What Happens if a Car Accident is Caused by Mechanical Failure?

Accidents aren’t always the result of reckless driving or distracted behavior. In some cases, mechanical failures in the vehicle itself are the primary cause. These types of accidents can have catastrophic consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that resulted from some type of defect in the vehicle, you have rights and may be entitled to compensation. Find out who can be liable for your injuries. 

The Most Common Types of Mechanical Failures in Cars 

Mechanical failures can occur suddenly and without warning, leading to devastating accidents. Some of the most common types of failures that can result in catastrophic accidents include: 

• Brake Failures: brake system failure can be catastrophic, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic. Faulty brake lines, defective parts, and other malfunctions can all contribute to brake failure. 
• Steering System Issues: if the power steering fails or if there’s a mechanical issue with the steering column, a collision can happen even if drivers are operating their vehicles with care. 
• Tire Blowouts: tire defects can result in blowouts, especially at high speeds. A sudden blowout can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, even if they have maintained their tires according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. 
• Engine or Transmission Failures: sudden engine issues or transmission failure can cause a vehicle to stop unexpectedly, potentially resulting in a rear-end collision or a more serious accident. 
• Faulty Lights or Electrical Systems: electrical defects can render headlights, brake lights, and turn signals inoperative, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night. 

Who Can Be Held Liable if an Accident is Caused by Mechanical Failure?

If your car accident was caused by mechanical failure, the liability normally shifts from drivers to third parties, which can include: 

• The Vehicle Manufacturer: in cases where a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing process led to mechanical failure, the car manufacturer could be held liable. For instance, if your brakes fail due to a design flaw, you may have a case against the manufacturer. 
• Mechanics or Repair Shops: if a mechanic improperly repairs a vehicle, uses defective parts, or fails to identify a critical issue during a routine inspection, they may be held responsible for any accidents that result from their negligence. 
• Parts Manufacturers: sometimes, the failure may be due to a defect in a specific part, such as the tires or brake pads. In such cases, the manufacturer of that particular component could be liable. 

Can I Be Held Liable if Something Fails Mechanically on My Car? 

It’s a common concern for drivers—can you be held responsible if your car’s mechanical failure causes an accident? The answer depends on the circumstances. If the mechanical issue resulted from poor maintenance or ignoring warnings (like a check engine light), then you could be considered negligent. For example, if you knew your brakes were worn out but continued to drive, you might be held liable if brake failure causes an accident. 

However, if the mechanical failure was sudden and unexpected—like a hidden defect in a newly purchased vehicle—other parties can be held responsible, especially if there was no reasonable way for you to detect the problem. The same goes for any other drivers involved in the accident. 

What is Strict Liability? 

New York law follows the principle of strict liability when it comes to defective products, including car parts. This means that manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by their defective products even if they were not negligent in designing or manufacturing them. In a strict liability case, you do not need to prove that the manufacturer was careless. Instead, you only need to show: 

• The product (e.g., brakes, steering system) was defective. 
• The defect caused the accident. 
• You were injured as a result. 

This can significantly simplify the process of pursuing compensation, as it shifts the focus away from proving negligence to demonstrating the existence of a defect. 

How to Pursue Compensation if You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident Due to Mechanical Failure 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a mechanical failure, here’s what you need to know to maximize your chances of receiving compensation:

1. Preserve the Vehicle Immediately

After an accident, do not attempt to repair or alter the vehicle in any way. The condition of your car at the time of the accident is critical evidence, especially if you suspect that a mechanical defect contributed to the crash. Preserve the car exactly as it is, and if possible, have it stored in a secure location where experts can inspect it later.

2. Document Your Vehicle’s Maintenance History

Your vehicle’s maintenance history is key to demonstrating that you were diligent in taking care of your car. If you’ve had parts replaced or maintenance performed, keep detailed records of: 

• Invoices and receipts for regular maintenance services, such as brake checks, tire replacements, and oil changes. 
• Records of any new parts installed, including the make, model, and date of installation. 
• Information about the mechanic or repair shop that performed the work, along with their qualifications and certifications. 

This documentation can serve as evidence that the mechanical failure was not due to your negligence but rather a defect in the vehicle or part.

3. Keep Track of Replacement Parts and Their Manufacturers

If your car had any parts replaced before the accident, it’s crucial to know who manufactured those parts and who installed them. Faulty components, such as defective brake pads or poorly made steering systems, can be traced back to either the part manufacturer or the repair shop that installed them. Key information to gather includes: 

• The brand and manufacturer of replacement parts. 
• Serial numbers or batch codes, if available. 
• The shop or technician who installed the parts and their contact details. 

This evidence can help establish whether the failure was due to a manufacturing defect or improper installation, which can determine who may be held liable.

4. Photograph and Document the Scene of the Accident

Alongside preserving your vehicle and maintenance records, document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos or videos of: 

• The damaged vehicle from multiple angles. 
• The road conditions, weather, and any other factors that might have contributed to the accident. 
• Visible defects or malfunctions in your car (e.g., burst tires, leaking fluids). 

These photos can help demonstrate how a mechanical failure led to the accident and support your claim. 

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Car accidents caused by mechanical failures are not as straightforward as typical accidents involving driver error. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you deserve to know your rights and options for pursuing compensation. At Morelli Law, we specialize in car injury cases and can help you understand your rights if you’ve been involved in a car accident due to mechanical failure. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation and let us guide you through the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.