Is The Driver Liable For An Accident Caused By A Malfunctioning Vehicle?
Drivers owe a duty of care to follow safety measures to prevent harm to other drivers. Many fail to realize the fact that seeing the regular maintenance and repair of the vehicles is also a crucial part of following safety measures. If you neglect your vehicle’s maintenance, you could be held liable for the other party’s damages.
However, if you were in an accident because the other driver’s vehicle started malfunctioning, you deserve compensation. Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer to find out whether you have a valid claim.
How can drivers know when their cars need maintenance?
One good thing about owning a car is that you do not need to be an expert or a mechanic to understand the warning signs of a malfunctioning vehicle. By simply following your manufacturer’s recommendations or routine servicing, you can avoid risks on the road. Every mechanical object needs servicing from time to time, including your vehicle.
Other than that, it is expected of all drivers to do the following:
- Get all the lights checked (turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlamps).
- Check the wear and functionality of brakes/brake pads.
- Inspect tires for pressure, tread, and alignment.
- Fix cracks or chips in the windshield immediately.
Repair shop liability
When a driver brings their car to a company that does car repair arvada (or nearby), it is their responsibility to fix it. If there is something wrong with the vehicle, they should report it to the owner. If the car’s condition is beyond repair, they should be clear about it instead of acting in bad faith. When repair shops fail to do their work properly, it can cause accidents on the road.
If the other party had taken their vehicle to the repair shop, and despite that the accident took place, you may have to file a claim with the repair shop’s insurance company.
The procedure may seem complicated to you, but getting compensation is possible with the help of an attorney. Indeed, a person with no experience cannot handle the legalities without making a mistake or being confused. So, make sure you get in touch with a reputed firm like Wattel & York to work out your case efficiently.
When are drivers liable for a vehicle malfunction?
Since drivers are expected to keep up with their vehicle’s maintenance, they may be held liable when their vehicle malfunctions. A responsible driver is aware of their car’s condition and understands whether it would be safe to take it out on the road. The other party might be liable for your injuries if they didn’t follow routine checkups. If that is the case, you can get assistance from an accident lawyer from a reputable company like The Keating Firm LTD. (https://www.keatingfirmlaw.com/nashville-truck-accident-lawyer) who can help prosecute the other party.
However, if they did follow the routine checkups and got everything fixed, but the accident happened anyway, the repair shop may be at fault. In a nutshell, if your vehicle’s malfunction has caused the accident then you are responsible whereas if the other party has done the mistake, you can take legal actions against them.
