blades should be changed every six months. There is the possibility that multiple parties may be to blame for an accident that involves mechanical failure. ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Your brakes should always be in good working condition; you never know when you will need to react quickly to another driver’s actions, such as “slamming” on your brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle that unexpectedly pulled out in front of you. Even though some cars with mechanical issues can be driven, they can be unsafe for drivers and passengers. If you have been involved in a car accident of any sort, consult an experienced personal injury attorney in Fairfield who can investigate the cause of the accident. An auto manufacturing or design defect that causes a mechanical failure might be the basis for a product liability claim if it leads to injuries, but manufacturers and their insurers may claim driver negligence as well, especially if the problem was evident and the driver failed … After a $250 deductible on a covered loss, car repairs to all mechanical parts of the car (except for maintenance and wear and tear*)are covered. Contact The Flood Law Firm today by calling (860) 346-2695 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Diagnosing Mechanical Failures Once evening falls, drivers rely on headlights and taillights to see the road and other drivers. At the same time, the other driver may contribute to the accident by speeding. A vehicle manufacturer has strict liability for a car accident caused by a defective vehicle. If your steering wheel begins vibrating or locks up while you are driving, there’s a problem. Examples of mechanical malfunctions include. Not all mechanical engineers who work on cars design the engine. From making phone calls to collecting medical records, we will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on what’s important: your healing. This includes heavy rain and snow, which will always necessitate windshield wipers. You can avoid a wreck by ensuring your tires are properly inflated, consistently rotated and free of leaks and tears. This covers a lot of possible issues, and I’ll touch on the main ones. You could also be legally responsible for failing to get your vehicle fixed if there’s a recall. It is time to call a car accident lawyer. Car manufacturers make a product that has the potential to be dangerous. Mechanical failures can involve any number of components but some types of mechanical failures are more common than others, including: Brake Failure – Brakes are one of the most important safety features of a car and require more maintenance than many other parts yet too often get ignored by the owner of the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Association found that tire failure or degradation was the most common mechanical failure, assigned in 43 percent of the crashes studied. We will help you assess your best options. I am able to refer all my personal injury cases to handle the litigation. When there are defects in a vehicle, the carmaker may owe the victims compensation. All car mechanics must be qualified to perform their job. Additionally, they can act as a contributing factor that may lead minor accidents into major disastrous events. For instance, when your tires go baldafter several thousand miles of driving, or when your br… I have referred numerous cases to The Flood Law Firm and worked as co-counsel with Brian Flood and Chris Flood on various cases. If faulty repairs result in a car accident, it’s possible that the mechanic may be to blame. Steering systems and suspensions usually falter without warning and can cause a major accident. Edsel. If the wreck was the result of a manufacturing or design defect – the top reason for vehicle recalls – you may need to file a product liability claim. Or, when was the last time you replaced your tires? However, in other cases, it may happen that you quickly lose control of the car and roll down an embankment simply due to a mechanical failure and there is not even another driver involved. Instead of taking time to kick your car, take the time to get the particulars of your car. Depending on how fast the car was traveling, location and the malfunction that caused the crash, the damages can range from costly medical expenses to property damage, and even death. 