Do Mechanical Failures Count As Wrongful Death In Auto Accidents?
Yes, mechanical failures can qualify as wrongful death if improper maintenance, a defective vehicle part, or negligent repairs cause a fatal accident. In these cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to manufacturers, repair shops, maintenance providers, or vehicle owners.
At Todd Miner Law, we have 32 years of legal experience, working as an Assistant State Attorney and an insurance defense attorney. This experience helps us understand defense strategies and build evidence-based claims. We conduct detailed investigations, work with engineering experts, and preserve important evidence to identify every party responsible for the victim’s death. For trusted guidance from experienced car accident lawyers, contact us at 407-894-1480.
Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim If a Mechanical Failure Caused the Accident?
Yes, you can file a wrongful death claim if a car crash was caused by a defective component, such as faulty brakes, a tire blowout, or an airbag that failed to deploy. In these situations, the deceased person’s estate may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer or another responsible party.
In these cases, liability is established through accident reconstruction, vehicle inspections, maintenance records, and expert testimony. Therefore, to succeed in a wrongful death case and pursue compensation, you need to prove the following elements:
- A Duty of Care existed: The defendant (e.g., manufacturer or mechanic) had a responsibility to ensure the vehicle or part was safe.
- A Breach of Duty occurred: The responsible party failed to uphold their safety obligations, such as making a defective part, performing careless repairs, or ignoring important recalls and safety warnings.
- Causation: The specific mechanical failure directly caused the fatal accident.
- Damages: The death caused financial and emotional losses, such as funeral expenses, lost income, serious injuries, and loss of a family member.
What Types Of Mechanical Failures Most Commonly Cause Fatal Accidents?
Brake system failures, tire blowouts, steering or suspension defects, engine malfunctions, and faulty airbags or seatbelts are common examples of mechanical failures that cause fatal crashes. These failures can cause sudden loss of control, delayed stopping, or a lack of occupant protection, which significantly increases the risk of a deadly crash.
According to NHTSA, tire and wheel defects account for approximately 35% of crashes caused by mechanical failures. Besides this, many fatal accidents occur because these defects go unnoticed or unrepaired. In most cases, the underlying cause is poor maintenance, defective manufacturing, or improper repairs, which lead to the following mechanical failures:
- Worn tie rods or failed ball joints can cause an immediate loss of control, especially at high speeds.
- Engine or transmission malfunctions can also cause sudden stopping in active traffic, which may trigger severe rear-end collisions.
- Light and visibility failures, including defective headlights, brake lights, or windshield wipers, reduce the at-fault driver’s awareness during nighttime driving or in adverse weather conditions.
Furthermore, a PubMed study reports that older vehicles (15 years old) and downhill road segments were more likely to experience brake failures, which, in turn, were associated with more severe injury outcomes for occupants.
How Can You Prove a Mechanical Defect Caused The Death?
To prove a car accident caused by mechanical failure, preserve the vehicle, identify the defective component, and support your claim with expert analysis. You should also collect forensic inspections, black-box data, maintenance records, and expert testimony to link the car accident to distracted driving or a safety-system failure.
To further support your claim, gather the following important evidence:
- Inspect physical evidence: Consult forensic engineers to examine brakes, steering systems, tires, and airbags, which help you determine pre-existing defects before a crash.
- Analyze component failure: Experts look for structural flaws, corrosion, improper materials, or manufacturing and assembly errors to prove a mechanical fault.
- Use expert testimony: Accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, and biomechanical or medical experts connect the mechanical failure to the crash dynamics and fatal injuries.
- Document the scene: Collect photos, videos, debris patterns, and skid marks statements that confirm the car’s speed before the crash.
Does A Product Recall Automatically Prove Fault In A Mechanical Failure Wrongful Death Claim?
No, a product recall does not automatically establish fault in a wrongful death case. While a recall can be compelling evidence of a known safety defect, liability still depends on proving a direct connection between the recalled product, the mechanical failure, and the death. For example, AP News reported that a Miami-Dade jury awarded $3 million after a Takata airbag inflator ruptured during a crash and caused severe injuries. Although the airbag was subject to a nationwide recall, the jury still found liability based on evidence that the defective inflator caused the harm.
What If The At-Fault Driver Also Died In A Mechanical Failure Crash?
If the negligent driver died in a mechanical failure crash, you can still recover compensation by filing a wrongful death claim against their estate and insurer. You can also pursue a claim against other responsible parties (like manufacturers or repairers) when a defect or negligent maintenance caused the accident.
Additionally, if the damages exceed the insurance policy limits, you have to file a claim against the driver’s estate in probate court. On the other hand, if the deceased driver had no insurance or if their policy is insufficient, you can file a claim through your own insurance policy’s UIM coverage. In such cases, you need police reports, accident photos, and medical records to prove your damages. You should also appoint a personal representative to handle the probate aspects of the claim.
