How to Determine if a Car Accident Was Caused by Mechanical Failure Versus Driver Error

What is the Difference Between Human and Mechanical Error in Car Accidents?

After a car accident, personal injury lawyers in North Carolina must determine fault to help personal injury victims fight for the settlement they deserve for their injuries. One of the most challenging aspects of the process is establishing whether the accident was due to human or mechanical error.

Human error is a common cause of car crashes, but sometimes machines or computerized vehicle systems make mechanical errors, causing drivers to make bad choices that lead to unavoidable consequences. Differentiating between human and mechanical errors calls for an in-depth investigation into the crash to find out the following:

Human Error in Vehicle Accidents

Drivers often make mistakes that result in severe car collisions and injuries. Human error usually indicates negligence, and the driver could have prevented the damages with more careful task execution. Examples of human errors that contribute to most accidents include:

• Speeding or impatient driving
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Using handheld communication devices while driving
• Distracted driving that causes the driver to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel

If you got injured in an accident that you believe was due to human error, contact skilled car accident attorneys in North Carolina. They can investigate the case and help you hold the negligent driver liable to pursue compensation.

Mechanical Error in Vehicle Crashes

Mechanical error happens when a car fails in its ability to perform as it should, leading to a motor vehicle crash. Mechanical failure often results from inadequate maintenance or faulty vehicle parts, causing drivers to lose control of their cars, crash into other cars, or hit innocent pedestrians.

Skilled North Carolina car accident lawyers can look into your car accident case and determine if it was due to mechanical failure. After discussing the details with you, they can help you determine liability and claim compensation for your injuries from the liable party.

What Are Common Mechanical Errors that Lead to Accidents?

Some car parts fail more often than others, and when they do, they can lead to devastating injuries. Car accident lawyers in North Carolina often see the following types of mechanical failure when handling car crash claims on behalf of their clients:

• Brake failure: If car brakes fail, a driver cannot stop their car in time and may be unable to avoid a crash. Brake failure is the cause of many rear-end and T-bone collisions, with common problems being malfunctioning antilock brake systems (ABS), faulty or worn brake lines, and worn brake discs and pads.
• Tire problems: Tire failure can cause a car to spin out of control, swerve off the road, and crash into other vehicles. The most common issues around defective tire accidents are tread separation, manufacturing defects, retread failure, inadequate puncture repairs, unsuitable tires for the car, or worn-out tires that appear to be in good condition but are not.
• Steering issues: Steering, transmission, suspension, and engine-related problems can also account for mechanical failure. However, steering issues can be more challenging to document during the post-crash investigation than spotting work brakes and tires. Steering problems can make controlling the vehicle challenging or nearly impossible, leading to a crash.
• Lights: Properly working lights serve several functions, enabling a driver to see more clearly on the road in inclement weather and at night. They also make a car visible to other road users, and when lights fail, it can be impossible to signal to other drivers, leading to deadly crashes.
• Failed windshield wipers: A driver’s visibility is almost reduced to zero when windshield wipers malfunction. Wipers must work correctly in rain or snow, but they sometimes fail due to improper design or not being replaced on time.

While these are some of the most common mechanical failures that cause accidents, other malfunctioning parts can also be responsible for a crash. If you were involved in a car accident due to mechanical failure, your North Carolina personal injury attorneys can investigate the cause and advise on the legal steps to take.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident Due to Mechanical Failure?

Various parties could be held liable for an accident caused by mechanical failure. Car accident lawyers in North Carolina can use the evidence they collect and engage the services of car accident reconstruction experts to determine who is at fault. Potential parties that could be held liable for the crash are:

• Mechanics: Mechanics must properly service cars when they are due to ensure they operate smoothly. A mechanic may have poorly serviced a car, overlooking obvious defects or performing a less-than-perfect job, contributing to mechanical failure.
• Car owner: A car owner should maintain their car by regularly having a professional mechanic service it. If they know something is wrong with their vehicle but don’t have it repaired, they could be liable if they get into an accident.
• Car or parts manufacturers: Poorly constructed cars or defective parts can fail to operate correctly, leading to devastating accidents and life-long injuries. The manufacturer of the faulty part that contributed to the accident can be held legally liable.

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Helping You Determine Human or Mechanical Error After a Car Crash

Determining whether a car crash resulted from human or mechanical error can be challenging without the help of skilled car accident attorneys in North Carolina. They have the experience, skills, and knowledge to investigate car crashes to determine the cause and liability. With the information they collect, they can help you pursue compensation from the liable party.

Brent & Adams Associates is a personal injury law firm in North Carolina with experienced car accident lawyers. If you or your loved one were involved in a car accident, we can look into the case to investigate whether it was due to human or mechanical error. We can then help you file a compensation claim for your damages. Call us at 910-249-6891 to schedule a FREE consultation.