Car accidents aren’t always caused by driver error—sometimes a mechanical failure is to blame. When brakes fail, a tire blows out, or a steering system malfunctions, you can lose control of your vehicle even if you are driving carefully. If you were injured in a crash caused by a mechanical issue, you may have legal options beyond a standard car accident claim.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Mechanical Failure Accidents?
Determining liability in these cases depends on why the part failed and who should have prevented it. Vehicle owners have a duty to keep their cars in a safe condition, including addressing known problems and following recommended maintenance schedules.
However, when a manufacturing defect or a mechanic’s negligent repair contributes to a crash, the manufacturer, repair shop, or other responsible parties may be fully or partially liable for your injuries.
Common Mechanical Failures That Cause Accidents
- Brake System Failures: These are among the most serious mechanical issues, accounting for roughly 22% of accidents caused by vehicle defects. Worn brake pads, malfunctioning anti-lock systems, or brake fluid leaks can prevent you from stopping safely, potentially causing catastrophic collisions.
- Tire Failures: Tire blowouts, improper inflation, or worn treads reduce traction and increase stopping distances, contributing to about 35% of mechanical failure accidents. Some blowouts result from manufacturing defects.
- Steering and Suspension Problems: Malfunctions can cause a vehicle to pull to one side, sway across lanes, or become uncontrollable.
- Accelerator or Pedal Malfunctions: Stuck or unresponsive pedals prevent drivers from controlling speed.
- Lighting and Visibility Failures: Broken headlights or brake lights make it harder for other drivers to anticipate your actions, increasing accident risk.
- Defective Airbags: Airbag malfunctions can turn minor collisions into serious injuries.
How to Prove a Mechanical Failure Caused Your Accident
Preserve your vehicle for an expert inspection rather than repairing or scrapping it immediately. Automotive engineers can determine whether a defect existed when the part left the factory or if poor maintenance contributed to the failure.
Maintain your service and repair records, which can show that you properly cared for your vehicle while also documenting any recent work that may have contributed to the accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of mechanical failure accidents may be entitled to:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, medications), lost wages, and reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent you from working at full capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: Chronic pain, emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, trauma, or loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly reckless or harmful conduct, intended to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
Delaware County Product Liability and Personal Injury Law
Pennsylvania law uses a strict liability approach for product defect cases. You do not have to prove the manufacturer was careless—only that the product was defective and directly caused your injuries. This recognizes that manufacturers have more knowledge about their products than consumers and should be held accountable when their products cause harm.
Get Help with Your Mechanical Failure Accident Claim – Contact Our Delaware County Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC
If a mechanical failure caused your accident, our Delaware County car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC can help. Our experienced team has recovered over $200 million in verdicts and settlements over the past 15 years, including numerous multi-million-dollar wins for injured clients. Call 215-569-8488 or contact us online for a free consultation. We have offices in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware.