Car accidents can happen for many reasons, including driver error, bad weather, or road conditions. At other times, a faulty part or system in the vehicle can suddenly fail and cause a crash. When that happens, figuring out who is responsible becomes more complicated.
Why car defects happen
A car defect is a problem with the vehicle that makes it unsafe to drive. Some common defects include brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, or faulty airbags. These issues can happen because of poor manufacturing, design flaws, or a lack of proper maintenance. If a defect causes or worsens an accident, someone may need to answer for it.
In Pennsylvania, the person or company responsible for the defect could face liability. This could be the vehicle manufacturer, a parts supplier, or even a repair shop. The key question becomes whether the defect existed when the car left the factory or if it happened later because of poor repairs or worn-out parts.
However, drivers must also do their part. If a driver knows about a problem and ignores it, they could share some blame. For instance, if a check engine light stays on for weeks and the driver does nothing, they might carry partial fault if that issue leads to an accident. Pennsylvania follows a principle called “comparative fault,” which means that if more than one party caused the accident, each one gets assigned a percentage of the blame.
What to do after an accident involving a defect
After a crash, the injured should first focus on getting medical attention and reporting the accident. It’s a good idea to keep as much evidence as possible, such as photos of the damage or a copy of the police report. If a party to the accident suspects that a defect played a role, preserving the car in its current state can provide valuable evidence. Therefore, the owner would not want to rush to repair or scrap it. Experts may need to inspect the vehicle to confirm the defect.
Determining whether a car defect contributed to an accident plays a key role in understanding what really happened and who is responsible. It helps uncover the true cause of the crash and ensures that those at fault cover the damages of those they injured.
