Car Accidents Due to Mechanical Failures in Illinois
While most car crashes occur due to the negligent behavior of another driver, mechanical failures and defects cause more accidents than many people realize. Tire blowouts, malfunctioning antilock brake systems, and steering and suspension problems can lead to catastrophic collisions and life-altering injuries. The experienced car accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you hold the at-fault party accountable if you were injured in a crash caused by mechanical failure or a vehicle defect. Contact us today for a free no obligation consultation.
How Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Can Help with Your Mechanical Failure or Product Liability Claim After a Car Crash
If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a crash due to mechanical failure or a malfunctioning product, the attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. understand how devastated you must feel. Our lawyers have the experience and skills to provide the support and advocacy you need at this challenging time. When you put your trust in us, we can:
- Investigate the collision to determine how it was caused by mechanical failure or a product defect
- Identify all liable parties for your crash
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Take the at-fault party to court, if necessary
For over four decades, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured individuals throughout Illinois, and our case results contain over $2.5 billion in verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases, including automobile accidents and product liability cases. We are confident in our ability to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Most Common Mechanical Failures That Cause Car Collisions
While any manufacturing defect or mechanical failure can increase the risk of a car crash, malfunctions of the following components are particularly dangerous.
- Brakes: Worn brake pads and brake lines can reduce braking power, leading to longer stopping distances. Lack of proper maintenance, like brake fluid replacement, can cause faulty brakes and rear-end collisions.
- Tires: Tread separation due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects can lead to tire blowouts at high speeds. Proper tire maintenance through rotation and pressure checks reduces the risk of blown tires. Worn tires do not have the same tire grip as those that are new. Tires can also blow out in severe temperatures like Illinois is known for having.
- Powertrain: Transmission, engine, or drivetrain problems can cause sudden loss of power, increasing crash risk.
- Windshield wipers: Worn or defective wiper blades reduce visibility in inclement weather, potentially resulting in serious injuries and crashes.
- Lights: Burned-out or broken lights reduce other drivers’ ability to see the vehicle.
- Steering and suspension: Worn tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or other steering components can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and veer into oncoming traffic.
Who Is Responsible for an Collision Caused by a Mechanical Failure or Vehicle Defect?
Multiple parties may be liable for injuries due to a mechanical failure or defect, including:
Driver
Drivers have a duty to conduct regular maintenance on their vehicles so that they remain roadworthy and safe. The failure to take a car in for routine maintenance can increase the risk of potential hazards. If a vehicle component fails because a driver has neglected to maintain their vehicle, the driver is legally liable for any crash-related losses occurring as a result of the mechanical failure.
Mechanic
In some cases, the at-fault party is the professional responsible for carrying out the repairs. If a mechanic has failed to diagnose or fix issues with the car, they can be held responsible if a mechanical error occurs and results in a crash.
Product and Car Manufacturers
Sometimes, a faulty vehicle component is due to design or manufacturing errors rather than negligent maintenance. In such cases, you can file a strict liability claim against the manufacturer of the component or the car manufacturer. Working with an attorney that has extensive experience handling product liability cases is essential in such circumstances.
Vehicle Owner
In some cases, the car owner may not be the person driving it. If the vehicle’s owner has neglected their duty to maintain the vehicle or has put it into the care of an untrustworthy person, any resulting mechanical failures may ultimately be the owner’s fault under the legal principle of negligent entrustment.
Evidence to Help Establish Liability in These Cases
There are several essential forms of evidence our attorneys look for to establish liability in car crashes caused by mechanical failures and product defects:
- Maintenance records: These show the vehicle’s repair history and can demonstrate negligent maintenance if certain services were skipped.
- Collision reconstruction evidence: Data from the vehicle’s computer can show factors that contributed to the crash.
- Expert testimony: Automotive repair and engineering experts can analyze the vehicle and its components to identify defects.
- Recall notices: If an owner has failed to return or service a vehicle under recall, they can be held liable for resulting collisions. A recall notice also demonstrates that the manufacturer is aware of a safety issue.
- Similar incidents: Documentation of similar component failures may indicate a widespread defect.
Having an experienced mechanical failure and product defect attorney collect and present this evidence is crucial to proving who is at fault for the mechanical failure. Put your trust in the attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Compensation Available in These Claims
Each collision claim is unique. The compensation available to you in your claim will depend on factors such as the nature of the crash and the severity of your injuries. However, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, diagnostic scans, doctor’s visits, surgeries, and medications
- Lost income due to missed time at work during recovery or for medical appointments
- Reduced income capacity if your injuries lead to disabilities
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death if you have lost a loved one in a car crash due to a mechanical failure or defect
Working with a knowledgeable Chicago car accident lawyer can help you understand what compensation you can reasonably expect to recover in your case.
Contact Our Car Collision and Product Liability Lawyers
Suffering injuries in a car crash due to a mechanical failure or defect can turn your life upside-down in an instant. If you have been injured in a wreck because of engine failure, blown tires, worn brakes, or any other issue with a vehicle or its components, the attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
