Car accidents in Indiana can occur for a variety of reasons, with the primary causes being distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, poor road conditions, driver fatigue, and reckless driving. A less common occurrence relates to vehicle malfunctions, which can include brake failure, steering issues, and tire blowouts. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident and suspect a mechanical failure or defect contributed to the accident, it’s important to understand the legal ramifications for such incidents in order to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
As vehicles become more technologically advanced and equipped with autonomous driving and advanced computer systems, it’s critical to understand how any potential mechanical or technical issue can contribute to a crash and who may be held responsible.
When a car crash occurs and mechanical failure is suspected, investigators will first want to know if the vehicle was properly maintained. Frequent maintenance is a critical responsibility of car owners. If a vehicle part or component fails as the result of poor upkeep or negligent maintenance, the driver will typically be held liable for the accident. However, if a car or truck malfunctions despite documentation of proper upkeep, other parties may be held responsible, including manufacturers, car mechanics, or repair shops.
It’s important to remember that Indiana follows the modified comparative fault rule for negligence lawsuits, meaning more than one party can share responsibility in an accident, even if a vehicle malfunction did not fully contribute to the incident. In a modified comparative fault system, the courts consider the degree of fault attributed to each party involved in the lawsuit, including the plaintiff. Therefore, individuals cannot recover compensation if they are found to be 51% or more at-fault in an accident.
When a car crash results from mechanical failure, determining fault can often be challenging, depending on maintenance history, repair work, and potentially known manufacturer defects. Seeking compensation in such cases requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, particularly one who specializes in navigating the complexities of negligence claims.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and suspect mechanical issues contributed to your crash, contact our personal injury law firm and we will be happy to review your case. Hurst Limontes works on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we reach a settlement or jury verdict award on your behalf.
Call 317-636-0808, email us for a FREE and confidential consultation, or complete the contact form below.
