When something goes wrong with a car mechanically, it can make the roads more dangerous for everyone. Drivers depend on their vehicles to work the way they should. When a part breaks or doesn’t perform right, crashes can happen. Understanding how these occur and what your rights are is important.
If you’ve been injured due to a mechanical failure, an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.
Wheel and Tire Failures
One major issue drivers face is a tire blowout. This happens when a tire tears or bursts, usually from hitting debris, having a worn tread, or improper inflation. Sometimes, manufacturers may also produce faulty tires.
When a blowout happens, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds. The sudden shift in the car’s balance can make it hard to steer, often causing crashes with other vehicles or objects on the side of the road.
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Brake System Problems
Brakes can fail from leaking brake lines, worn-out pads, or problems with anti-lock brake systems (ABS). These issues might make it harder for the driver to stop quickly or safely. If your vehicle cannot stop properly, accidents are pretty much inevitable. Even slight delays in the brakes working can be the difference between a close call and a crash.
Steering System Failures
Steering issues often happen because of fluid leaks, worn parts, or faulty systems. Signs of this can be stiff or unresponsive steering, which makes it challenging to control where the car goes. If you aren’t able to steer properly, it’s not going to be possible to avoid hazards in the road or other vehicles nearby.
Suspension Problems
The suspension absorbs bumps and helps the tires grip the road. Bad or worn out suspension components make a car handle poorly.
When this happens, it can cause the car to “float” or sway, increasing the risk of rolling over or spinning out during. Accidents can happen when cars lose stability and traction.
Lights and Signals Malfunctions
Drivers rely on working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to communicate and see at night or in poor weather. These can stop working due to bad bulbs, damaged wiring, or electrical problems. Without working lights, other drivers won’t know what your next move is, which could lead to crashes.
Engine Failures and Overheating
Engines can fail for a few different reasons, like low oil levels, broken belts, defective parts, or running low on coolant, which causes the engine to overheat and shut down.
A vehicle that stops operating correctly in the middle of a trip can cause the driver to break down suddenly. This is dangerous and can lead to rear-end or multi-vehicle collisions.
Manufacturers can be held liable when their poor designs or careless building cause harm or defects.
What to Do After an Accident Caused by a Mechanical Failure
If you think something went wrong with your vehicle and it led to the accident, taking the right steps is important.
Capture Evidence at the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures and videos from different angles. Show things like the condition of the cars, position on the road, and any nearby street signs or hazards. Also get close-ups of anything that looks like it went wrong, such as broken parts, exposed wires, or leaking fluids.
Save Damaged Parts If You Can
Keep pieces from your car that look broken or worn. Save small items too, like busted bolts or a cracked hose, and make sure you store everything somewhere safe and dry.
Get Your Car Inspected
Have a qualified mechanic check your vehicle after the crash. Make sure you choose someone who has dealt with insurance or accident investigations before
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer from Vaughan & Vaughan
Contact an Indianapolis car accident lawyer with experience in auto accident claims as soon as possible. Your lawyer can guide you on what to do next, help protect your rights, and handle conversations with insurance companies
If you or someone you know has experienced problems that might relate to a faulty product, you have the right to ask questions and seek answers. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options.
