Common Mechanical Failures That Lead to Car Accidents: A Two-Part Series

Most car accidents are the result of negligence. Negligence can take on many forms, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signs and signals, or driving and texting. However, negligence can also include accidents that are caused by a mechanical failure due to the vehicle owner’s failure to maintain the vehicle and make necessary repairs. If you have been injured in a car accident due to negligent maintenance, a Billings car accident attorney can review your case and determine whether you may be entitled to compensation. 

Worn Tires

While they technically may not be a mechanical failure, worn-out tires are the cause of many car accidents. Worn tires have less of a grip on the road, causing less control over the vehicle and requiring greater stopping distance. Cars with worn tires can slide into the other lane while taking a curve at speed or be unable to stop suddenly. Worn tires can be especially dangerous in inclement weather as they are more likely to slip on snow or ice or hydroplane on wet roads. 

It can be difficult to prove negligence in cases that are caused by worn tires, but an experienced Billings car accident attorney will be able to gather the evidence you need to support your claim. 

Tire Blowouts

Worn tires also often lead to tire blowouts. That said, overinflated or underinflated tires can also lead to a blowout. Blowouts can be caused by debris in the roadway, heavy braking, or extreme temperature changes. When a tire blows out, it can lead to the driver suddenly losing control of the vehicle and leading to a car accident. 

Brake Failures

It’s not hard to imagine how failing brakes can easily lead to car accidents. In fact, malfunctioning brakes cause many rear-end collisions. However, brake failures include more than a total loss of braking power. Some of the common causes of brake failures include the following: 

• Worn brake pads and discs: Failure to repair and replace worn brake pads and discs lead to decreased braking performance, meaning that the vehicle will take longer to stop than usual. 
• Faulty or worn brake lines: Leaking brake lines lead to a loss of brake fluid, which can significantly affect braking performance. 
• Malfunctioning antilock braking systems (ABS):  ABS systems are designed to prevent skidding caused by the brakes locking up. When they fail under hard braking, the car can go into a skid and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. 

The fact that a mechanical failure occurred is not enough by itself to pursue a successful claim. You need to prove that the driver was negligent in maintaining the vehicle. A Billings car accident attorney will know what evidence you will need to make your case. 

Injured? Contact Billings Car Accident Attorney Jim Ragain

Many people are injured in a car accident and don’t realize that they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact us at  406-651-8888 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help. We have office locations in Montana and Wyoming for your convenience.