Top Six Most Common Mechanical Issues That Cause Car Accidents
There are, potentially, three versions of what happened in any car accident: Your version, the other driver’s, and a witness’s. When the police arrive at the scene, they’ll write out their crash report and take down everyone’s statement, but that won’t be considered the final version of what happened.
That can only be derived from a thorough investigation.
Although you might have watched plenty of CSI-type dramas on television, you probably don’t have the necessary skills to conduct the kind of deep dive investigation to determine the exact cause of a car accident and provide supporting evidence for that cause. That’s especially true when a mechanical issue causes an accident.
For that type of investigation, you’ll want the support of the Edwards Law Office, P.C.
We are a Jackson car accident attorney with decades of experience representing clients who have been harmed by negligence. In the case of mechanical issues, there are two potential parties to hold accountable. The first is the manufacturer of the particular car part or system that broke down. The second could be the car owner who ignored the obvious warning signs and put everyone on the road at risk.
When we determine how a mechanical issue caused an accident, we will work diligently to hold the relevant at-fault parties accountable.
Top Six Mechanical Failures that Result in Car Accidents
The vast majority of car accidents can be traced to driver error, but mechanical failure remains a significant cause. Here are the top six most common mechanical failures:
Tire Failure
How often do tire or wheel issues cause accidents? According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 35% of all accidents across the country can be attributed to tire problems. The most common problems are tire blowouts or worn-out tires. A tire blowout can occur when the tires are defective or over-inflated.
Worn-out tires can cause problems with braking traction. In either scenario, the driver can lose control of the car and get into a wreck.
Brakes Failure
Your car’s brakes are the ultimate control you have over the vehicle. If you lose the ability to bring your car to a complete stop, there is nothing but a crash ahead of you. It is recommended that you have your brake pads checked every 10,000 miles. They probably should be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles.
In addition to bad brake pads, issues with worn brake lines and the Antilock Brake System (ABS) could also compromise the brakes’ effectiveness.
Steering and Suspension Failure
Although the NHTSA study states that issues related to “steering/suspension/transmission/engine-related problems” are the third most common mechanical issues in car accidents, they might also be the most difficult to confirm. A failure with one of these systems can cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle. However, unlike a blown tire or worn-out brake, it is often difficult to identify the issue in a crash investigation.
Routine vehicle maintenance can help detect problems with these systems. A mechanic can run a diagnostic exam of the car’s system to reveal any issues that need attention.
Broken Headlights or Taillights
Driving at night requires working headlights and taillights. You also need those lights during storms or in fog. Your headlights and taillights increase your visibility and help you get seen by approaching vehicles.
Additionally, you need working turn signals to alert other drivers of your turning or merging intentions. Failing to signal can contribute to a collision.
Windshield Wipers
Like the majority of parts on your car, you need to occasionally change your windshield wipers. Unfortunately, you might not realize they need to be changed until the next rainstorm, when they’re not helping you see ahead. You should consider placing your blades at least once a year and perhaps sooner if there is a lot of rain.
A driver who claims they couldn’t see what was in front of them could be held liable if it can be established that their windshield wipers weren’t functioning as they should.
Engine Failure
It is rare for something to go wrong with your engine without a “check engine” warning appearing on the dashboard. That warning means something needs to be checked as soon as possible.
A quick diagnostic can reveal the issue. Other warnings on your dashboard include temperature, oil, and coolant. Those also require immediate attention to prevent a driver from losing control of their car.
The above mechanical issues will all need to be considered during a car accident investigation.
Start the Investigation the Right Way
These are some of the tasks you can hand over to Edwards Law Office, P.C. In addition to our office staff, we have a network of experienced investigators who collect the evidence needed to support our clients’ claims.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, please contact our offices to schedule a consultation. We want to hear what happened.