Mechanical Failure
Along with various forms of driver negligence (such as speeding and texting behind the wheel), mechanical failures are among the leading causes of vehicle collisions in Texas. In some cases, a mechanical failure can be solely responsible for causing an accident or accident-related injuries. In others, a mechanical failure may combine with human error or other factors to create a situation where a dangerous collision is unavoidable. In both types scenarios, the companies that are responsible for putting dangerous vehicles on the road deserve to be held accountable, and the individuals who suffer life-changing injuries deserve to be fairly compensated.
If you were injured in an accident, it is okay if you don’t know the specific factor (or factors) that led to your injuries. In fact, in most cases, it simply is not possible to determine the cause of a collision without a thorough investigation. Regardless of what you think may have happened – whether you suspect that your vehicle or the other driver’s vehicle was defective, or if there does not appear to be any explanation for the crash – we can investigate and collect the evidence needed to help you win just compensation.
San Antonio Auto Accident Lawyer for Mechanical Failures
At Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, we represent individuals and families in auto accident cases involving all types of mechanical failures. During your free consultation, we will help you understand if you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
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Airbag Defects – Defective airbags can cause accidents and severe traumatic injuries. We represent clients in cases involving airbags that deployed too late, too soon, too forcefully, and unexpectedly without impact to the vehicle.
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Brake Defects – Brake failures present obvious risks, and they can result from a wide range of factors. From defective pads and discs to faulty brake jobs, we handle cases involving all causes of brake failures, and we can help you seek compensation regardless of whether your brakes or another vehicle’s brakes failed.
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Tire Defects – Some of the most-common issues with tires include tread separations, blowouts, rubber compound defects, and retread failures on large commercial trucks. We work with engineers and other experts who can determine if a tire defect is to blame for your injuries.
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Other Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues – Along with airbag, brake, and tire failures, there are numerous other defects and maintenance issues that can cause and contribute to accidents as well. We take an exhaustive approach to auto accident representation that focuses on identifying all potential sources of financial compensation.
In addition to determining whether a mechanical failure played a role in your accident, we will also assess whether driver negligence, road defects, or other factors are to blame for your injuries. The financial and non-financial losses resulting from a serious accident can be substantial, and we want to make sure you recover as much financial compensation as possible.
Speak with Attorney Ronald A. Ramos about Your Case
For more information about protecting your rights after a vehicle collision, you can contact our offices to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. At Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, you pay nothing unless we help you win just compensation. To speak with San Antonio auto accident lawyer Ronald A. Ramos about your case in confidence, please call (210) 308-8811 or request an appointment online today.
Common Mechanical Failures That Cause Car Accidents
Mechanical failures account for a significant percentage of vehicle accidents nationwide. Unlike driver error crashes, mechanical failure accidents often occur suddenly and without warning, giving the driver no time to react. The most dangerous mechanical failures include:
Brake system failures that prevent the vehicle from stopping. Tire blowouts and tread separations that cause the driver to lose directional control. Steering mechanism failures including broken tie rods, failed power steering pumps, and electronic steering malfunctions. Suspension failures such as broken control arms, ball joint separations, and strut failures that can cause a wheel to collapse. Transmission failures that cause unexpected gear shifts or a sudden loss of power. Engine failures including seized engines and broken timing chains that cause an immediate loss of power steering and power brakes simultaneously.
Each of these failures creates a different type of hazard. Brake failures typically lead to rear-end collisions and intersection crashes. Tire blowouts often cause lane departures and rollovers. Steering failures can send a vehicle into oncoming traffic, resulting in head-on collisions. Suspension collapses can cause a vehicle to veer suddenly into adjacent lanes, causing side-impact crashes.
Who Is Responsible for a Mechanical Failure Accident?
Determining liability in a mechanical failure accident requires identifying why the component failed. There are generally three categories of responsibility:
Manufacturer liability applies when the mechanical failure resulted from a defective design or manufacturing error. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82, manufacturers are strictly liable for defective products that cause injury. This means the injured person does not need to prove the manufacturer was negligent—only that the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control and that the defect caused the accident.
Mechanic or repair shop liability applies when a mechanic performed faulty repairs, used incorrect parts, failed to identify a dangerous condition during an inspection, or failed to properly tighten bolts and fasteners. In Texas, mechanics and repair shops can be liable for negligence if their substandard work caused the mechanical failure.
Vehicle owner liability may apply when the owner knew about a mechanical problem and failed to address it, ignored recall notices, or failed to perform basic maintenance. If an owner knew their brakes were grinding and failed to have them repaired before causing an accident, they may bear responsibility for the resulting injuries.
Investigating a Mechanical Failure Claim
Mechanical failure cases require thorough investigation and technical expertise. A qualified San Antonio car accident attorney will work to preserve the failed component, obtain the vehicle’s complete maintenance and repair history, check for open recalls and technical service bulletins, download and analyze the vehicle’s event data recorder data, and retain engineering experts to perform metallurgical analysis and failure testing.
Timing is critical in these cases. Vehicles are often towed to salvage yards where they can be scrapped or sold before an investigation is completed. Insurance companies may attempt to settle quickly and then authorize destruction of the vehicle—eliminating the most important evidence. If you suspect a mechanical failure caused your accident, contact an attorney immediately to send a spoliation letter preserving the evidence.
Compensation for Mechanical Failure Injuries
Victims of mechanical failure accidents may recover compensation for medical expenses including emergency treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and future medical needs. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are also recoverable, along with pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When a manufacturer concealed known defects or a repair shop repeatedly performed negligent work, punitive damages may be available under CPRC Section 41.003. In wrongful death cases caused by mechanical failures, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish damages.
The Law Offices of Ronald A. Ramos, P.C. handles complex mechanical failure and vehicle defect cases throughout the San Antonio area. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss what happened and learn how we can help you pursue full compensation.
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