Inside: Are You Liable for a Car Accident Caused By Equipment Failure? Collaborative post.
Car accidents happen every minute in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). While most car accidents happen due to driver error, distraction, or bad weather, some causes are beyond a driver’s control.
Sometimes, a vehicle’s equipment unexpectedly fails, causing an accident. For example, a tire blows out, or the brakes lock. There may be an issue with the steering wheel, or the accelerator may stick. Any of these scenarios can be devastating for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bystanders.
In Alabama, equipment failures cause 2% of car accidents, which equals around 2,880 crashes. This means thousands of drivers are involved in accidents due to faulty brakes, improperly mounted wheels, defective suspension components, or other equipment issues.
If you are involved in an accident or caused an accident because of equipment failure, you will probably stress about liability. In an equipment failure case, liability may not always fall on the driver, even if they caused an accident. But this depends on several factors.
Why Equipment Failures Cause Accidents
Equipment failure means mechanical or technical issues that make it impossible for a vehicle to operate properly. The following examples highlight why specific equipment failures can cause massive accidents.
- Tire blowout: Underinflated or defective tires can blow and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Brake failures: If a car’s brakes fail, it can cause a driver to crash into the car in front of them. Sometimes, it can cause a driver to leave the road because they cannot stop or slow the car.
- Steering and suspension issues: If a vehicle’s suspension or steering is faulty, it makes it nearly impossible to keep the car on the road
- Faulty airbags: If a malfunctioning airbag deploys while a driver is on the road, it can lead to a huge accident.
The Basics of Liability in Alabama
Alabama follows fault-based laws for car accidents. This means the person who causes an accident is liable for damages.
However, it is important to note that in most cases, accidents are caused by negligence. When an accident is caused by equipment failure, it becomes difficult to determine liability. This is because several parties may be at fault.
Driver or Vehicle Owner
Alabama drivers and vehicle owners must maintain and keep their vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition. If a driver or vehicle owner fails to do this, they may be held liable if equipment failure causes an accident.
For instance, if you own a car and ignore that the brake pads are worn, it can lead to brake failure. If your car’s brakes fail because you did not replace the brake pads and an accident happens, you can be held liable.
The same applies if you skip inspections or services that could have detected issues with your vehicle. Even if you ignore a dashboard warning light, it can also mean you are responsible for an accident.
Car Manufacturer
If a defective car part caused the failure, the manufacturer may be liable according to product liability law.
For instance, the manufacturer may be liable if the car’s airbags are deployed for no reason, causing you to crash. Or, if there are no signs of wear on your tires and they are properly inflated, but one of them bursts anyway, the manufacturer may also be responsible.
When something like this happens, you must prove that the defect caused the accident. Under most circumstances, it is best to work with a car accident lawyer to help you get the needed evidence.
Mechanic or Repair Shop
Equipment failure can also happen because of inadequate repairs or negligence by a mechanic. If a repair shop installs the wrong part or fails to identify a problem during servicing, it can share liability for an accident.
An example of this is a mechanic installing brake pads the wrong way. This can lead to brake failure and an accident.
Third Parties
Third parties like trucking companies or rental car agencies may sometimes be held liable. This usually happens when these companies fail to maintain their for-lease or for-rent vehicles.
Contributory Negligence Rule
Alabama is also a contributory negligence state, following this rule strictly. This can also impact liability in car accident cases.
Under the contributory negligence rule, you will likely be barred from recovery damages if you are found partially at fault for an accident.
So, if your car’s brakes fail because you ignored warning lights and signs, you are partially at fault if an accident happens. Even if you are only deemed 10% to blame for the accident, you might be unable to claim compensation.
That is why it is crucial to prove that you took all the necessary steps to maintain your car and that the brake failure (or other equipment failure) was out of your control.
Determining Liability in Equipment Failure Cases
Several steps need to be taken after an equipment failure car accident. For one, an expert should inspect the car to find the cause of the failure and subsequent accident.
You should also have records of maintenance and repairs done to your car before the accident. This is the best way to prove that you have proactively maintained your vehicle.
You could check the NHTSA website to find out whether your vehicle model has been recalled for defects. If it was, and the manufacturer did not inform you, they may also be held responsible for an accident.
Hiring a Lawyer
Equipment failure in car accidents makes for complex legal cases. You should hire an experienced lawyer to help you with the following aspects of your specific case:
- Investigating the cause of the equipment failure
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Providing you with information about Alabama’s contributory negligence law
- Negotiating with insurance companies
It is important to reduce your risk of being held liable for an equipment failure accident by maintaining your car, keeping maintenance records, and responding to recalls.
If an accident does happen and you are worried about being held liable, you should consult a lawyer immediately. Your counsel can explain your compensation chances and help protect your rights during a legal case.