62 North Street Danbury, CT 06810. Mechanical failures are among the leading causes of vehicle collisions in Texas. Car insurance policies have lists of “events” that they cover. Yet when a model does fail, it's rarely in a spectacular blaze of glory. The standard is negligence for others. Start whenever you are ready. In certain cases, a mechanical failure in the vehicle can be responsible. Whether you are legally liable for the accident depends on the reasons for mechanical failure. Major mechanical problems in a car, truck, SUV, RV, van, motorcycle or boat used to mean that it was ready for the scrap yard. Following a car accident due to a mechanical defect or failure, filing a liability claim can be difficult since several factors must be considered. Leading car manufacturers recall hundreds of cars each year due to malfunctioning brake lights, flawed gears, or combustible parts. The last thing I’m going to cover for no-start conditions are mechanical failures. The car … Most people know that reckless, drunk, and distracted drivers cause an inexcusable number of car accidents each year. Based on NHTSA’s findings, just under a quarter of all mechanical-related car accidents involve defective brakes. Connecticut experienced 253 fatal crashes in 2015, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But what you might not expect is that mechanical failure is also up there in the leading causes of crashes. Because of the lower driver visibility, a greater percentage of car … Broward County: 954-222-3333 Miami-Dade County 305-222-3333. They must do their job with reasonable skill and diligence. However, the driver may have failed to have the car fixed even after they knew that there were problems. Our Miami car accident attorneys explain fault when a car accident occurs because of a mechanical issue. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance VS. Mechanical Failure in Motor Vehicle Accidents. Brake defects: Brakes are important to ensure we do not drive into an intersection during a red light, or collide with a car that suddenly stops. Car mechanical problems compilation 20 MEGA EDITION - YouTube Everyone who operates a motor vehicle must take reasonable steps to ensure that the car is in proper working condition. Both mechanical failures and manufacturing or design defects (computer, software or other technology errors in newer models) can increase the likelihood of an accident. The law can take all of these considerations into account. The law can assign comparative negligence among the responsible parties. The vehicle manufacturer has a strict liability legal standard. The person or entity that is liable is the one who causes the accident to happen. Broward County: 954-222-3333 Miami-Dade County 305-222-3333. Tires. Hi! Past National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that up to 12% of all car accidents could involve some form of mechanical failure. Mechanical failure of vehicle parts is also a common cause in car accidents and when they occur serious to catastrophic injuries can occur. Instead, some motor vehicle accidents are caused because of the vehicle’s mechanical failure. In Connecticut, there are times when drivers have no choice but to travel in poor weather conditions. Curbs, potholes and changes in weather can all wear your tires down and cause them crack and bubble. Mechanical failures and manufacturer defects can contribute to all types of crashes, including rear-end collisions, vehicle rollovers, head-on collisions and single car accidents. Faulty Headlights and Taillights. Yet, there are times when the driver of the vehicle isn’t to blame. Vehicle recalls are common. Many car crashes arise due to negligence, but sometimes a crash is caused by a mechanical failure or malfunction. Contact us today by calling (860) 346-2695 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. MAIN OFFICE Remember that varying standards of legal liability apply. I’m sure you’ve seen a car, but have you ever really looked at one? Worn pads and discs. The type of coverage(s) you carry determine what events are and are not covered by your policy. Live Chat is secure, free and easy. Lastly, if a car isn’t functioning properly and the driver is aware but refuses to get the car fixed,he or she can be held liable for the crash, and all injuries and damages as a result. Call us at (800) 861-8380 to learn more. For immediate assistance, call us at 877.987.9LAW or 860.346.2695. Thus, it is important to identify early on whether mechanical failure was a contributing factor in any car accident case involving serious or catastrophic injuries. As a busy solo attorney, I have been very grateful for my relationship with The Flood Law Firm. Poor Fuel Economy. Assess your car. However, if you were aware of the problem and failed to address it, you may be held liable for negligence. Home » Practice Areas » Car Accident Lawyers » Who Is Liable in Car Accidents Caused By Mechanical Failure? Signs your windshield wipers are worn out including streaking, slow movements and missed areas or rain or snow. Light bulbs often need replacing, and doing so is simple and usually inexpensive. If a driver ignores a product recall announcement and continues to operate the recalled vehicle, recovering compensation after a resulting crash can become extremely difficult. The flaw can occur at any point in the car’s make, model, or design. There are varying legal standards. Common causes include: 1. 