Brake Failure and Mechanical Failure Accidents

You count on your car to operate as it’s intended to, so when defective brakes, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or other mechanical issues happen, the sudden loss of control of your car can lead to an accident. These collisions can happen even if you’re an excellent driver. Even worse, when your car fails to operate as you expect, you may be blamed for the accident, or you may find yourself in a single-vehicle accident and unsure about what to do next.

One thing you can do if you find yourself injured in a car accident is to reach out to The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel for a free consultation. With almost 40 years of experience representing clients across Westchester, the Bronx, as well as Kings, Orange, New York, Queens, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties, attorney Mark A. Siesel has the knowledge to help victims pursue justice after serious accidents. If you have been injured, schedule a free consultation today.

Common Types of Mechanical Failure Accidents

Some systems in cars and trucks are especially prone to failure. This can lead to:

• Brake failure, often caused by worn pads or faulty brake lines.
• Tire blowouts due to poorly maintained tires or manufacturer defects.
• Steering and suspension problems, which can cause drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicle.
• Transmission and engine failures, usually caused by manufacturer defects or long-term maintenance neglect.
• Faulty lights or signals, including defective headlights, brake lights, or turn signals.

Who Is Responsible?

If you see another car swerving on the road and crashing into your car, you may not know what happened. It’s challenging to determine what caused a brake failure or mechanical failure car accident, which can make it challenging to find all liable parties. In these cases, a thorough investigation may find that responsibility rests with:

• Vehicle manufacturers, if a design or manufacturing defect caused the failure.
• Repair shops and mechanics, when negligent repairs or missed inspections contributed to the crash.
• Commercial carriers, if trucking or bus companies failed to follow required maintenance schedules.
• Parts suppliers, when defective replacement parts played a role.
• Drivers, if they ignored warning signs or failed to properly maintain their own vehicles.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we conduct thorough investigations, often working with mechanical experts and accident reconstruction specialists to determine what happened and who should be held accountable.

Compensation in Brake and Mechanical Failure Cases

If you were injured in a mechanical failure accident, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. In New York, potential damages include:

1. Pain and suffering.
2. Past and future medical expenses.
3. Past and future earnings and loss of earning capacity.
4. Property damage.
5. Additional expenses related to your injuries and losses.

Every case is unique and how much compensation you can seek can depend on the defendants, the cause of the crash, the strength of your case, the severity of your injuries, and other factors. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we explain what you can expect from the process and we seek the fairest compensation possible through negotiation, and, if necessary, by taking your case to court.

Why Tech Hasn’t Solved Mechanical Failure Accidents

Today’s vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability control systems, backup cameras, and even automated emergency braking. Yet despite these technological improvements, mechanical failures continue to cause accidents across New York.

One reason is that technology adds complexity. The more advanced systems a car has, the more components there are that can malfunction if they’re not properly designed, manufactured, or maintained. A defective sensor in an anti-lock brake system can be just as dangerous as worn brake pads, and sometimes harder to detect before it’s too late.

The likelihood of failure also increases with more complex systems. Sensors and other electronic components may be more vulnerable to bad weather and extreme temperatures. Complex systems also add more maintenance requirements and costs, which not all drivers are willing to pay.  In commercial trucking and bus fleets, for example, pressure to keep vehicles on the road and a desire to protect the bottom line can lead companies to cut corners on inspections, which puts everyone at risk.

Finally, the same problems that have always existed are still a factor. Defective parts still make it into circulation and recalls sometimes come only after accidents have already occurred. Modern technology may reduce certain risks, but it does not eliminate the danger of mechanical failure.

What To Do After a Mechanical Failure Accident

If you are involved in a crash and you suspect brake failure or mechanical failure, here’s what to do:

1. Seek immediate medical care. Call 911 if anyone at the scene is seriously injured. Even if you are lucky enough to walk away and don’t have any obvious symptoms, get a medical evaluation as soon as you can to rule out internal injuries, hairline fractures, soft tissue injuries, and head trauma. All of these conditions can have symptoms that are easy to miss at first.
2. Call law enforcement and your insurer. You are legally required to report an accident in New York state, and your insurer has their own reporting requirements.
3. Document the scene. Even if you just have your phone, take photos of vehicles, damage, and road conditions if possible. Write down anything you noticed and get the insurance and vehicle information of any other driver involved.
4. Preserve the vehicle. Do not allow repairs or disposal of your car until it can be inspected by experts. Always consult with your attorney before making any decisions about what to do with your vehicle.
5. Contact an attorney quickly. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we get back to you the same day in many cases, and always within 24 business hours, so you can get answers fast.

The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel provides a free consultation to discuss your next steps.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel

While New York has made progress in roadway safety, defective vehicles and negligent maintenance continue to pose risks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a brake failure or mechanical failure accident, contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel. With almost 40 years of experience and a history of building lasting client relationships, we pursue fair compensation and we always treat you with care and respect.

We proudly represent clients in:

• Westchester
• Bronx
• Kings
• Orange
• Rockland
• Putnam
• Dutchess
• Ulster
• Sullivan

We provide a free consultation if you have been injured, so you can review whether you may have a claim with no obligation and no cost. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.