If you have recently been involved in a car crash, you might be wondering whether a defective car part could be to blame. This is an understandable concern and one that is not always easy to address. After all, unless you’re an experienced auto mechanic, chances are that you’re not even sure how to begin assessing whether a defect played a role in the circumstances that led to your crash.
The list below is not comprehensive. But asking a mechanic to begin reviewing the following kinds of car parts can be a good way to get started. The following types of parts have traditionally been associated with massive recalls as a result of dangerous defects:
- Braking systems: Faulty brakes can prevent a vehicle from stopping in time, leading to collisions. Common brake defects include worn-out brake pads, malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and defective brake lines.
- Steering mechanisms: Defective steering components can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Issues such as power steering failure, broken tie rods or steering column defects can lead to severe accidents.
- Airbags: Defective airbags may fail to deploy or may deploy unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury sporadically or in the event of an accident.
- Tires: Defective tires can blow out, lose tread or fail to provide adequate traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Tire defects are a common cause of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
- Accelerator controls: Defective accelerator controls can lead to unintended acceleration, making it difficult for drivers to slow down or stop their vehicles.
It is worth repeating that these are only a few of the kinds of defects that can potentially lead to an injurious crash. As a result, it’s important to have a mechanic check out your car in the wake of a collision.
Getting started
Defective car parts can indeed be to blame for car crashes, and identifying any defects that may have contributed to your recent accident can help you to determine which party or parties to hold responsible for your harm. If you suspect a defective component caused your accident, preserving evidence and seeking personalized legal guidance can help you begin the process of seeking justice.