3. With decades of combined legal experience, our attorneys have the skills and experience needed to be your advocates. Even a driver may be liable for the car accident when it’s caused by a mechanical failure. In fact, in February 2017, Maserati announced a recall of 40,000 vehicles with Honda recalling another 772,000 vehicles in the US due to some air bags ejecting metal shrapnel. If a car accident occurs because of a mechanical fault, many different parties may be to blame: the driver, the car manufacturer or a mechanic who performs repairs: The first party that can be liable for a car accident caused by mechanical failure is the car manufacturer. Have a mechanic inspect your car and provide you with a list of parts that are in … If it is determined that mechanical failure is what caused … Mechanical failure can lead to serious car accidents. Mechanical failure can be the direct cause of a car collision or the initial action that elevates a minor accident into a more serious incident. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance can be added as an endorsement to your auto policy. If you believe that your car may have malfunctioned during an accident, you may be able to hold several people or entities responsible for your injuries. If your wipers malfunction, your visibility could be affected, obstructing your view of the road and your surroundings. Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a type of insurance designed specifically to cover breakdowns and mechanical failures, minimizing … Routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations should not be put off. More often than not, car accidents happen because of a driver’s negligence. For a driver or a mechanic, they must act negligently in a way that contributes to the crash. If you are unsure about the details surrounding a recent collision you’ve been in, it’s best to contact an attorney to assist you. When you refer a client to another attorney your reputation is on the line too. Mechanical failures can occur for a number of reasons, and proper maintenance is key to ensure these defects do not happen. However, all of these standards can still intertwine if multiple parties have engaged in wrongful conduct that caused an accident. When tires get to this stage, driving on them can be dangerous. Just because it needs major work, doesn’t mean that all of the parts on the car are garbage. If you are negligent in maintaining your vehicle or repairing a known defect, you are legally liable. Even the smallest of details can shift the blame. Tires/Wheels. However, any driver or party who has contact with the car can be liable for a car accident caused by mechanical failure. When a car accident occurs because of mechanical failure, many parties may be to blame. Malfunctioning ABS system, which may cause a car’s brakes to lock up and the vehicle to slip. Checking to make sure that all lights are in a good working condition only takes a few moments and should be done each week. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, Car Accidents: 13 Smart Legal Questions & Answers. An engine needs to breathe, just like you and… 190 Washington St., Middletown, CT 06457, OTHER LOCATIONS We will be your advocates, and help determine your best course of action based on your individual needs. However, if the mechanical failure occurs because of a failure on the part of the manufacturer to make a safe vehicle, you are not at fault for the accident. Other common mechanical failures included brake failure (25%), electrical system failure (21%), and steering/transmission/engine failure … Interested? We are ready to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation consultation. If you’ve recently been involved in a wreck and you suspect mechanical failure played a key role, an attorney can help you move forward. My clients and I have been extremely pleased with the results. According to federal government statistics, about 2% of car accidents are caused by mechanical failure. A mechanical malfunction can be the sole cause of your car accident, or it can be simply a contributing factor that transforms a minor accident into a catastrophic event. With so many defective vehicles on the road, it is important to rule out mechanical failure as a cause of an auto accident. It’s recommended you replace your tires at least every six years, though some maintenance is still required during that time. You may have a car accident attorney assist you with these tasks. Have you been injured in a car accident caused by mechanical failure? 2. Incidents like hitting a curb or pothole can … Manufacturers have a duty to correct these defects and warn consumers of harm. It’s recommended to get new tires every six years. NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN | 877.987.9LAW or 860.346.2695. Mechanical breakdown insurance covers major failures that can occur in your car, which are often excluded in basic auto insurance. Mechanical failures and manufacturer defects can contribute to all types of crashes, including rear-end collisions, vehicle rollovers, head-on collisions and single car accidents. Flat or blown tires are a major cause of vehicle accidents in the USA. Mechanical failure, not pilot error, caused the crash of a Navy E-2C Hawkeye aircraft in the Arabian Sea in March that killed its pilot, a Navy investigation has found. In some cases, a mechanical failure can be solely responsible for causing an accident or accident-related injuries. Some of the most common causes of vehicle