Who Is Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure?
Most accidents are caused by a negligent driver, but that is not always the case. Some car accidents happen because of mechanical failure. Mechanical failure is the sudden or unforeseen failure of a component of the vehicle, excluding failure caused by wear and tear. Since car accident settlements are based on determining fault, it’s important to understand who is liable for car accidents caused by mechanical failure.
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure?
When it comes to car accidents caused by mechanical failure, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic or driver may be liable; depending on who was responsible for the cause of the accident.
For example, if a car accident is caused by malfunctioning brakes, liability will be assigned based on the circumstances.
- Driver. In general, drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicle in working order. The driver may be responsible for the accident if they failed to maintain their brakes or repair a known defect. For example, if a letter was mailed to the driver informing them of a recall, and they failed to bring the vehicle in for repair/part replacement in a timely manner, they may be liable for an accident caused by the defective part.
- Vehicle manufacturer. The manufacturer may be responsible for the accident if they designed/installed faulty brakes and failed to notify vehicle owners. The legal standard that applies to the car manufacturer is strict liability, which is the highest legal standard that a party can be held to. Plaintiffs do not need to show how or why the vehicle manufacturer made an error; the fact that they manufactured a defective vehicle is enough to apply strict legal liability to the car manufacturer. A defective products lawyer will assess the situation and determine whether a products liability claim is the appropriate path forward.
- Mechanic. The mechanic may be responsible for the accident if the work they did on the brakes was negligent and a link can be made between the faulty repairs and the accident. A car mechanic is expected to have reasonable competence and skills. When they fail to do their job up to a reasonable standard, either because of inadequate training, a lack of appropriate skill or simply by not using basic care and attention; they may be liable for an accident.
No matter the circumstances of your accident, a personal injury lawyer will be able to determine who is responsible. If you are the injured party, and the accident happened because of the negligent actions of another, you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Mechanical failure car accidents: comparative fault
In Washington State, more than one party can be responsible for an accident because it is a comparative fault state. In practical terms, this means that fault may be shared in an accident, including in an accident involving mechanical failure. For example, the manufacturer may be at fault for installing a defective part but the driver may bear some of the responsibility if they were notified about the defective part but failed to take it in for repair. In a different scenario, a mechanic may have done faulty repair work on the part but the driver also has some liability because they were running a red light at the time of the accident.
While the vehicle manufacturer is held to a strict liability legal standard, the others are held to the standard for negligence. These standards can both be relevant in the same accident. Even if you are partly responsible for the accident, you should not assume that you aren’t entitled to a car accident settlement. The best way to understand your legal rights is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
