Additional Mechanical Failures That Lead to Car Accidents

When people are injured in a car accident, the first question is typically whether the other driver should be held accountable for their actions. People often overlook the fact that their accident may have been caused by a mechanical failure, and that failure may have been due to the owner’s negligent maintenance of the vehicle. Unfortunately, these cases can be difficult for non-lawyers to pursue. An experienced Billings car accident attorney can help you prove your case and get the compensation you need to make a full recovery. 

Headlights and Taillights

Headlights and taillights are very important pieces of equipment on a car. They help the driver see, and perhaps more importantly, be seen by other drivers. A burned-out headlight can reduce the driver’s ability to see oncoming hazards and avoid accidents. Nonfunctioning taillights make it difficult for other drivers to see when they are stopping, leading to a rear-end collision. Nonfunctioning headlights and taillights are a hazard not only at night but also during inclement weather. 

Poor Suspension

Worn shocks, struts, and springs can cause a vehicle to handle poorly, especially when braking or on poor road surfaces. Failing to maintain the suspension and replace worn parts can result in an accident when the driver loses control of the vehicle. It is important to note that accidents caused by faulty suspension can be challenging to prove. An experienced Billings car accident attorney will be able to get the evidence you need to make your claim. 

Faulty Repairs

Some accidents caused by mechanical failures may not be the vehicle owner’s fault. Instead, they may be caused by faulty repairs performed by a mechanic or repair shop. Some of these accidents may be due to the following: 

• Failing to actually make the repairs the vehicle owner paid for
• Replacing worn parts with used or damaged parts
• Failing to properly secure parts that were removed during the repair (missing nuts and bolts, etc.)
• Damaging other parts during the repair that subsequently fail

Accident cases where you have to pursue the other driver’s mechanic can be complicated, but a Billings car accident attorney will know how to pursue the claim. 

Vehicle Defects

Some car accidents are not the fault of the driver or their mechanic but are instead caused by defects with the vehicle itself. Faulty tires, brake systems, or steering may be the result of design or manufacturing defects. If your car accident was due to a vehicle defect, you may have to pursue a product liability case against the vehicle manufacturer. If you believe that your accident was caused by a vehicle defect, we strongly recommend that you consult with an attorney. 

Speak with a Billings Car Accident Attorney at Ragain & Clark  

Car accidents caused by mechanical failures can be difficult to prove. Billings car accident attorney Jim Ragain has decades of experience in helping injured people get the compensation they deserve, even in cases that are complex. If you’ve been injured and need help, contact us today at 406-651-8888 to schedule a free consultation.  We also have an office location in Montana and, Cody, WY.