Identifying Mechanical Failures in Car Accident Claims

Being in a car accident – especially one that feels out of your control – is incredibly stressful. Right now, you may be wrestling with questions about fault and how to get compensation. This article will help you determine whether a mechanical defects or failure may have contributed to your Pennsylvania car accident. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg stands ready to help you fight for your rights.

Key Takeaways

• Mechanical failures go beyond normal wear and tear. They involve sudden malfunctions of car parts like brakes, tires, steering, etc.
• Warning signs before the accident are crucial. Unusual noises, dashboard lights, or odd handling may indicate an impending failure.
• Don’t repair your car immediately. This preserves important evidence for your claim.
• Multiple parties may be liable. This includes manufacturers, mechanics, and potentially even the car’s owner (in certain cases).
• Pennsylvania operates on comparative negligence. You may still have a claim even if a mechanical failure wasn’t the only cause of your accident.
• Expert analysis is often essential. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg works with mechanics and accident reconstruction specialists to prove fault.

What is a Mechanical Failure? (And What It’s Not)

When a car part stops working as it should, it can lead to a serious accident. This is called a mechanical failure, and it’s different from these situations:

• General Wear and Tear: All car parts eventually wear down with use. This is normal and expected. Mechanical failure often happens suddenly and without obvious warning.
• Driver Negligence: Mistakes made by a driver, like speeding or texting, are not the same as a malfunctioning car part.

Common Mechanical Failures

Some car parts are more prone to sudden failure. If you experienced an accident, consider these possibilities:

• Brakes: Loss of braking power, grinding sounds, or a “mushy” brake pedal can all be signs of failure.
• Tires: Blowouts, tread separation, and slow leaks can cause the driver to lose control, especially at high speeds.
• Steering: Sudden difficulty turning, shaking, or pulling to one side point to possible steering system defects.
• Airbags: If airbags didn’t deploy as expected, they may have been defective or improperly installed.

Defective Brakes & Mechanical Failures

There are different types of accidents that occur due to defective brakes, resulting in injuries to the spinal cord, face or head, and limbs or internal organs. Unfortunately, the impact caused in this type of incident has been known to lead to fatalities as well. This is especially the case for heavy trucks and buses, fast sports cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles that have no protection on impact. There may be multiple liable parties for your injuries and losses. There could be faulty brake pads or other defective parts affecting parts of your vehicle beyond the brakes themselves.

Common causes of brake malfunctions include:

• Manufacturing errors in factories
• Improper maintenance and installation
• Damage during the transportation or shipping of vehicles

“Red Flags” Before an Accident

Sometimes, there are warning signs something is wrong with your car:

• Strange Noises: New squeaks, rattles, or knocking may indicate a failing part.
• Dashboard Warning Lights: Ignoring those illuminated icons can be dangerous.
• Odd Behavior: If the car pulls to one side, doesn’t handle well, or feels different to drive, it needs to be checked out.

Important: If you noticed any of these signs before your accident, it’s crucial to mention them when discussing your case with Gay Chacker & Ginsburg.

Could a Mechanical Failure Have Caused Your Accident?

Figuring out what caused a car accident can be tricky, especially if you don’t have any experience with vehicle mechanics. Here are some tools and questions to help you start thinking about the possibility of mechanical failure:

Scenarios

• Rear-end Collision: If you were stopped and hit from behind, mechanical failure on your part is less likely (though not impossible).
• Loss of Control: If your car swerved, wouldn’t turn, or stopped braking unexpectedly, a mechanical fault may be the culprit.
• Single-Car Accident: Hitting a tree or guardrail without another car involved often points to either driver error or a problem with the vehicle itself.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• Did the car feel wrong? If something felt off or the car wasn’t responding the way it should, it could point to a mechanical issue.
• Was there total loss of control? In some cases, mechanical failures can make it impossible to operate the vehicle safely.

Preserving Evidence

If you suspect a mechanical failure, take these steps immediately:

• Don’t repair your car: This could destroy vital evidence needed to prove your claim.
• Keep the vehicle safe: Store it securely to prevent tampering.
• Black box data: If your car is newer, it may have a black box that records information before a crash. Retrieving this data can be crucial.

The Role of Experts

It takes a trained eye to truly determine if there was mechanical failure. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg works with:

• Professional Mechanics: Can examine your vehicle to identify faulty parts or systems that may have contributed to your accident.
• Accident Reconstruction Specialists: These experts can analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and other data to pinpoint the cause.

