Mechanical breakdowns are a common cause of car collisions. While everyone can make a mistake, drivers are expected to take reasonable precautions to avid putting other users of the road at risk, and this includes taking good care of their vehicle to make it road worthy. When they fail to do so and their actions cause injury, they can be held liable.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common mechanical causes of car crashes, so you can take steps to avoid these hazards.
- Brake failure. This can happen when brake fluids leak or brake pads wear down, leaving you possibly unable to brake when you need to.
- Tire blowouts. This can be caused by design or manufacturing errors or by worn or under-inflated tires. When tire blowouts happen, you can easily lose control of the vehicle.
- Steering failure. Problems with the power steering system or worn steering components can leave you suddenly unable to control your vehicle.
- Engine failure. This can be caused by manufacturing or design errors, timing belt failure, low oil levels, spark plug problems, or a malfunctioning fuel system. Your car could suddenly come to a stop or fail to start.
- Transmission issues. Wear and tear on the transmission or a design flaw can cause your car to slip out of gear, stall, or lose power.
- Electrical system failure. This can be caused by overheating or by wear and tear on the system. It can cause stalling, power window failure, or headlight failure.
- Suspension failure. Damage to the suspension system can leave you suddenly without control of your vehicle.
- Cooling system failure. This can start a fire or cause your engine to overheat, which can cause secondary damage to the engine, too.
- Fuel system failure. The fuel filter can get clogged or your fuel pump can get damaged, leading to dangerous stalling while you’re driving.
- Exhaust system issues. If the exhaust system is punctured or damaged, carbon monoxide and dangerous fumes can enter the car, where they can make you sick.
- Clutch failure. This problem can cause your car to stall or stop suddenly, which can lead to a serious crash.
- Battery failure. If your battery dies suddenly, your car can still. Battery failure can be caused by wear and tear, damage to the battery, or alternator failure.
- Wheel bearing issues. When wheel bearings get worn down, your wheel can get loose, making it harder to control your vehicle.
To reduce the risk of these and other mechanical issues, buy cars carefully, especially if you’re buying a used vehicle. Find out about the car’s history to make sure you’re not buying a car that has been flooded or has sustained serious damage.
You will also want to have your car regularly inspected by a trusted mechanic who can spot any potential issues and advise you on what to do. Never skip maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotation, since regular maintenance can help you reduce the risk of accidents. If you notice any strange smells or sounds from your car in between scheduled maintenance or if your car starts handling differently, visit your mechanic.
If you have been in a car accident because your car may have a design or manufacturing flaw or if you’ve been in a crash because another driver may have failed to maintain their vehicle, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a car accident attorney. We’d be happy to review your situation and help you understand whether you’re eligible for a claim to seek compensation.