Car accidents don’t always occur due to distracted driving or speeding. Sometimes, the cause is hidden under the hood. Worn brakes, bald tires, or ignored recall notices can make a vehicle dangerous long before it enters traffic. When that neglect causes a crash, the law allows victims to pursue compensation from those responsible for upkeep. Here’s what you need to know about determining liability for accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles.
What Kinds of Vehicle Maintenance Issues Cause Accidents?
Every vehicle requires ongoing maintenance to stay safe. When owners or operators fail to address common problems, the risk of accidents rises sharply. Some of the most frequent issues include:
- Brakes — Worn pads, leaking brake fluid, or complete brake failure can prevent a driver from stopping in time.
- Tires — Bald tread, underinflation, or blowouts often lead to loss of control, especially at high speeds.
- Lights — Broken headlights, taillights, or turn signals reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of crashes, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
- Steering and suspension systems — Neglected repairs can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Windshield wipers and visibility — Simple failures, such as old wiper blades or a cracked windshield, can compromise a driver’s view of the road.
According to federal transportation data, equipment failure is a contributing factor in thousands of crashes each year—a reminder that vehicle maintenance is not just a personal responsibility, but a public safety issue.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Poorly Maintained Vehicle Accident?
Liability isn’t limited to the driver behind the wheel. Several parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances:
- Vehicle owner or driver — The most obvious liable party if routine maintenance, such as replacing tires or repairing brakes, was ignored.
- Employers or commercial carriers — Companies that operate fleets can be held accountable when trucks or delivery vehicles aren’t properly serviced.
- Repair shops or mechanics — If a shop’s negligence worsened the problem or failed to fix an issue it should have identified, it may share liability.
- Manufacturers — If the accident stemmed from a defect or recall that was not adequately addressed, the automaker could face claims.
Illinois law defines negligence as the failure to act with reasonable care and caution. That principle extends to anyone with a duty to maintain a safe vehicle.
How Do You Prove Poor Maintenance Caused the Accident?
Proving that lack of maintenance caused an accident takes careful investigation. Key steps include:
- Vehicle inspections after the crash are to uncover worn or broken parts.
- Repair and maintenance records that show whether issues were ignored or improperly handled.
- Accident reconstruction evidence connecting the mechanical failure to how the crash unfolded.
- Expert or eyewitness testimony explaining why a tire blowout or brake failure was the triggering factor.
Insurance companies often attempt to argue that driver error, rather than mechanical failure, caused the accident. Strong documentation and expert analysis can make the difference in holding the right party accountable.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in These Cases?
Victims of accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members if the crash was fatal
In cases where neglect was especially reckless—such as a company ignoring repeated safety warnings—punitive damages may also be available to punish and deter future misconduct.
Why Experienced Legal Counsel Matters in Vehicle Maintenance Cases
Claims involving poor vehicle maintenance are complex. They often involve multiple liable parties, technical evidence, and pushback from insurers eager to deny responsibility. An experienced personal injury lawyer can:
- Work with mechanics, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to build your case
- Uncover hidden maintenance or inspection failures
- Challenge the insurance company’s defenses
- Negotiate aggressively for fair settlements or take your case to trial when needed
At Stein & Shulman, we bring over 45 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $40 million for injury victims across Illinois. Our team understands how to investigate vehicle maintenance issues and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Talk to a Northbrook Car Accident Lawyer Today
Accidents caused by poorly maintained vehicles are preventable. When neglect puts lives at risk, those responsible should be held accountable. You don’t have to face the financial and emotional toll alone. Our car accident lawyers will review your case, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact Stein & Shulman today for a free consultation.
