How Car Equipment Failures Result in Car Accidents

Drivers get into car accidents in Alabama every single day for various reasons. Some drivers make errors while driving and end up bumping into another car. Others take their eyes off the road, become distracted, and end up causing a serious accident.

Many Alabama drivers still text while driving. This is one of the most common causes of severe accidents in the state.

Other reasons for car crashes include potholes, road hazards, and, of course, mechanical failures. When it comes to passenger vehicles, equipment failures cause 2% of collisions in Alabama. While this seems like a small percentage, it still equals around 3,000 accidents (out of the 144,000+ that happened in 2022).

In 2025, equipment failures still cause accidents – some of them serious and others fatal. This means if your car malfunctions while you are driving, it can lead to much more than just a sideswipe. You may be involved in a fatal accident, which inevitably opens the door for a lawsuit.

Equipment Failures That Cause Accidents

Cars can fail in many ways and often break down when you least expect them to. Sometimes, the issues are minor, and the worst that happens is an inconvenience. Unfortunately, cars can also fail catastrophically. When this happens, the result is usually an accident.

Some of the most common types of car equipment failures include:

• Brake system failure. Your car’s brakes are an essential safety feature. If they do not work properly or fail, you will find it nearly impossible to stop in time to prevent a crash. In fact, failing brakes usually cause rear-end crashes, T-bone accidents, and even multi-car pileups.

You can prevent your brakes from failing by having your car inspected and serviced every year. This should become a routine that will help you get issues fixed before they become a huge mechanical failure.

For instance, an inspection or maintenance will quickly highlight worn or faulty brake pads and rotors, brake fluid leaks, or malfunctioning ABS systems. It is important to get proper inspections done because you can’t fix what you are not aware of.

• Tire issues. Are your tires bald? If so, they have too little tread to stop your car in an emergency. Tires are also prone to blowouts for various reasons, another major cause of equipment failure accidents.

Around 15,000 car accidents in the U.S. are estimated to be attributed to faulty tires.

Sometimes, a steering rack problem can also result in an accident. This typically means the steering rack is either loose or severely damaged.

If your car’s steering rack is not 100%, it will reduce your ability to control the vehicle while driving. This creates a very dangerous situation.

Rarer causes of Alabama car accidents include engine failure and headlight malfunctions. Engines don’t usually fail often, but they can cause a massive accident when they do.

As for headlights, when they fail in bad weather or at night, it instantly affects visibility. This creates a safety hazard for all road users.

Who Gets the Blame for Equipment Failure Accidents?

If your car breaks down while driving and you cause an accident, your first reaction will probably be to blame yourself. However, you should only be held responsible if you have not inspected or serviced your car when necessary.

If the car had a manufacturing default, you cannot be blamed for the accident. Instead, the manufacturer should be held liable and pay for damages if a lawsuit is filed.

If a manufacturer is found to be at fault in your case, you can file a product liability lawsuit to be compensated for your losses.

What to Do If You Cause an Accident

The important thing to do after an accident caused by equipment failure is to stop your car and check for injuries. Call 911 and report the accident to the police. While you wait for help to arrive, take photos of the damage to your car and the other driver’s vehicle.

If you notice anything relating to equipment damage, like a blown tire or broken axle, take photos of this, too.

Get written statements from those who will inevitably crowd the accident scene. One or more of them may have seen exactly what happened before and during the accident.

You must also get medical treatment if you need it. If the accident is later found not to be your fault, your medical records can help you build a legal case.

Car Equipment Failures Are a Serious Safety Risk

As a driver in Alabama, you should care for your car to prevent severe accidents caused by equipment failure. Making an effort to have your car inspected and maintained will keep you and others safe on the road. It will also keep you out of the courtroom.