When commercial truck companies operate motor vehicles, they have a duty of reasonable care to maintain their motor vehicles. When a car accident happens due to a mechanical problem, the injured person may be able to recover compensation for his or her injuries. A considerable number of car accidents are due to mechanical defects. Motor vehicles must adhere to strict safety standards. Nonetheless, design and manufacturing defects do happen in some instances. Unfortunately, the defects may not become noticeable until they cause a motor vehicle accident.
If you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident caused by a mechanical problem, you might be entitled to compensation. North Carolina law allows plaintiffs to bring product liability lawsuits when a defective automobile caused the injuries. Additionally, if commercial trucking, bus, or taxi services fail to maintain their vehicles properly, they may be liable for any injuries caused by mechanical failure.
At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients recover compensation in Charlotte motor vehicle accidents. We offer potential clients a free initial consultation. Contact our Charlotte car accident law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Mechanical Problems That Cause AccidentsVehicles today undergo strict safety testing and must comply with rigorous federal and state laws. Nonetheless, retailers sometimes sell motor vehicles with mechanical problems or design defects. Mechanical defects can also arise when drivers and vehicle owners fail to maintain their vehicles adequately.
Faulty Brakes can Cause Motor Vehicle AccidentsBrake failure is a common cause of automobile accidents caused by mechanical defects. A broken hose or sheared-off pin can cause brake failure. Modern cars have dual brake systems that reduce the risk of mechanical brake failure. Nonetheless, mechanical brake failure can still occur if the motor vehicle was not thoroughly tested at the manufacturer. Circuit failure can also prevent a driver from braking the car. Finally, while anti-lock brake systems prevent car accidents, in some instances, the system fails to work correctly, causing a motor vehicle accident.
Drivers who fail to repair their brakes due to a lack of maintenance may be liable for accidents caused by brake failure. Similarly, commercial truck and car drivers have an elevated duty to use reasonable care when maintaining their commercial vehicles. If you suspect that the commercial company that employed the driver failed to maintain their vehicle, it is wise to subpoena the maintenance records of the driver. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our skilled attorneys know how to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether or not the company failed to maintain the motor vehicle adequately.
Misaligned or Faulty Suspensions and Steering SystemsA malfunctioning suspension or steering system cannot prevent a severe car accident. Faulty suspensions and steering systems are particularly dangerous when a car travels at high speeds. Regular maintenance by qualified, trained personnel can minimize the risk of car accidents caused by mechanical failures. Taking a motor vehicle in for regular maintenance will expose any dangerous suspension or steering issues. Drivers who notice a steering problem should take their car in to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tire Blow-Outs can Cause AccidentsTire blow-outs are a dangerous and common cause of motor vehicle accidents. Overly worn or under-inflated tires can cause motor vehicle accidents. Though modern tires are much more advanced and durable than they have been in the past when tires are considerably worn down, they are at a higher risk of exploding, being punctured or poorly gripping the road. Similarly, tires that are improperly aligned can contribute to motor vehicle accidents. In other instances, faulty suspension can produce uneven tire wear that can cause motor vehicle accidents.
Faulty Taillights and HeadlightsHeadlights and taillights that are faulty contribute to motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are more likely to occur at nighttime, especially when the car's headlights and taillights are not functioning properly. When a car's lights are not working, it makes the vehicle difficult, if not impossible, to see in the dark. Other drivers can easily collide with another vehicle with broken lights, especially in dark conditions.
We can HelpIf a mechanical failure caused your motor vehicle accident, you might be entitled to file a claim against the company that is liable to the drivers. Businesses and car owners have a duty of reasonable care when it comes to maintaining their motor vehicles. If you have suffered an injury resulting from mechanical failure, we can help. Contact the attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation today.