As a car accident lawyer in NYC, we’ve seen that car accidents can result from situations ranging from distracted driving to road rage and even bad weather. At the same time, we’ve also seen a fair share of car accidents resulting from mechanical failure. If such a mechanical failure was the cause of the accident, it begs an important question: who’s the party liable for the accident?
Types of Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures can be defined as the breakdown or malfunction of a vehicle component that impairs the performance and normal functioning of the vehicle. As such, mechanical failures can be caused by human errors, poor maintenance, and manufacturing defects. As an accident injury attorney in Queens, some of the most common mechanical failures we’ve seen in NY car accidents are:
- Brake failures cause the driver to lose the ability to slow down and effectively stop the vehicle. The causes can vary, ranging from leaking brake fluids to worn-out brake pads.
- Tire blowouts occur when the tire suddenly loses its air pressure, which can be caused by over-inflated or under-inflated tires, worn threads, and the tire coming into contact with striking debris on the road.
- Steering system malfunctions such as power fluid leakage, worn-out steering gears, or the malfunctioning of power steering pumps can result in steering failure. This sort of mechanical failure is particularly dangerous since it directly affects the driver’s control over the vehicle.
- Since the suspension is crucial for vehicle stability, suspension issues can lead to accidents on uneven roads and during high-speed maneuvers.
- Engine problems like stalling or overheating can force you to come to abrupt stops, making them a common factor in accidents such as multiple-car accidents.
Liability in Mechanical Failure Car Accidents in NYC
Thanks to New York’s pure comparative negligence law, it is possible for you to seek compensation for more than one negligent party if you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by mechanical failure. The entities you would be able to claim compensation from include:
- Driver and vehicle owners—Drivers and vehicle owners have a general duty of care to keep their vehicles in safe operating condition and to drive responsibly to safeguard both fellow drivers and pedestrians. Key responsibilities here include regular inspections, adherence to manufacturer recommendations, and timely repairs.
- Vehicle repair businesses—If the vehicle was put to maintenance and the poor maintenance job contributed to the accident, the vehicle repair business may also be held responsible.
- Delivery company and ride-hailing companies—When the accident involves a vehicle that is owned and operated by a delivery company or ride-hailing company, the company, not the driver, will be held vicariously liable for your injuries. However, the vicarious liability is dependent on the nature of the agreement signed between the driver and the company and whether the injury was caused when the driver was acting in the course of employment.
- Manufacturers—Manufacturers have a general duty to ensure that the products that they release for public consumption are in good condition and free from defects. If the product was defective and caused the accident, you can bring in a product liability lawsuit against the company. If it is found that the product was defective, strict liability law will require the company to pay compensation.
For example, take an accident that was caused by the engine failure of a car. If the engine had not been properly maintained, the liability would fall on the driver or vehicle owner. However, if the vehicle with the engine failure was owned and operated by a company, the liability will not rest on the actual driver but on the company on grounds of vicarious liability.
Consequently, had the car been bought for maintenance and the maintenance work been subpar and contributed to the accident, the repair shop may be liable. However, if it was found that there was a defect in the engine from the manufacturing process, the manufacturer of the engine would be liable to pay compensation under strict liability.
Since there are many parties that can be associated with a mechanical failure, it is the job of an accident lawyer in New York to go through the case, identify the cause of the accident, and draft the lawsuit in a manner that best reflects the liability of the relevant parties.
Conclusion
When an accident is caused by a mechanical failure, starting the compensation recovery process can be a bit challenging since it will be difficult to figure out who is truly responsible for the accident. Therefore, to set yourself on the right track and increase the odds of maximizing your compensation, we recommend that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer in NYC as soon as possible. After all, justice delayed is justice denied.
