Auto Accidents Caused by Defective Steering
Few things are as important to vehicular safety as the ability to reliably and steadily maneuver a vehicle. Once control is lost, it can be difficult to avoid a serious accident, especially when traveling around curves or at high speeds. Worse yet, this loss of control can occur unexpectedly when a critical component fails, such as the steering system.
Accidents from steering failure can result in costly damages, injuries, or worse. If you suspect that a defective steering system is to blame for a recent accident, our personal injury lawyers are prepared to help. Refer to the information below in addition to contacting one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Steering System Failure
A steering wheel may seem simple in concept and usage - turn the wheel to turn the car - but the system is actually composed of a very complex, precise series of parts. If any one of those parts fails, it can compromise your ability to safely control the vehicle. Possible sources of error may arise from:
- Loose mounting bolts or brackets
- A broken power steering pump
- Defective hydraulic lines
- Broken ball joints
- Broken tie rods
- Leaks in power steering fluid lines
Depending on where the problem is, drivers may experience varying problems. In some cases, the wheel may lock in place, preventing the car from turning. Similarly, the car may not respond to the wheel’s movements. In other cases, the car may have a delayed response or power steering may fail, making the car very physically difficult to maneuver. These problems may cause accidents on their own, or they may cause the driver to suddenly lose control if regular steering kicks back in. No matter where the problem lies, a defective steering system is a dangerous threat to drivers and passengers alike.
Undetected Problems
Car owners may assume that, at least with older models, any possible problems have already been encountered by other drivers. However, defective parts can go years without being noticed, and it takes even longer for a manufacturer to publicly acknowledge them. In 2013, Ford recalled over 370,000 cars due to a steering defect that applied to models that were made as early as 2005. Prior to this recall, any accidents that arose from the defect would have surely been unexpected, and would have required full investigations to determine the underlying cause. If you have any suspicion that an accident was caused by a faulty steering system, speak with one of our auto accident lawyers; you may be the first victim of a fundamental problem in the car’s design.
Determining Liability for Defective Steering
Even if you are sure that a defective steering system is to blame, it can be quite difficult to prove. Typically, it takes multiple accounts and analyses by experts to build a case against a defective part, especially when there is no precedence for that specific part’s defectiveness yet. Furthermore, large car manufacturers will be quick to deny a problem and take whatever steps necessary to cover up their liability. It is therefore vital that clients contact us as soon as an accident occurs, so that we may begin consulting witnesses and experts, thus building a case for you and anyone else who may be threatened by the problem. If we can prove that the manufacturer or designer is at fault, you can gain compensation for any or all damages incurred by your accident.
Begin Building Your Case
A successful product liability lawsuit can free you of the financial burdens of your accident. You can be reimbursed for vehicular damage, property damage, hospital bills, ongoing medical care, and any lost wages due to missed work. When the defective product potentially affects hundreds or thousands of other people, punitive damage may also be sought.
Don’t waste another second if you have suffered due to a car manufacturer’s negligence. Call our office to begin building your case today.