Keeping up with vehicle maintenance is part of being a responsible driver. But what if something on your car fails even after you’ve seen a mechanic? What if it leads to an accident with injuries or deaths?
If faulty or neglected maintenance could have caused your accident, talk to a lawyer. You might be eligible for financial recovery, but these types of cases are complicated. An experienced lawyer can investigate and make sure you know your options.
John Foy & Associates can help you take action against the responsible party. You might be able to recover money for all of your accident costs. To learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Examples of Faulty Vehicle Maintenance
Cars and trucks are complicated devices. Without an expert eye, it can be hard to recognize or fix a vehicle issue. However, sometimes even experts fail to address a car’s maintenance needs.
Negligence mechanics or repair shops can make mistakes like:
- Installing a faulty vehicle part
- Causing damage while doing a repair
- Failing to see an issue that needs fixing
- Repairing the wrong part
- Leaving objects or debris in the vehicle
One error can change your life forever. For example, faulty brakes can lead to brake failure, which often causes deadly accidents. If you or a loved one were victims of an accident and incorrect maintenance could be to blame, you have rights.
Auto shops have a duty to perform proper maintenance. If they fail in that duty, they might be responsible for a resulting accident. It’s important to protect your rights after the crash by contacting a lawyer.
Your lawyer will investigate what happened. If poor maintenance contributed to the crash, your lawyer will determine who’s responsible.
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Who’s Liable for a Faulty or Neglected Maintenance Accident
You should not have to pay for a car accident that wasn’t your fault. But you must identify who is responsible before you can seek compensation.
With most car accidents, one or more drivers are at fault. That’s not always the case when maintenance issues are involved. A driver could be partially responsible for not keeping up with maintenance. However, an auto shop could also be partly at fault.
Auto Shops
Unfortunately, some companies are not straightforward about their services. Or, a manager or employee might be negligent in their work. Other times, a company might charge a driver for services they didn’t fully complete.
Faulty maintenance services can lead to accidents. If an auto shop is dishonest, its employees could cause issues that result in a crash at any time.
After your accident, talk to a lawyer about your concerns. Your lawyer will investigate the companies and what services it did on your car. If the company was careless, you probably have a case against them.
The Vehicle’s Driver
Some accidents happen because a driver didn’t keep up with car maintenance. As a result, something failed on the car and caused an accident. In that case, the driver is probably liable for your personal injury damages.
If another driver caused your accident, talk to a lawyer who can help you investigate. Identifying neglected maintenance isn’t easy. You’ll need to see if there is evidence of the other driver neglecting their vehicle’s needs.
A lawyer will help you put together a claim against whoever was at fault. Keep in mind that the repair shop or other driver will probably push back. No one wants to face a claim or lawsuit. But your lawyer will be ready to fight back for what you deserve.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Some maintenance-related accidents involve commercial vehicles. If a commercial car or truck caused your accident, it’s important to investigate. For example, large truck crashes can occur if someone doesn’t keep up with repair or maintenance.
Commercial drivers and companies have a higher duty of care under Official Code of Georgia (OCGA) §46-9-1. That includes making sure each vehicle is fit to drive. Large trucks must cover enormous amounts of miles at a time, often while carrying heavy cargo. If a truck is not safe to drive, it can cause a terrible accident.
Again, a lawyer will know how to investigate what happened. The commercial car or truck company could be at fault. Or, an auto or repair shop that worked on the vehicle could be at fault. In some cases, both parties might be partially responsible.
Handling the Insurance Company
Drivers and companies should carry insurance to protect them if an accident happens. If someone else caused your accident, you might be able to file an insurance claim to help cover your costs.
Insurance companies do not like to pay out on claims. They hire adjusters to look for ways to save money and pay less. Plus, insurance companies have their own team of lawyers to counter lawsuits.
Common insurance company tactics include:
- Offering you a lowball settlement
- Asking you to give a recorded statement
- Using something you say against you
- Downplaying the severity of your injuries
Thankfully, a car accident lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company. If you get a lowball offer, your lawyer will work to negotiate a better one. If you can’t settle and decide to file a lawsuit, your lawyer will help with each step.
Many insurance companies are willing to offer more if they see if you have a lawyer. An attorney shows the company that you’re serious about getting what you deserve. We encourage most injury victims to schedule free, no-risk consultation to learn more about their options.
Talk to a Faulty or Neglected Maintenance Lawyer for Free Today
If poor or neglected maintenance contributed to your accident, talk to a lawyer about your rights today. You have limited time to take legal action for what you deserve. Even a free consultation can help point you in the right direction.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for the full recovery you deserve, and there’s no cost unless we win you money.
To get a free consultation and learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
