Sometimes, car accidents are not the result of reckless or distracted driving. In some cases, mechanical failures in the vehicle are to blame. These accidents, much like those caused by human error, can result in catastrophic consequences. Regardless of the cause, if such an accident has injured you or your loved one, you may have the right to sue and claim compensation. If you’re on the lookout for the best car accident lawyers in NYC to handle your case, then look no further than Alex Yadgarov & Associates.
Mechanical Failure in Vehicles
We can define “mechanical failure” in the context of vehicles as the breakdown or malfunctioning of a vehicular component that is necessary for the performance and normal functioning of a vehicle. Since a vehicle is a collection of numerous systems, there are many points in a vehicle where mechanical failures can occur, whether they be the result of human error, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects. Some of the most common mechanical failures that lead to legal action in NY include:
- Brake failures
- Engine and transmission problems
- Vehicle electrical system failures
- Suspension failures
- Tire blowouts
- Steering system malfunctions
Who Would Be Held Liabile if an Accident is Caused by Mechanical Failure?
When an accident is caused by mechanical failure, the blame normally shifts from the driver to third parties. Furthermore, thanks to the application of pure comparative negligence in New York law, it is possible that multiple parties may be liable in varying degrees. Such parties may include
- Vehicle Manufacturers—In situations where the vehicle design itself is faulty or the manufacturing process itself causes mechanical failures in the vehicle.
- Mechanics or Repair Shops—If the mechanic or repair shop had done half-hearted repairs, used defective parts, or failed to identify critical issues during inspections, they may be considered negligent and held responsible for the accident.
- Parts Manufacturers—If a defect in a specific part of the car resulted in the accident, the manufacturer of the component in question may be liable. (It is important to note that the vehicle and parts manufacturers can be the same/different entities.)
In the event a vehicle manufacturer or parts manufacturer is held responsible, the principle of strict liability applies. This means that said manufacturers will be held responsible for the consequences, irrespective of whether there was harm or negligence. In such cases, you do not need to show that the manufacturer was careless but rather show that
- The product was defective;
- The defective product caused the accident; and
- You were injured as a result of the accident.
Can I Be Held Responsible if My Car Causes an Accident Due to Mechanical Failure?
One of the most common concerns expressed by drivers is, can I be held responsible if my car’s mechanical failure caused an accident? What we can say as New York car accident lawyers is that it all depends on the circumstances.
If the mechanical failure was caused by poor maintenance or neglect on your end, then you could potentially be considered negligent, thus being at least partially liable for compensating the injured party. For example, if you knew of a certain defect and continued to use the vehicle regardless, you would share some of the blame if said defect caused or contributed to an accident.
On the other hand, if the mechanical failure was sudden and unexpected, you will not be liable for any accident that is caused as a result, provided that there is no reasonable way for you to detect the problem beforehand.
What Can I Do to Support My Case for Compensation if I Have Been Injured?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by mechanical failure, you need to do the following to preserve the evidence and maximize your chances of receiving proper compensation:
- Immediately preserve the vehicle—do not attempt to alter the vehicle in any shape or form since the condition of your car at the time is a critical piece of evidence. We recommend you try to store it in a secure location until the experts can come have a look.
- Photograph and document the scene of the crash—Apart from preserving the vehicle, try to document the scene as thoroughly as possible. We recommend that you focus on taking photographs of damaged vehicles from multiple angles, road conditions, weather, and any visible defects in the vehicle.
- Collect documents of your vehicle’s maintenance history—this is important to protect you from any deflection of the blame and prove that you’ve been diligently taking care of your vehicle.
Conclusion
Compared to car accidents caused due to human error, those caused due to mechanical failure are far from straightforward, and figuring out who is truly responsible can be a challenge. But this challenge is one you do not need to face alone. If you or your loved one has been injured in such an accident and are looking to pursue compensation, schedule a free consultation with Alex Yadgarov & Associates. We will endeavor to set you on the right track and work diligently towards getting you the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait; justice delayed is justice denied.
