Poor vehicle maintenance can occur in the form of malpractice or neglect, and it can trigger a vehicle malfunction. This can, in turn, lead to an accident on the highway. For this reason, an attorney may consider poor vehicle maintenance as a factor in a car crash claim.
Poor vehicle maintenance can be as simple as a faulty brake installation or as complicated as identifying a small part in an 18-wheeler. Due to the possible complexity of your case, you might want to consult a Dallas car accident lawyer. Your attorney can investigate your case to identify the at-fault party and show that poor vehicle maintenance is what led to your accident.
Common Vehicle Maintenance Claims Our Team Sees in Car Accidents
Today’s vehicles contain complicated electrical and mechanical systems. Consequently, making mistakes during maintenance is common. Some maintenance errors put lives at risk, however. As such, at-fault parties need to be held accountable for careless actions or neglect.
Common vehicle maintenance cases that our law firm in Texas see include:
- Brake failure
- Low visibility due to bad headlights
- Tire blowouts
- Computer failure or glitches
- Fires or explosions
- Neglecting to perform maintenance
- Installing faulty auto parts
- Improper auto part installation or replacement
Even the most skilled drivers cannot overcome vehicle failures. Therefore, not every accident is the fault of the driver. If the cause of the crash is unclear, your attorney might consider poor vehicle maintenance as a factor in a car crash claim.
Who Is Responsible For A Car Accident Caused by Poor Vehicle Maintenance?
Once your lawyer takes on your case, they will investigate the accident to identify the at-fault party and establish how the responsible party’s negligence led to the car accident.
In an accident claim where vehicle maintenance is involved, common at-fault parties may include
- The vehicle owner
- The vehicle operator
- Mechanic
- Auto service center
- Maintenance crew
- Vehicle inspector
Many car accident cases involving maintenance issues have to do with mistakes or neglect. For instance, the trucking company owner could have failed to perform routine maintenance on the fleet according to manufacturer specifications. Maintenance mistakes can range from installing a faulty auto part to an incorrect diagnosis of a severe problem.
How Do I Prove Poor Vehicle Maintenance in A Car Crash Claim?
A car crash can cause extensive damage to all vehicles involved. As a result, identifying poor maintenance as a factor can be challenging. Your attorney can pinpoint poor maintenance or vehicle neglect as the sole cause of your accident in many ways, including:
Maintenance Records
Your attorney can review past maintenance records to find a connection between the vehicle’s maintenance history and the accident. Records can show who worked on the vehicle and the type of maintenance performed before the crash.
Security Video Footage
Many of the roadways in Texas have security cameras. Your attorney could view the video footage if a camera captured the car accident. This could help your lawyer determine the cause of the accident.
Expert Testimony
Your law firm can hire a vehicle mechanic or expert to assess the car and confirm that poor maintenance was the cause of the accident. An expert can be valuable in helping you establish your car accident claim.
Eyewitnesses
Whether the malfunction occurred in your car or the other driver’s car, an eyewitness can confirm your testimony and the events of the crash.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Texas?
The first few steps you take after a car accident could determine the outcome of your case. Therefore, you must take the right steps early on. If possible, try to take the following actions as soon as possible after your accident:
- Seek medical attention from a medical professional—do not delay.
- Gather and keep all medical records, reports, and receipts.
- Take photos or videos of the accident and submit them to your attorney.
- Gather contact and insurance information from the other party.
Once you have gathered all the necessary paperwork and have documented important information, your next step is to consider consulting a car accident lawyer.
When discussing your case, let your attorney know that you believe the accident occurred due to a car malfunction or poor vehicle maintenance. Provide as many details of the accident as possible. Speaking with an attorney first will benefit you when you file your claim with the insurance company.
Call for a Free Case Review from Loncar Lyon Jenkins
If you were involved in a car accident due to another party’s fault, our law firm could help. Loncar Lyon Jenkins offers legal services for victims of car accidents. Call our law firm and get a free case review. Our car accident lawyers in Texas are ready to listen to your story. Reach out and help us help you.