At Todd Miner Law, we carefully assess the crash circumstances, examine vehicle history, and component performance to determine accountability. Then, we build a strategic claim that targets every liable party, including corporate and commercial defendants, to protect your rights. Reach out today for a free consultation to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages.
How Do Insurers Investigate a Fatal Mechanical Failure Accident?
Investigators download data from the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder to analyze speed, braking, and steering actions during mechanical failure accidents. They also hire mechanical and forensic experts to identify failed components, such as braking systems, steering, or tires, and to check for signs of defective parts or lack of maintenance.
To determine the cause of death and contributing factors, they examine law enforcement reports, witness statements, and autopsies. Insurers also review service and repair records, manufacturer recalls, and maintenance history to determine negligence. Furthermore, they collect additional evidence to reconstruct the accident timeline, such as:
- Broken parts of the car
- Skid marks
- Dashcam footage
- Statements from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers
- Bad weather conditions, visibility, and signage at the crash site
How Can Todd Miner Law Support Families After A Fatal Auto Defect Accident?
With decades of experience in automotive defect and wrongful death cases, Todd Miner Law takes immediate legal action to investigate the defect, identify responsible manufacturers, and build a wrongful death case. Our team conducts in-depth mechanical investigations, accident reconstruction, and strategic litigation to establish liability and secure the maximum compensation for your loved ones. Additionally, we collaborate with forensic engineers, biomechanical specialists, and industry experts to determine the exact cause of defects and handle insurer negotiations. Schedule your consultation today to prove the driver’s negligence and take legal action against biased insurers.
What Defenses Do Manufacturers Use In Fatal Defect Claims?
To limit liability, manufacturers often argue that the defect was not the cause of the crash. They may claim that the vehicle was misused, improperly maintained, or that the driver’s own actions led to the accident. In support of these defenses, manufacturers often cite compliance with industry standards, dispute expert testimony, or argue that an existing recall already addressed potential risks.
Contact Todd Miner Law to Find Out If Your Mechanical Failure Counts as Wrongful Death In Auto Accidents!
If you have lost a loved one in Florida due to a defective auto part accident, you may have to face complex legal challenges under state traffic laws and the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). In these cases, manufacturers may use defensive strategies to deny your claim and reduce liability.
Recognized as the best injury law firm in Winter Park, Deltona, and Tavares, Todd Miner Law legal experts reconstruct the accident using engineering analysis to strengthen your case. Our experienced litigators also secure missed evidence and collaborate with mechanical experts to challenge insurer defenses. Visit our Orlando office or contact 407-894-1480 to consult your case details with our defense lawyers.
FAQs
Does Insurance Pay Out For Mechanical Failure?
Yes, insurance may pay for losses caused by mechanical failure, depending on the policy type and circumstances. Comprehensive or product liability coverage may apply if a defect caused the crash. However, standard auto liability insurance often denies claims if poor maintenance or wear and tear caused the failure rather than an unexpected defect.
What If The Vehicle Had A Known Issue But Wasn’t Repaired?
If the vehicle owner knew of a mechanical issue and failed to repair it, insurers and defendants may argue that negligence occurred. This can reduce or deny coverage and damages. In such cases, investigators review warnings, repair estimates, and service recommendations to determine whether the owner’s action causes the fatal accident.
Can Maintenance Records Be Subpoenaed In Wrongful Death Claims?
Yes, attorneys can subpoena maintenance and repair records in wrongful death claims. These records help establish whether the vehicle was properly maintained or if ignored defects caused the crash. During the discovery process, courts often allow access to dealership records, mechanic invoices, inspection reports, and warranty service histories.
Can Families File Both Wrongful Death And Product Liability Claims?
Yes, families can file both wrongful death and product liability claims when a defective vehicle or component caused a fatal crash. Wrongful death claims address losses suffered by surviving relatives, while product liability claims target manufacturers or suppliers. Filing both claims holds all responsible parties financially accountable and helps you secure maximum compensation.
What Percentage Of Car Accidents Are Caused By Mechanical Failure?
Mechanical failures account for a smaller percentage of car accidents, generally estimated between 2% and 6%. While less common than driver negligence, most cases often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Brake failures, tire defects, and steering issues are among the most common causes of mechanical failures.
How Long Does It Take To Investigate A Fatal Car Accident?
Investigating a fatal car accident can take several months to over a year. However, the timeline depends on evidence preservation, forensic inspections, expert analysis, and insurance cooperation. Complex mechanical failure cases require detailed engineering reviews and accident reconstruction, which may prolong the timeline of investigators.
What Damages Are Available In Mechanical Failure Wrongful Death Cases?
Mechanical failure wrongful death claims may include damages for funeral costs, medical expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Families may also recover future earnings and benefits the deceased would have provided. Additionally, in cases involving gross negligence or defects, courts may award punitive damages to deter misconduct.
