Automobiles are intricate machines with thousands of moving parts that must all be in proper working order for safe transportation. If just one auto part contains a defect and malfunctions, this can lead to a serious car accident. This type of collision can give injured victims the right to file legal claims against one or more parties. Make sure to speak with an experienced accident lawyer in San Antonio for legal guidance.
What Are Common Mechanical Defects?
A mechanical defect can refer to an auto part that contains a design, manufacturing or marketing flaw. Even a defect that seems minor could ultimately result in a car or truck accident in Texas by preventing the vehicle from performing the way it was meant to.
Many different types of defects and part failures increase crash risks, including:
- Brake failures
- Tire defects and blowouts
- Electrical malfunctions
- Software defects
- Steering system problems
- Engine failures
In addition, airbag and seat belt malfunctions can increase the severity of the injuries suffered by car accident victims. If there is evidence of one or more mechanical malfunctions in connection with an auto accident, injury or death in Texas, an investigation will be done to determine who can be held legally responsible (liable).
Who Is Liable for a Car Accident Caused By a Mechanical Defect?
Since Texas is a tort-based state, the party at fault for causing or contributing to an automobile accident can be held liable for the victim’s medical bills and property repairs. This could be one or multiple parties, depending on the situation.
Product Manufacturers and Automakers
Mechanical defects that lead to vehicle malfunction accidents can often be traced back to the producer or manufacturer of a defective auto part. A set of defective tires that go bald prematurely, for example, could point to problems at the tire manufacturing facility. The manufacturer of a car part can be held accountable through a product liability lawsuit for dangerous vehicle defects.
Vehicle Owners
In some situations, a motor vehicle does not contain any defects until the owner of the car fails to keep up with required maintenance and repairs. Negligent vehicle ownership can lead to parts and equipment that are old, broken and in need of replacement. Continuing to ignore vehicle maintenance or upkeep could lead to dangerous mechanical failures and related car accidents.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies and other enterprises may be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of an entire fleet of vehicles. To save time or money, these companies may skip vehicle inspections or pay for low-quality “quick fixes” rather than real repairs. These failings increase the odds of dangerous and deadly mechanical failures on the road. Make sure to speak with a truck accident lawyer in San Antonio.
Mechanics and Auto Shops
Sometimes, mechanical failure accidents are caused by mistakes made by auto mechanics and repair shops. A mechanic may have overlooked a serious issue, for example, or performed an improper repair on a broken part that eventually leads to a vehicle breakdown. In this situation, the auto shop or an independent contractor could be held liable for a crash.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If a car accident case involves suspected mechanical failures, equipment malfunctions or auto part defects, you should hire a San Antonio injury attorney for professional assistance with the injury claims process. You may have the right to file an insurance claim against one or more parties, including major product manufacturers.
A lawyer can help you take a strong stand against powerful defendants. A lawyer can investigate your crash, obtain evidence of a part malfunction (such as photographs, product information and expert testimony), and bring your case to court, if necessary, in the pursuit of justice. If you suffered catastrophic injuries or a loved one died in the crash, it is even more important to protect yourself by entrusting your mechanical defect case to an experienced attorney.