Mechanical Failure Caused My Car Accident in Pennsylvania. Now What?

Being involved in a car accident is always a stressful experience. Mechanical issues—such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions—are responsible for a significant number of accidents each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), mechanical failure contributes to approximately 12% of vehicle crashes nationwide. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a mechanical defect, understanding your legal rights and knowing what steps to take next is essential for protecting yourself and securing the compensation you deserve.

Pennsylvania law allows car accident victims to pursue compensation if a mechanical failure played a role in causing the crash. After a mechanical failure accident, the first steps you take can greatly impact the outcome of your case. Seeking medical attention, documenting the scene, and preserving evidence—such as maintenance records and inspection reports—are essential to building a strong claim. Working with a personal injury lawyer who understands Pennsylvania’s specific laws regarding mechanical failure in car accidents will help you secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Below, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident that was caused by mechanical failure.

Who Is Liable for a Car Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, determining liability for a car accident caused by mechanical failure can be complicated, as multiple parties might share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Liability often hinges on understanding what caused the mechanical failure and who may have contributed to the defect or lack of maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of who might be liable:

Vehicle Owner

The vehicle owner may be held liable if the accident was caused by poor vehicle maintenance or failure to address a known issue. Pennsylvania requires that vehicle owners maintain their cars in safe working order, especially for critical components like brakes, tires, and lights. For example, if a driver knew about faulty brakes but continued to drive without repairing them, the owner could be held responsible for any resulting accidents. However, if the vehicle owner had no knowledge of the defect or if the issue was unforeseeable, liability might shift elsewhere.

Mechanics and Repair Shops

If the accident was due to recent repairs or maintenance work, the mechanic or repair shop that serviced the vehicle could be liable. For instance, if a repair shop failed to properly secure brake components or neglected to identify a clear problem during a routine checkup, they may be at fault for negligence. The repair shop is expected to perform work competently and inform the owner of any critical issues discovered during inspections. Failing to meet these expectations can result in liability if the failure leads to an accident.

Vehicle Manufacturers

In cases where the mechanical failure resulted from a defect in the vehicle or its parts, the manufacturer might bear liability. Under product liability law, manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their vehicles are safe and free from design flaws or defects. For example, if a tire blowout occurred due to a defect in tire design or manufacturing, the tire manufacturer could be liable. Pennsylvania allows victims to hold manufacturers accountable when they can demonstrate that the defect was directly responsible for the accident and injuries.

Part Suppliers

When a faulty part leads to mechanical failure, the part supplier may also be liable. This can happen if the defective part was installed in the vehicle as a replacement and later malfunctioned. If the part did not meet safety standards or suffered from a defect in design, manufacturing, or installation, the supplier or distributor might be held accountable under Pennsylvania's product liability laws.

Vehicle Dealerships

In some instances, if the accident involves a newly purchased vehicle that had hidden defects, the dealership could share in the liability. Dealerships are required to disclose any known issues with vehicles they sell, whether new or used. If they fail to inform the buyer of a known mechanical defect or sell a vehicle with undisclosed issues, the dealership could be liable for the resulting accident.

Shared or Partial Liability in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning that multiple parties could share liability for a mechanical failure accident. For instance, if both the vehicle owner and the mechanic neglected their responsibilities (such as overlooking an issue during maintenance), liability could be split. Additionally, if the vehicle owner is found partially at fault (e.g., failing to maintain their vehicle despite warnings), any compensation they might receive could be reduced by their percentage of fault.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure in Pennsylvania?

If you've been in a car accident caused by mechanical failure in Pennsylvania, taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your rights, health, and potential compensation claim. Here’s a list of what you should do:

1. Ensure Safety First

Move to a safe location if possible, away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers, and, if safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road.

2. Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 for medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor, as some may not be immediately apparent.

3. Call the Police

Report the accident to local law enforcement, especially since mechanical failure could complicate liability. The police report will document the accident details, which can support your insurance claim and legal case.

4. Document the Accident Scene

Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle, the surroundings, and the mechanical component that failed (e.g., brakes, tires).
Capture road conditions, weather, and other relevant details that might have contributed to the accident.

