Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a mechanical failure, not driver error? You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, all through no fault of your own. You must retain an attorney who understands these accidents and the unique challenges they present while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let a car accident caused by a mechanical failure leave you financially burdened. You need an attorney that fights for your rights and holds the responsible parties accountable. Read on to learn more about these car accidents and how an attorney can help you.
Who Is Responsible for a Car Accident Caused by a Mechanical Failure?
When a mechanical issue like a faulty brake system, a tire blowout, or a steering malfunction leads to a crash, the situation becomes more complex. Mechanical failures can cause devastating accidents, leaving you injured and confused about who’s to blame.
Proving liability requires going beyond the typical driver negligence investigation. Here’s a breakdown of potential parties responsible for your losses.
- Vehicle Manufacturer. Did a design flaw or faulty parts cause the breakdown? Manufacturers are legally obligated to produce safe vehicles. If a defect led to the accident, they may be liable.
- Mechanics or Repair Shops. Did a recent repair contribute to the failure? Mechanics must perform repairs correctly. If their negligence caused the accident, you may have a case.
- Parts Manufacturers. Sometimes, faulty components from a third-party supplier are the culprits. If a defective part, like a tire or brake pad, triggers the crash, the parts manufacturer could be responsible.
- Vehicle Owner. In some cases, the owner might share some blame. Did they ignore warning signs of trouble, like grinding brakes or a malfunctioning light? Failing to maintain the car properly could impact the liability.
The blame for a mechanical failure accident isn’t always clear-cut. Don’t get lost in a maze of finger-pointing. An experienced attorney has the expertise to investigate the cause, determine liability, and hold the responsible party accountable.
What Can I Recover After a Mechanical Failure Accident?
The physical and emotional toll of a car accident can be immense, but you shouldn’t also have to shoulder a growing financial burden. California law allows you to recover various damages to get back on your feet. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be entitled to:
Economic damages represent the financial losses associated with the accident and include the following:
- Medical Expenses. All past, present, and future medical bills related to your injuries cover doctor visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing care you might require.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity. Compensation for wages lost due to your inability to work while recovering, including future lost income if your injuries affect your earning capacity.
- Car Repairs. The cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses. These expenses include towing fees, rental car costs, or any other expenses incurred due to the accident.
Save medical bills, pay stubs for lost wages, and car repair receipts. These are key to proving the financial losses you’ve suffered.
Non-economic damages are awarded for the intangible losses you’ve suffered, including:
- Pain and Suffering. Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to the accident.
- Mental Anguish. These losses cover emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD stemming from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. If your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, you might be entitled to compensation.
- Loss of Consortium. Compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support from your spouse due to the accident.
Proving non-economic damages requires documenting your injuries’ impact on your life. Keep a journal detailing pain levels and limitations. Your attorney gathers witness statements from friends, family, and colleagues describing how your injuries have affected your daily activities and mood. These help paint a clear picture of your suffering.
How Can an Attorney Help Me?
Knowing what happens if the accident is the result of a mechanical failure can be confusing and overwhelming. An attorney specializing in these cases is your unwavering advocate, navigating the complexities and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigate the Cause. Mechanical failures demand a deep investigation into the cause. Your attorney meticulously examines police reports, witness statements, and, most importantly, the malfunctioning vehicle itself.
- Gather Evidence. Building a solid case hinges on comprehensive evidence. Your attorney will gather all relevant documents, including police reports, medical records, repair estimates, witness statements and proof of lost wages.
- Calculate the Value of Your Case. Accidents exact a toll beyond immediate medical bills. Your attorney calculates the total value of your case, factoring in medical expenses (present and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, car repairs, and any other relevant damages.
- Determine Liability. It’s crucial to pinpoint who’s responsible. The investigation will help your attorney determine whether the at-fault party, a single entity or multiple parties, shares the blame.
- Negotiate a Settlement. Most cases settle before reaching court. Your attorney leverages their negotiation expertise to secure a favorable settlement.
- Litigate Your Case. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney takes your case to court.
Don’t face this challenge alone. Your attorney is on your side and fights tirelessly for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact a qualified attorney today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.
California’s #1 Car Accident Lawyer
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, clients count on our demonstrated ability to achieve justice, even in the most unique and complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. Although we cannot guarantee a particular outcome, we have a strong track record of success. We’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in judgments and settlements for clients.
Our team of personal injury lawyers are standing by to help you in your time of need. Knowing what to do after a severe accident that caused you injuries and losses can be an overwhelming experience, but we are here to help you understand that you aren’t alone.
If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed through someone else’s negligence or misconduct, contact the attorneys at Wells Call Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
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