Not all car crashes involving motor vehicles are caused by driver negligence or error. Sometimes, car crashes point to a much larger underlying issue, like a mechanical failure. Mechanical failure can stem from the negligence of the car manufacturer, designer, driver, or mechanic.
Due to the complexity of these cases, it’s in your best interests to have an experienced car crash lawyer advise you on the best next steps. In the meantime, review the following information regarding the possibility that a mechanic may be liable for compensating your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damages, and more.
Understanding Mechanic Liability in Car Accidents
When it comes to car accidents, the responsibility doesn’t always lie with the driver. Mechanics and auto repair shops can also be held accountable if their negligence leads to a car crash. Understanding mechanic liability is crucial for vehicle owners who rely on professionals to keep their cars in safe working condition. If a mechanic fails to perform their duties correctly, the consequences can be severe, leading to accidents that could have been prevented with proper care and attention.
What Car Maintenance and Repair Failures Can Cause a Car Accident?
Car maintenance and repair failures can significantly increase the risk of a car accident. Here are some common examples of such failures:
- Brake Failure: Worn-out brake pads or faulty brake systems can lead to a loss of control, making it impossible to stop the vehicle in time and resulting in a car accident.
- Tire Failure: Underinflated or worn-out tires can cause a blowout, leading to a sudden loss of control and potentially causing a car accident.
- Steering and Suspension Issues: Faulty steering or suspension systems can affect the vehicle’s stability, making it more prone to accidents, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
- Electrical System Failures: Faulty wiring or electrical components can cause a range of issues, including malfunctioning brakes, lights, or signals, which can contribute to a car accident.
These examples highlight the importance of regular maintenance and the need for skilled mechanics to perform repairs correctly. When these systems fail due to negligence, the results can be catastrophic.
Why Can Car Mechanics and Auto Repair Shops Be Held Liable for Car Accidents?
Car mechanics and auto repair shops can be held liable for car accidents if their negligence or failure to perform proper repairs contributes to the accident. Here are some scenarios where liability may arise:
- Failure to Diagnose and Repair Issues: If a mechanic fails to identify and repair a problem, it can lead to a car accident. For instance, overlooking a worn-out brake pad can result in brake failure.
- Use of Defective Parts: Installing defective or low-quality parts can compromise the vehicle’s safety. If a mechanic uses a faulty brake component, it can lead to a car accident.
- Poor Workmanship: Substandard workmanship, such as faulty repairs or improper installation of parts, can lead to a car accident. For example, if a mechanic incorrectly installs a tire, it can come off while driving, causing an accident.
Mechanics and auto repair shops have a duty to ensure that repairs are performed correctly and that the vehicle is safe to drive. When they fail to meet this standard, they can be held accountable for any resulting accidents.
Elements of Mechanical Failure in Car Crashes Due to Defective Car Parts
The onset of mechanical failure is usually due to defects in material properties or handiwork. Whichever the case, mechanical failure often looks like faulty brakes, incorrectly inflated tires, broken tail or brake lights, steering and suspension issues, and damaged windshield wipers and defrosters. To prevent failure, drivers must see to regular vehicle maintenance and service, take initiative when issues arise, and adhere to issued recalls. Mechanical failures can lead to severe personal injuries, making it crucial for drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained.
Even so, frequent inspections for your car cannot stop a mechanic from providing poor vehicle servicing or repairs. If this is the case, your car accident case might be the basis for a negligence claim if it resulted in injuries.
How Mechanics May Be Responsible for Car Crashes
Suppose you fulfill your duty as a driver and get your vehicle serviced at a local maintenance shop. Perhaps you mentioned that you need a tire realignment. Because the reason for your visit has to do with your tires, your mechanic is responsible for not only performing the job effectively but also determining if any supplementary issues may require intervention. Many of us count on mechanics to identify such problems and conduct high-quality repairs because it’s merely something we can’t do on our own.
In such cases, an insurance company may conduct a thorough investigation to determine if mechanical defects contributed to the accident.
When mechanics fail to carry out their duties as per professional automotive standards, the consequences of their conduct can result in potentially catastrophic outcomes for victims. To hold a mechanic or auto repair shop liable, you must establish the following elements:
- The party owed a duty of care (based on the transaction taking place)
- The party breached its duty of care
- This breach is the direct cause of the accident
- Damages and injuries occurred
Cases of Negligent Mechanic Works in Repair Shops
When a repair is being made, mechanics may need to install, replace, fix, detach, or separate one or several connected car parts. Making the necessary adjustments requires an expert understanding of automotive equipment, tools, features, capacities, and functions. More importantly, mechanics must pay close attention to detail to perform adequate repair and service. In some cases, the mechanic’s negligence may shift the liability from the at-fault driver to the repair shop. This disregard can appear in the following:
- Buying aftermarket parts
- Inserting the wrong components
- Installing defective replacement parts
- Damaging another part during repairs
- Making unnecessary repairs
- Failing to discover apparent vehicle issues
- Performing unlawful vehicle modifications
- Letting unlicensed mechanics perform repairs
Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases
Proving negligence in car accident cases involving mechanics requires demonstrating that the mechanic or repair shop failed to meet their duty of care. Here are the key steps involved:
- Establish Duty of Care: Show that the mechanic or repair shop had a duty to perform repairs correctly and ensure the vehicle’s safety.
- Prove Breach of Duty: Demonstrate that the mechanic or repair shop breached this duty by failing to diagnose, repair, or use quality parts.
- Causation: Link the breach of duty directly to the car accident. This means showing that the accident would not have occurred if the mechanic had performed their job correctly.
- Damages: Provide evidence of the damages and injuries sustained as a result of the accident. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Working with a skilled legal team can help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case. If you believe a mechanic’s negligence contributed to your car accident, it’s essential to seek legal advice to understand your rights and pursue compensation.
By following these steps, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the justice you deserve.
Pennsylvania Car Crash Lawyers Offer Custom Legal Solutions
Was a defective car part or other mechanical malfunction the cause of your car crash in Pennsylvania? Bring your claim to the Pennsylvania car accident lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. Our legal team is well-versed in mechanical failure accidents that result in debilitating injuries or fatalities. We’ll analyze several factors to determine the root cause of your accident and fight to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your damages. Our firm offers a free consultation to help you understand your legal options without any financial commitment.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we strive to eliminate the double burden of dealing with insurance companies and trying to recover from your injuries after an accident. Our mission is to bring you justice by being your biggest advocate. Learn more about your rights and the elements needed to win your car accident case today by completing an online contact form or calling 215-822-7575 to consult a qualified accident lawyer.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
April 8, 2025
