Buffalo, New York, Car Accidents Caused By Mechanical Malfunction

The Aggressive, Tenacious and Hardworking Team of Lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Will Fight to Obtain the Best Result for You if You Were Injured in an Accident Caused by a Mechanical Failure.

Car accidents can be devastating, leading to serious personal injuries, expensive medical bills and a mountain of paperwork from insurance companies. If you were involved in a car accident resulting from a mechanical failure, you likely have questions and may not know what to do next. To put your mind at ease, we highly encourage you to call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. as soon as possible. Allow our highly experienced team of Buffalo, New York car mechanical failure accident lawyers and paralegals to assist you every step of the way. We offer free consultations and can be reached 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939.

Motor vehicle traffic injuries are the fourth leading cause of injury-related death in New York State. While distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents, mechanical failures account for a significant portion as well. Crashes resulting from mechanical failures or deficiencies can be disastrous, as these types of crashes are usually unexpected and sudden. It is important to perform routine and scheduled maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is running properly.

Data Source: Critical Reasons for Crashes Investigated in the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey

A single vehicle is constructed of nearly 30,000 parts, which are supplied by different companies and manufacturers. While there are numerous mechanical malfunctions that can occur, here are some of the most common:

Tire Defects

Tire problems are the most frequent cause of accidents stemming from mechanical defects, accounting for approximately 34% of related crashes. Common tire malfunctions that can lead to accidents are:

1. Blowouts;
2. Excessive wear;
3. Debris causing a puncture;
4. Over or under inflated tires; and
5. Tread separation.

It is crucial to routinely check the treads of your tires. If the treads are shallow or worn, the tire should be replaced. With the harsh weather that we experience in Western New York, it is important that your tires grip the road securely and offer your vehicle traction in the snow, sleet, ice and rain.

Brake Malfunction

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that brake malfunctions account for about 23% of car accidents caused by mechanical failures. Similar to tires, brakes and brake pads are prone to wearing out after lengthy periods of use. Some common causes of brake-related malfunctions are:

1. Worn brake pads;
2. Malfunctioning ABS system;
3. Brake fluid leakage;
4. Rust; and
5. Brakes locking up.

Having your brakes malfunction while driving can be frightening. In this situation, there are a few steps you can follow:

1. Turn your hazards on;
2. Release the gas pedal so your car stops accelerating;
3. Build up pressure by pumping the brake pedal;
4. Gradually downshift your vehicle; and
5. Look for a safe place where you can pullover while your car begins to slow down.

Steering and Suspension Issues

Issues with steering and suspension are far less common than tire or brake issues, causing only about 4% of car mechanical malfunction accidents. The steering system and suspension system in a vehicle are interrelated, so there are several reasons why you could be experiencing problems, including:

1. Steering ball joint failure;
2. Improper assembly of the system; and
3. Detachment of the steering wheel from the column.

Airbag Defects

Airbags are designed to keep you safe in the event of a high-impact accident. However, airbags themselves can cause serious injuries if they malfunction. Some ways that airbags can malfunction include:

1. The airbag failed to deploy when it should have;
2. The airbag deployment was delayed; and
3. The airbag deployed even though there was not a crash, or the crash was very minor.

Takata airbags have recently been recalled. The Department of Transportation reports that 41.6 million vehicles from numerous car manufacturers are equipped with defective airbags. More information on this recall can be found here.

Seatbelt Defects

For most people, wearing a seatbelt in the car is second nature. Seatbelts are relied upon to lessen the impact of a crash and prevent passengers from being thrown from the vehicle. However, when seatbelts are defective or malfunction, they can lead to serious injuries. The following are examples of how a seatbelt can malfunction:

1. Unlatching because of the force of the accident;
2. Failing to tighten properly;
3. Ripping, tearing or fraying of the seatbelt due to webbing and material defects; and
4. Improper mounting and assembly of the seatbelt.

Windshield Wiper Defects

Reduced visibility commonly contributes to car accidents. Windshield wipers are a key safety feature of vehicles that allow drivers to see the road in front of them during periods of inclement weather. Windshield wipers need to be replaced when they wear down or break. Here are some signs that you need new windshield wipers:

1. Wipers are causing streaks;
2. Chattering sounds;
3. Poor windshield contact; or
4. Splitting rubber inserts.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. As protection against the dangers of a car accident, New York State requires children of certain ages to be placed in a car seat or booster seat. However, a defective car seat can lead to serious injuries for children. Some things to look out for when using a car seat include:

1. Faulty buckles;
2. Faulty adjusters; and
3. Flammable material.

Car seats that are not properly secured can cause a child to be thrown around the inside of the vehicle during an accident.

If you, or a loved one, were seriously injured in a car accident caused by a mechanical malfunction, you want the best Buffalo, New York personal injury attorney to handle your claim. Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a Best Lawyer of America, and his team of Buffalo, New York car mechanical failure accident attorneys are dedicated and determined to obtain the best result for our clients. Since 2005, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has recovered over $175,000,000.00 in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Call us today at 716-839-3939.

To keep your car running properly and avoid a devastating accident caused by a malfunction, it is important to regularly service your vehicle.

Most modern vehicles have lights or indicators on the dashboard that will alert you of a mechanical problem. However, even if your car is running smoothly, you should still perform routine checks and tune-ups. Failure to maintain your vehicle, could lead to reduced fuel economy, mechanical failures and poor car performance.

The benefits of servicing your vehicle include:

1. Lessening the depreciation of your car;
2. Lowering the cost of future maintenance;
3. Increasing your safety; and
4. Increasing the mileage and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

A common rule to follow is to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. However, it is possible for newer vehicles to last up to 5,000-7,500 miles, or more, before getting an oil change. If you are unsure of when to get an oil change, you should check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The best way to avoid a car accident caused by a mechanical malfunction is to regularly inspect and repair your vehicle.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. is a New York Super Lawyer that has tried over 100 cases to verdict. Along with his highly experienced team of car mechanical failure accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has obtained consistently excellent results for our clients. Our lawyers are knowledgeable about personal injury law and will assist you every step of the way with your case.

We employ the help of leading experts and accident reconstructionists to pinpoint the cause of your accident and the parties that are responsible. For a car accident caused by a mechanical failure, there are several different types of claims that a plaintiff can bring. This includes claims of negligence, breach of warranty and strict liability. The type of claim will depend on the circumstances that led to your accident and injuries. Our team will zealously examine your case and attempt to put you in the best position to obtain maximum compensation.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is committed to helping those who have been injured by the negligence of others. Our team of car mechanical malfunction accident lawyers in Buffalo, New York are highly experienced and dedicated to the needs of our clients.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!