Car Wreck That Has Been Caused by a Mechanical IssueAuto accidents happen regularly in California's Inland Empire. Care to guess the most common causes? If you said, "distracted driving" or "driving under the influence," you answered correctly. However, national statistics reveal another leading cause of motor vehicle accidents that gets a lot less attention: mechanical problems.

Mechanical issues—such as a vehicle component's failure or degradation—were the cause or a contributing factor in nearly 44,000 crashes over a two-year period, in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Hurt in a serious car accident caused by a mechanical problem? With the help of one of the Inland Empire Law Group's highly-skilled personal injury attorneys, you could potentially recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Mechanical Problems Associated With Car Accidents

Mechanical issues that lead to car crashes often occur when a worn-out or defective vehicle component malfunctions or fails. Common mechanical problems that cause or contribute to accidents include:

  • Tire blowouts or skidding due to overly-worn tread
  • Brake failure
  • Steering issues, such as the sudden loss of power steering
  • Suspension problems, like powerful vibrating or shaking that could make controlling the vehicle difficult
  • Transmission or engine issues, which can lead to slow accelerations or breakdowns
  • Burnt-out headlights, taillights, brake lights, signal lights, or faulty wiring can affect a vehicle's ability to communicate its movement to other drivers
  • Malfunctioning windshield wipers can make it difficult for drivers to see the road when it's raining

Potentially Liable Parties

In many car accident personal injury cases, the responsible party named as the defendant in the lawsuit is the driver of the involved vehicle. In mechanical-related car crashes, the pool of potentially liable parties is often much larger and can include:

  • The owner of the vehicle, if they were aware of a hazard and didn't take reasonable steps to repair it or have it repaired
  • Mechanics who worked on the vehicle if they failed to properly complete or perform a repair
  • The auto company that made and sold the vehicle if it was unreasonably unsafe or its design was faulty
  • The company that made faulty components due to a defective design or the use of defective materials

These are just a few of the parties that could possibly share liability in your California car accident. After reviewing your case, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you figure out the right person—or companies—to name as the defendant in your suit.

Protecting Your Right to Recovery

What you do in the aftermath of a crash can affect your ability to recover compensation in a future personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. Here's what you can do to protect your rights:

  • Remain at the scene of the accident
  • Report the crash to the police or call 911 if anyone involved needs emergency medical attention
  • Take photos of the accident scene, your property damages, and any visible injuries
  • See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don't feel seriously injured
  • Follow through with the treatment plan the doctor prescribes
  • Notify your insurance company of the accident
  • Don't provide the at-fault party's insurance company with a recorded statement about the accident—or release your medical records to them—without talking to an attorney
  • Consult an accomplished injury attorney to discuss your case, and learn more about your legal rights and options for recovering compensation

Discuss Your Case With our Skilled California Injury Recovery Professionals

Find out how we can help you win your case. Contact the Inland Empire Law Group today at (888) 694-3529 or (909) 481-0100 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to talk to a member of our legal team about your case. Don't wait too long to take legal action or you could risk missing key filing deadlines that could prevent you from pursuing damages.

 

David Ricks
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Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Lawyer Serving the Inland Empire Community