Can a driver be held responsible for a Missouri car accident caused by mechanical failure of their vehicle? In many cases, the answer is “yes.” And, on top of the driver’s responsibility for the accident, there may be other parties who can be held responsible for their part in causing an accident.
Roughly 20 percent of car accidents are caused by mechanical failure, as opposed to impairment, recklessness or driver error. Mechanical failure can take many forms, including:
- Tire blowouts
- Underinflated tires
- Loose lug-nuts
- Broken belts
- Defective original parts
- Defective replacement parts, and
- Broken tie rods and other failures in the steering system.
Mechanical failure accidents are particularly complex because, unlike an accident involving two drivers, there may be three or more parties who are responsible for the accident. All drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, and mechanical failure doesn’t necessarily take responsibility out of their hands. But in addition to the driver, a mechanic, the car’s manufacturer, or even a parts manufacturer may be responsible for a mechanical failure car accident.
Your car accident injury attorney will need to prove that the other driver was negligent in order for them to be held financially responsible for your accident, but if a manufacturer’s defective part caused the accident, they may be held to a higher standard. It may not be necessary for your St. Louis car accident attorney to show that the manufacturer was negligent. It may be enough to show that the defect existed and that they did nothing to correct it.
Because numerous parties may be held financially responsible for a Missouri car accident caused by mechanical failure, it is particularly important to seek the assistance of an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney who can help evaluate your case and ensure that all responsible parties are identified.