Georgia Injury Law Blog
Mechanical failures in trucks and other motor vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents and injure vehicle occupants, as well as others at the scene. Just such an accident occurred August 25, 2026, when a dump truck suddenly lost power. The driver was unable to brake or steer, causing him to ram the vehicle into a Super H gas station in Bethlehem, Georgia. A store clerk inside the store was injured and taken to the hospital.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only about 2% of total crashes in the US are the direct result of a mechanical failure. This statistic does not mean that only 2% of crashes involve mechanical failure; rather, this statistic points to crashes in which the “critical reason” for the crash was mechanical failure. This does not include cases in which mechanical failure led to a driver overcorrecting, slamming on brakes, or swerving in response to a sudden issue with the vehicle. It can also be difficult to attribute 100% of fault in a crash to mechanical failure. Fault in these cases must be determined by post-crash investigation, and this can contradict police reports and witness statements that tend to focus on human error. There are also cases in which the driver ignored warning signs, such as low tire tread or dashboard warning lights, until it was too late.
Brake system failure represents 22% of accidents caused by mechanical failure, by far the most common cause of these crashes. Brake failures are often caused by worn brake pads, corrosion, or a leak in the brake line. These issues worsen over time, and can be easily missed without consistent vehicle checks with a mechanic. Other mechanical issues include tire blowouts or tread separation, steering system malfunctions, suspension system defects, and transmission failures.
In cases of mechanical failure, there are multiple parties that can potentially be held liable for damages. The most likely of these is the vehicle’s owner, since vehicle owners are expected to keep their vehicles in safe condition while operating. Owners should frequently check their tire pressure and tire tread, ensure that their lights and blinkers are working, and have their brakes tested regularly at a mechanic’s. Owners should also heed any warning lights on their dashboards rather than ignoring what could become a major problem. In addition to the vehicle’s owner, the manufacturer may be held liable, especially in cases where a recall has been issued or if a recall was not properly communicated. Dealerships, repair shops, or parts supplies may also be liable if a recent repair was performed improperly or if a faulty part was added. Vehicle owners are urged to make sure there are no outstanding recalls on their vehicle. You can search for defects at https://www.nhtsa.gov/ and enter the license plate number or VIN. You can also report a known issue using the website’s report tool.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries due to motor vehicle mechanical failure in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident caused by mechanical failure, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.