5. Gather Witness Information

If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact details. Their accounts can be helpful for proving how the accident happened and may provide insight into the mechanical failure.

6. Exchange Information

Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with other drivers involved in the accident. This includes sharing vehicle make and model details as well as license plate numbers.

7. Preserve Evidence of the Mechanical Failure

Avoid having the vehicle repaired immediately, as the failed component could be critical evidence in proving the mechanical defect caused the accident.
Keep all maintenance and repair records, as these documents can demonstrate that you followed routine maintenance and weren’t negligent in caring for your vehicle.

8. Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider to report the accident as soon as possible. Be honest about the cause of the accident and provide any supporting documentation requested.

9. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not manifest until later. Seeing a medical professional also creates documentation of your injuries, which can be very important for your claim.

10. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Reach out to an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney, particularly one familiar with cases involving mechanical failure. They can help you identify liable parties (e.g., manufacturer, repair shop) and guide you through the legal process of securing compensation.

Following these steps can protect your rights and strengthen your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while preserving critical evidence to support any legal claims or insurance settlements.

What Compensation Can I Get for a Mechanical Failure Car Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by mechanical failure in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for various types of compensation. Here’s a detailed list of what you can potentially recover:

1. Medical Expenses

Current Medical Bills: This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medication, and any other immediate medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident.
Future Medical Costs: If the accident caused long-term injuries, you might receive compensation for anticipated future medical needs, such as physical therapy, surgeries, or ongoing treatment.
Rehabilitation Services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation required to help you regain functionality and adapt after injuries.

2. Lost Wages

Missed Work: If you’ve had to miss work due to injuries from the accident, you can seek compensation for the income you lost during that time.
Diminished Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to perform your job or limit the type of work you can do, you may be eligible for compensation that accounts for this reduction in future earning potential.

3. Pain and Suffering

Physical Pain: Compensation can be awarded for the physical discomfort and pain resulting from accident-related injuries.
Emotional Distress: This includes psychological effects like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or any emotional trauma stemming from the accident or its aftermath.

4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities, hobbies, or personal interests that were part of your life before the accident, you may be compensated for this loss.

5. Property Damage

Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: This covers the cost of repairing your damaged vehicle or, if it was totaled, replacing it with a similar vehicle.
Personal Belongings: If any personal items (like electronics, clothing, or valuables) were damaged in the accident, you may recover costs for these items.

6. Loss of Consortium

If your injuries affect your relationship with a spouse or partner, your spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, or support resulting from your accident-related injuries.

7. Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If the accident left you with a permanent disability or visible disfigurement, you may receive additional compensation to address these lasting impacts, including costs for potential future care and emotional suffering.

8. Punitive Damages

In cases where the responsible party’s negligence was extreme, such as a manufacturer knowingly releasing defective parts, Pennsylvania courts may award punitive damages to punish the party and deter similar actions in the future.

9. Legal Fees and Court Costs

In some cases, you may recover the costs of attorney fees, filing fees, and other court expenses related to pursuing your compensation claim, especially if the responsible party’s fault was clear.

10. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for costs associated with travel to and from medical appointments or therapy sessions related to your injuries.
Home Modifications: If a permanent injury requires you to modify your home (e.g., adding wheelchair ramps), you may seek compensation for these expenses.
Assistive Devices: Costs for devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, or other aids needed to help with your daily life after the accident.

Each of these forms of compensation can help address the financial impact of an accident caused by mechanical failure, allowing you to focus on recovery. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation based on the specific details of your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Car Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure?

In Pennsylvania, the time you have to file a claim for a car accident caused by mechanical failure depends on the statute of limitations, which is generally two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to both personal injury and property damage claims, meaning that if you were injured or your vehicle was damaged, you have two years to initiate a lawsuit to seek compensation. Missing this deadline can bar you from pursuing a claim, so it’s important to act within the specified timeframe.

Injured in a Car Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure? Brandon J. Broderick Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve. Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

A car accident can turn your life upside down in an instant, leaving you with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. Our dedicated team is here to listen to your story, fight for your rights, and make sure you receive the compensation you need to recover. We are committed to standing by your side every step of the way, offering the support and guidance you deserve.