person with hands on their steering wheel in San Diego CaliforniaWhile unsafe driving practices are often the cause of a car accident, in some cases, there could be other reasons for the crash. Mechanical problems due to a lack of maintenance or auto parts defects can cause or cause a tragic wreck. 

If you were injured in an auto collision in Southern California, you do not want to ignore possible mechanical problems that could have led to your accident. Identifying a mechanical failure as a cause of your crash could result in discovering more liable parties responsible for compensating you for your injuries with the help of a trusted and experienced San Diego car accident attorney.

Five Leading Mechanical Problems That Cause Auto Accidents

Even if a driver tries to drive safely, they can lose control of their automobile and cause a serious crash if there is a mechanical failure while on the road. These types of problems result when maintenance is not performed or is performed improperly, or there is a manufacturer defect in an auto part. Here are the most common mechanical problems that result in dangerous wrecks.

#1: Tires

One of the top mechanical defects that can cause an accident is faulty tires. If the tires are worn, and the tread is diminished, the tires are more likely to slip. In addition, it could take a driver longer to stop and otherwise control their vehicle due to the tire’s weakened grip on the road.

Tire blowouts can cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle. They often occur when tires are worn, over or underinflated, or punctured by debris on the road. 

#2: Brakes

Another common mechanical failure that leads to car accidents is faulty brakes. They can prevent a driver from being able to slow down or stop suddenly if traffic conditions require this, with the result often being a rear-end collision. Common problems associated with brake failures include:

  • Faulty or worn brake lines
  • Malfunctions of the antilock brake systems
  • Worn brake pads and discs

#3: Steering and Suspension System

If the steering or suspension system fails, a driver can lose control of their vehicle and collide with another vehicle. The likelihood that victims would suffer catastrophic injuries or death increases dramatically if the motorist was traveling at a faster speed. Unfortunately, steering and suspension problems are harder to spot right after a collision than other defects, like faulty brakes or tires, but they should not be ignored as an underlying cause of a crash.

#4: Headlights and Taillights

Working headlights and taillights are essential for safe driving in bad weather and at night. Faulty lights can make it impossible for a driver to see other motorists or defects on the road or to be seen by others with whom they share the road. 

#5: Windshield Wipers

While having working windshield wipers may not seem like a big deal, they are crucial for safe driving. If defective or worn, they will not clear rain and debris off the windshield and dramatically reduce a driver’s ability to see other vehicles around them.

Identifying the Liable Parties Can Be Complicated 

If you were the victim of a car accident, you must determine the cause of the crash and the liable parties if you want to receive all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Determining if a mechanical failure caused or contributed to your collision can be challenging. There could be more than one party who shares the blame and is liable to compensate you. Potential negligent parties include:

  • Another driver (if their unsafe driving or lack of maintenance of their vehicle caused the accident)
  • Repair facility (if their failure to properly repair a vehicle part led to its malfunction)
  • Parts and motor vehicle manufacturer (if a defect in the design or manufacture of a part resulted in its failure)

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Mark Blane
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San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer | California Car Accident Attorney