malfunction include the following. For example, the car manufacturer might have produced a defective vehicle. Worn-out or faulty brake lines, which deplete the fluid. According to the … © 2021 The Flood Law Firm. I have a criminal law practice and refer all my clients with personal injury cases to The Flood Law Firm. It’s usually easy to determine when your brake pads need replacing, as screeching and scraping sounds will become noticeable. The person or entity that is liable is the one who causes the accident to happen. All rights reserved. When it comes to cars, failure can be measured in a variety of ways: Sales, perception and desirability are but a few. Regardless of the issue, defective brakes increase a driver’s chances of a rear-end collision. It’s imperative to note that most (if not all) mechanical errors can be caught in time, fixed and even prevented with simple maintenance checks and tune-ups. Have you been in an accident in which the other driver’s vehicle was experiencing mechanical failure? Common Types of Mechanical Failures. If these lights are broken or dimmed, it can be difficult to know what’s around you. Most mechanical failures are caused by defective parts. Local Miami If the owner of a vehicle suspects an issue and takes his car to a mechanic and the mechanic fails to fix the error, the mechanic or auto repair shop can be held responsible if a collision happens. How often do you check the air pressure in your tires? When the engine is running efficiently, it burns fuel at a rate that helps improve … Typically, the failure stems from inadequate maintenance or faulty parts. The Flood Law Firm takes care of everything and I can focus my attention on my area of expertise. In fact, most don’t. Events are the things that cause the damage to your car that needs fixing. In this case, the wreck may have occurred due to overlooked repairs or incorrect repairs. These common mechanical failures can prevent a collision when detected early on: Depending on how many miles you have on your car or how aggressively you use your brakes, it may be time to replace your brake pads. The victims who claim compensation must gather evidence to show how the vehicle is defective. At The Flood Law Firm, we want to help you move past this experience as quickly and easily as possible. Whether it's bad brakes, transmission issues, the electrical system or any other major vehicle system malfunction, MBI covers the repairs. Car Accidents. I know my clients are in good hands with the attorneys at The Flood Law Firm. For a driver or a mechanic, they must act negligently in a way that contributes to the crash. Not all accidents are the fault of one of the drivers. Car accidents are inconvenient, expensive and often life changing. In some cases, motor vehicle accidents are not caused by an act immediately before the accident, such as speeding or turning in front of oncoming traffic. Regardless of the cause, mechanical failure can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle, sending them careening into innocent pedestrians and motorists. Who Is Liable in Car Accidents Caused By Mechanical Failure? 144 Buckingham St., Waterbury, CT 06710 When your car fails to perform as it should, it could be due to a mechanical failure. Once you've purchased MBI, you can renew it for up to seven years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Don’t make the mistake of assuming that you don’t have a favorable case. A live, real person is available 24/7 at no obligation. I have been amazed with the great settlements and verdicts they have achieved for our mutual clients. Other signs include a “sinking” pedal, a soft/spongy pedal and the pulling of your car when the brakes are tapped. When a steering wheel isn’t functioning properly, it can cause the car to veer to one side of the road, much like bad brakes can. If below state limits, these increase the distance and make it harder to stop your vehicle. modern vehicles are manufactured with strict safety standards, car accidents due to mechanical failures still cause injury and death. They must also prove what their damages are. When a car isn’t functioning properly, an accident becomes more likely. 1087 Broad St., Bridgeport, CT 06604   Mechanical breakdown insurance coverage may provide advantages over an extended warranty on a car because it is offered through an insurance company and is regulated by … Even if multiple parties are to blame, or if you may share some fault for the accident, you may still deserve financial compensation. You may or may not be legally liable for accidents caused by mechanical failures on your vehicle. The only way to know is to review your case with an experienced car accident attorney. With car accidents caused by mechanical failure, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic or driver may be liable. I have always been impressed with their abilities. Call our Miami personal injury attorneys today for your case review. Professional mechanic immediate assistance, call us at 877.987.9LAW or 860.346.2695 for the car s... 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