Top 3 Mechanical Failures That Cause Car Accidents

As drivers, we should be able to trust the safety and craftsmanship of our vehicles. Unfortunately, sometimes our trust is misplaced, and our cars fail to provide us with the safe, reliable transportation we depend on them for. If a vehicle was poorly designed, improperly constructed, incorrectly assembled, or erroneously maintained, the resulting damage can be extremely serious, if not deadly. While these issues can happen with virtually any mechanical feature on a vehicle, there are specific mechanical failures that occur more often than others.

The most common mechanical failures that cause car accidents include:

1. Brake Failure

Healthy brakes are essential, otherwise, a vehicle could lose control and cause a major traffic collision. If brakes are made of an insupportable material, or if they were incorrectly maintained or assembled, they could cause rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, and several other types of serious accidents. In some cases, brake problems might be the result of an Antilock Brake System (ABS) malfunction, leaking brake fluid lines, or brake pad issues.

2. Steering Malfunctions

If a steering malfunction occurs, it can be exceedingly difficult for the driver to regain control of the vehicle long enough to find a safe place to stop. These incidents may occur if the steering system fails, especially in newer vehicles where electronic systems may override safety functions. Alternately, leaking power steering fluid might also cause a dangerous steering malfunction.

3. Tire / Wheel Issues

Tire and wheel problems account for a significant portion of car accidents, whether because of a blow-out or an inflation issue. In many cases, the fault lies with the tire manufacturer. The company that constructs the vehicle tires might have created a faulty tire design, rendering the parts unsafe, especially in extreme weather conditions. For example, a tire made with dangerously thin tread may be more susceptible to a blow-out if it drives over roadway debris.

Do You Have a Case? We Can Help

Although these types of car accidents are somewhat rare, they can be devastating when they occur. If you or someone you love was harmed because of a mechanical issue, our firm is here to help. We can help you hold the liable party responsible for your damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, and more.

Contact the Law Offices of Charles R. Gueli today to get started on your case.