If your car accident was caused by a mechanical failure, determining liability can be more complex than it would be for a typical car accident. You cannot count on the other driver to be the most likely option for liability. Instead, you will need a thorough investigation of the crash and its cause.
Your best resource in these cases is to have an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer on your side. They will manage all parts of your claim, including gathering evidence to identify the cause of the collision and determining liability.
Who Could Be Liable If the Accident Was Caused by a Mechanical Failure?
When a mechanical failure occurs, there are numerous reasons why this might happen. To understand whose negligence caused the collision, you must have evidence to show what occurred and why. Some of the possibilities for who might be liable for a crash include:
- The Parts Manufacturer: If the mechanical failure happened because of a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes, steering, or tires, the car company or maker of the specific part is likely liable. These cases are based on product liability laws. They could lead to recalls, technical service bulletins, or mass torts if others suffered injuries in similar accidents.
- A Mechanic or Repair Shop: If a mechanic or repair shop improperly repaired or maintained the vehicle or accepted payment for services they did not provide, they could be liable. It is often difficult to document this type of liability, but your attorney can ensure you have access to the vehicle owner’s records.
- The Vehicle Owner: Sometimes, parts fail because there is a lack of proper maintenance, the owner failed to repair a recall, or there were other problems the driver ignored that indicated a problem. Motorists must keep their vehicles in safe operating conditions or they could be held partially or fully liable for a mechanical failure.
- Another Party: In some cases, someone else might be liable in these cases. For example, a tire shop might have sold tires past their best-by date, and this led to a failure. A parts distributor might also be liable for a defective or faulty part.
Identifying the liable party is a key step in navigating these cases. Without understanding who might be liable for your crash and injuries, you cannot pursue compensation from them and hold them accountable to get justice.
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(888) 585-2188
What Types of Evidence Are Necessary When the Accident Occurred Because of a Mechanical Failure?
There is often a lot of evidence available in these cases. An experienced attorney will use their knowledge and skill to identify, preserve, and analyze evidence. Specific types of evidence and expert analysis are often crucial in determining liability in these cases. This could include:
- Vehicle maintenance and repair records
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Manufacturer recalls or service bulletins
- Accident scene photos or videos
- Information from an event data recorder, sometimes called “black box” data, from the vehicle
- Testimony from those involved and eyewitnesses
- Surveillance or dashcam footage of the crash
- Tire analysis, when applicable
An attorney can also use firm resources to call in experts to weigh in. Experts often play a central role in showing what happened and how it led to a collision. Some experts that might support your case include:
- Automotive engineers
- Accident reconstructionists
- Mechanics or mechanical experts
- Product liability experts
- Brake or tire specialists
- Other industry experts
What Is the Role of a Car Accident Attorney When a Mechanical Issue Caused the Crash?
Having an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer handling your case can be very helpful in these types of accident cases. They will know the necessary steps to take, and the evidence needed to build a convincing case. They can develop a strong argument to hold the liable party accountable.
The process of building these cases could include:
- Investigating the Crash: Your lawyer will investigate the cause of the mechanical failure by gathering evidence and working with experts to determine if the issue was due to a defect, improper repairs, or owner neglect.
- Filing a Claim: Your attorney will file an insurance claim based on their case against the vehicle or parts manufacturer, repair shop, vehicle owner, or another liable party. Your attorney can also sue the manufacturer of your car if your vehicle was the one that suffered a mechanical failure.
- Dealing With the Insurance Company: Your lawyer will communicate and negotiate with the insurance adjusters. This is often difficult because they often use tactics and tricks to try to shift blame or reduce the value of your claim.
- Litigating the Case: If necessary, your lawyer can represent you at trial. This is only necessary if the accused party disputes liability refuses a fair settlement, or there is another reason to pursue compensation through a lawsuit.
Most car accident cases settle before they get close to a trial date. Only rarely does a case need to go to trial. However, experienced car accident lawyers will not hesitate to go to trial with a case against a party who is responsible for a mechanical failure that caused a collision.
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What Should I Expect If I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer to Handle My Mechanical Failure Crash?
When a mechanical failure causes an accident, it can complicate liability. However, a lawyer from our firm can help you navigate the process and fight for the money you deserve. They will investigate who is at fault, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
The compensation in these cases generally includes money for current and future medical care, lost income, reduced ability to work for lasting disabilities, property damage repair, pain and suffering damages, and more.
Our attorneys know how to determine a fair settlement value for your case and negotiate a settlement or litigate the case and hold the liable party or parties responsible.
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Our Team Provides Free Car Accident Case Reviews
Jenner Law offers free, confidential consultations for victims hurt in Maryland car accidents. We can help you understand who might be liable for your crash and build a case against them. Our car accident lawyers can help you get justice. Contact us for your free consultation today.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form