Proper vehicle maintenance is key to accident prevention. Neglecting or improperly performing essential car maintenance puts lives at risk. The person responsible for that maintenance could be liable if it results in a collision.
If you suffered a car accident injury in Alabama caused by poor vehicle maintenance, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC for a free consultation. One of our experienced Alabama car accident attorneys will review your case, identify who could be liable for your injuries, and explain your legal options for seeking compensation.
Drive Smart: How Maintenance Helps Prevent Road Accidents
When most people think of what causes vehicle accidents, they think of driver negligence – and for good reason. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error is the critical reason for about 94 percent of all traffic collisions.
However, the same data shows that about 2 percent of crashes result from vehicle malfunctions. That number may not seem as significant, but it accounts for around 44,000 accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions per year.
One of the leading causes of vehicle malfunction is poor and irregular maintenance. Vehicles that undergo proper maintenance are less likely to experience failures. Tires will be less likely to blow out, brakes will be less likely to fail, and the car will be less likely to lose power while driving.
Common Maintenance-Related Issues That Lead to Accidents
Poor vehicle maintenance contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Some of the most common maintenance-related issues that lead to crashes include:
- Brake failures – Worn-out brakes can increase the distance required for vehicles to stop. This reduces the driver’s ability to avoid obstacles and increases the likelihood of an accident. Regular brake inspections and brake pad replacement can help prevent some of the most common types of crashes, including rear-end collisions.
- Tire malfunctions – Underinflated, bald, or punctured tires contribute to blowouts, poor handling, and hydroplaning in wet conditions. Replacing old or damaged tires is a vital part of regular vehicle maintenance.
- Faulty lights and signals – Vehicles with broken headlights, taillights, or turn signals are at increased risk of causing accidents. It can be difficult for other motorists to see them or know when they’re braking or turning.
- Steering and suspension issues – Misaligned or damaged steering and suspension components can affect a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
- Engine and electrical problems – Sudden engine stalls or electrical failures can leave vehicles stuck in dangerous places. As cars rely more on electrical components, the dangers of losing power while driving become more significant.
Regular Inspections Keep Vehicles Safe
Understanding the signs your vehicle needs maintenance is critical to keeping it in working condition. Some of the most common signs that something’s wrong include:
- Warning lights appearing on the dashboard
- A visible change in ride height on one corner
- Changes in ride smoothness
- Loud noises when driving
However, regular inspections and maintenance checks are the best way to keep a vehicle running. Rather than waiting for something to go wrong and potentially lead to an accident, drivers should have their vehicles inspected at least once per year. During these inspections, some of the things your mechanic may check and fix are your vehicle’s:
- Brake pads
- Fluid levels
- Lights
- Tires and their pressure
- Battery health
- Engine
Does Car Insurance Cover Mechanical Failure?
Car insurance policies typically don’t cover mechanical failures themselves. For example, if your engine fails because you haven’t gotten it inspected for years, you likely won’t be able to recover compensation through an auto insurance claim.
However, you may be able to file a claim if someone else’s vehicle experiences a mechanical failure that causes an accident and injures you or damages your car. Since Alabama is an at-fault insurance state, you would file your claim with the auto insurance policy of the driver who caused the crash. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you with identifying liable parties and pursuing compensation.
Who Is Liable in Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures?
When accidents result from mechanical failures, a few parties could be liable for the injuries. Some of the most common parties include:
- Vehicle owners – In most cases, vehicle owners are responsible for keeping their vehicles well-maintained. If a vehicle owner doesn’t have issues like worn brake pads or bald tires fixed, they will typically be liable for a resulting collision.
- Vehicle manufacturers – If a defective vehicle part contributed to the accident, the vehicle or part manufacturer may be liable. For example, if your gas pedal gets stuck in the pressed position and causes you to crash, the vehicle manufacturer may be held accountable due to a pedal design defect.
- Maintenance providers – When poor maintenance leads to a collision, the maintenance provider may be responsible. For instance, if mechanics change your tires and leave one loose, they could be held liable if their poor work causes an accident.
A car accident attorney can investigate the collision and determine who may be liable for your losses. In some cases, multiple parties can share liability. This may include a situation where another driver caused the crash, but a defective vehicle part like an airbag that failed to deploy made your injuries worse than they would have been.
Hurt in a Car Accident? Our Alabama Attorneys Can Help
If you suffered an injury in a car accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance or a mechanical failure, contact Stokes Stemle, LLC for a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We’ll investigate the crash and help you file an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries.
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