The Danger of Driving with Faulty Parts
If you have a tire blowout or mechanical failure while driving, you could possibly find yourself in a car accident where you or another person is injured. When frightening situations like this occur, it can become frustrating to feel that you are now at fault for an accident when the circumstances were seemingly out of your control. However, there are some instances in which the fault can be placed on the manufacturer of the car or technician rather than the operator.
Vehicle Defects That Can Cause An Accident
Lack of Maintenance
When operating any kind of motorized vehicle, you consent to all necessary maintenance so it runs properly. This means that if an accident is caused by a tire blowout or lack of power steering fluid, the fault likely will fall onto you. The expectation of routine maintenance or keeping an unsafe vehicle at home is entirely the driver’s responsibility.
Poor Technicians
However, if your car was just taken in for routine maintenance, and then you are involved in an accident due to mechanical issues, it may be the servicer’s fault. It may serve you well to look into any documentation of what they performed on your vehicle at that time or double-check the different components to see where the issues arise. If there is a direct correlation between mechanical failures and recent mechanic work, you might have a claim.
Recalled Parts
Fault can also be placed on the vehicle’s manufacturer if they did not inform you of recalled parts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) keeps its website up to date with all recent recalls, including tires, parts, and overall vehicles. Using their tool, you can see exactly what kind of recalls are active for your specific vehicle. If the manufacturer has failed to inform you of these themselves, then they may be at fault for any accidents that occur.
How Our Experienced Attorneys Can Help
The team at Weiner, Spivey & Miller, PLC is skilled at getting the necessary compensation for those involved in a motor vehicle accident. If you believe that a manufacturer or mechanic’s negligence is at fault for your accident, contact our office to schedule a free consultation by calling 703-273-9500.