Understanding Liability: It’s Not Always the Other Driver

We often think accidents are solely the fault of one driver. However, mechanical failures introduce additional layers of responsibility. Here are the parties that might be liable:

• Manufacturers: If a design flaw, defective part, or known recall caused the failure, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
• Mechanics: If a mechanic made negligent repairs or failed to identify a necessary fix that led to the accident, they could be liable.
• Owners: In specific cases, owners can be partially liable if they ignored clear signs that their car needed maintenance.

Assessing “Shared Fault”

Pennsylvania operates under comparative negligence laws. This means even if a mechanical failure partially contributed to your accident, you may still have a valid claim. Your percentage of fault will reduce the amount of compensation you can receive.

Unique Legal Landscapes

Mechanical failure cases often fall under the umbrella of product liability law. This area has additional rules regarding the burden of proof and who is responsible. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg has extensive experience navigating product liability and personal injury claims.

Insurance Challenges: When Mechanical Failure is Suspected

Insurance companies aren’t eager to pay large claims, especially when complex issues like mechanical failure are involved. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Resistance: Don’t be surprised if the insurance company questions whether a mechanical failure truly caused your accident.
• Independent Investigation: Gay Chacker & Ginsburg initiates its own investigation, hiring experts to independently establish the cause of the failure.
• Tactics for Maximizing Claims: We’re prepared to combat lowball offers and push for fair compensation. The thoroughness of your medical documentation will be crucial.

Navigating the Process: What to Do Next

Don’t try to handle the complexities of a mechanical failure claim on your own. Here’s how to get started:

• Gathering Evidence: Collect any maintenance records, witness statements about prior malfunctions, and technological resources (black box, dashcam) that could be relevant.
• Timelines are Crucial: Acting quickly is essential, as Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations on these claims.
• Seek Legal Support: Gay Chacker & Ginsburg can take over the process and guide you strategically.

Your Case, Your Rights, Our Mission

Facing an accident caused by a mechanical failure can feel overwhelming and isolating. We want you to know – you are not alone. Gay Chacker & Ginsburg specializes in handling complex legal situations just like yours.

When injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence or a defective product, you deserve fair compensation. This includes:

• Medical Expenses: Both past and future treatment costs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages: Income missed due to injuries and recovery time.
• Vehicle Damage: Costs for repair or replacement of your car.
• Non-Economic Impacts: The pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Gay Chacker & Ginsburg is dedicated to fighting for your rights. Our mission is to secure the maximum compensation for your case, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Mechanical Failures in Car Accident Claim FAQs

How do I know if my accident was caused by a mechanical failure?

Look for unusual car behavior before the crash, total loss of control, or scenarios where another driver was clearly not at fault (rear-ended at a stop).

What should I do right after an accident if I suspect mechanical failure?

Don’t have your car repaired immediately, preserve evidence like maintenance records, and contact an experienced attorney.

Can I still get compensation if my car was partially at fault?

Yes, Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws mean you may still have a valid claim even if a mechanical failure wasn’t the sole cause of your accident.

What if the manufacturer has issued a recall for my car, but I didn’t know about it?

You may still have a strong case against the manufacturer for not properly notifying you, especially if the recall is related to the failure that caused your accident.

I think a mechanic’s negligence caused my accident. What kind of proof do I need?

Ideally, records of the repairs, statements from other mechanics about improper work, and expert analysis will strengthen your claim.

How long do I have to file a claim involving mechanical failure?

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations applies, but these cases are time-sensitive in terms of preserving evidence. Act quickly.

The insurance company is offering a lowball settlement. Should I accept it?

Never accept a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer first. You may be entitled to much more.

My injuries are serious and ongoing. How do I know what my case is worth?

Gay Chacker & Ginsburg can work with medical and financial experts to assess the full, long-term impact of your injuries to pursue the maximum fair compensation.

I’m overwhelmed by this process. How can your firm help?

We handle all aspects of your case, from investigation to negotiation to litigation (if necessary), so you can focus on your recovery.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a car accident due to negligence, contact Gay Chacker & Ginsburg for a free, no-obligation consultation with experienced Pennsylvania accident lawyers. You will gain an advocate for every stage in the claims process until you have the compensation you deserve.

Gay Chacker & Ginsburg is available to help you handle your injury claim in Philadelphia and beyond. Our team can offer you the personalized service and legal representation you deserve after an accident.

Call us at (215) 567-7955 or contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.