The Role of Negligent Maintenance in Texas Auto Accidents: Building Strong Cases for Compensation - Tips from a Dallas Lawyer

What if you're driving down the road and suddenly your brakes give out, or you find that your steering wheel has malfunctioned, causing you to lose control of your car and swerve into a guardrail? In that same vein, what happens when someone else's vehicle collides with your car because its brakes aren't working, even if its owner claims to have just had them serviced?

Working with a skilled auto accident attorney is your best bet if you were hurt due to negligent maintenance, whether the root cause is the negligence of a mechanic, repair shop, or other party. Read on to learn more about how to prevent accidents and what to do if poor maintenance causes a wreck that leaves you with injuries.

Signs That Your Vehicle Requires Maintenance

Most modern vehicles are excellent at providing warnings when anything is amiss. But aside from the alerts provided by your car's internal functionality and dashboard warning lights, there are a few telltale signals that it's time to take your car in for service.

1. Slow Start-Up and Acceleration

Check the spark plugs and fuel filter if your car keeps stalling after you've cranked the ignition. Similarly, delayed acceleration is another potential threat because your risk of being rear-ended increases if your car stalls or cannot accelerate properly.

It's possible that a sticky start every now and then isn't indicative of a significant problem. However, if it takes several tries to start your car, you may have issues with your battery or other parts under the hood.

2. Uneven Gear and Transmission Changes

Meanwhile, uneven gear shifts and transmission changes can indicate a problem with your car's gearbox. If you notice a delay when you change gears or put your vehicle in reverse, take your car to a reliable mechanic as soon as possible.

3. Noisy, Grinding Brakes

One of the most frequent car issues is also among the most dangerous: Brake sensitivity changes, squeaking, or vibration can all indicate serious problems, especially if they occur suddenly. In addition, brake suspension may weaken with age, so drivers should keep an eye on brake maintenance.

Of course, if you notice any strange noises while you drive at higher speeds, make a sharp turn, or change gears, make sure you take your vehicle for service.

4. Unusual Vibration and Shaking

It's not just the brakes that might be vibrating strangely. If your steering wheel shakes or your car vibrates often, you may need new tires or wheel bearings.

5. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Do you find yourself filling up on gas more frequently than usual? A decline in fuel economy might indicate that your vehicle is working harder than usual due to a malfunctioning part.

Recovering Damages From a Mechanic or Service Shop

Cars are incredibly intricate and require regular maintenance to avoid major issues down the line. Even a minor oversight can severely compromise your car's health and performance.

Furthermore, Texas law requires all vehicle owners to ensure the safety and reliability of their automobiles at all times. Every year, motorists must take their passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, and anything else with an engine through a Texas vehicle inspection. Moreover, each vehicle must clear several tests before it can pass this inspection.

The following are among the most typical indicators of poor upkeep and maintenance:

• Ignoring a faulty part that requires fixing
• Accidental or improper installation of auto components
• Leaving behind debris or other unwanted items under the hood
• Damaging the vehicle during repairs

If you suspect faulty maintenance, immediately contact your mechanic or service center and insist on corrective action. Unfortunately, not all drivers can spot low-quality repairs or inadequate maintenance in time to prevent serious consequences.

That's why a careless or negligent mechanic should be held accountable when their actions put you or other motorists in danger. If you are injured in an accident caused by poor maintenance, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver and the entity responsible for their vehicle's repair and upkeep.

Generally, an auto technician or service center will do whatever it takes to avoid paying for your injuries and property damage. They can claim that another driver's negligence caused your accident or that the car's problems are brand new and have nothing to do with their actions or inactions.

If you want to fight these claims and have the best chance of successfully securing compensation, you should hire an attorney specializing in personal injury and accident law. A lawyer can assist you in gathering the necessary documentation to prove that a mechanic or body shop was negligent in fixing your car.

Negligent Maintenance in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

The stakes are even higher when commercial vehicles are involved in accidents caused by poor maintenance. Semi-trucks, delivery vans, and other commercial vehicles spend significantly more time on the road than the average passenger car. Because of their size and weight, they pose a greater risk when something goes wrong.

Commercial drivers and the companies they work for have strict obligations to inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles according to federal and state safety regulations. Accidents can happen when they fail to uphold these standards, which can be catastrophic.

Common commercial maintenance failures include:

• Worn-out brake pads or faulty brake systems

• Overworn tires or improper tire inflation

• Non-functional lights or turn signals

• Leaking fluid lines

• Faulty steering systems or alignment issues

A trucking company may often cut corners to save money, delay necessary repairs, or neglect to keep accurate maintenance logs. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a commercial vehicle and there’s reason to believe negligent upkeep was a factor, you may be entitled to compensation from multiple liable parties, including the driver, their employer, or the maintenance contractor.

How an Attorney Can Help You Prove Fault

Proving that a crash was caused by negligent maintenance isn’t easy. It often requires:

• Maintenance and service records

• Expert testimony from mechanics or engineers

• Photos of the damage and the scene of the accident

• Inspection reports from state or federal agencies

• Vehicle recall information or known part defects

A seasoned attorney will know what evidence to look for and how to preserve it. They can subpoena documents, hire forensic accident reconstruction experts, and build a compelling case that links the accident to the specific act—or failure—of maintenance.

You Deserve Accountability and Fair Compensation

When you take your car to a professional, you trust that it’s in safe, capable hands. And when you’re on the road, you expect that the drivers around you have done their part to maintain their vehicles. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Whether it’s a mechanic’s mistake, a repair shop’s carelessness, or a trucking company that puts profits ahead of safety, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences alone.

If you've been injured in a crash caused by vehicle maintenance failures, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills and rehabilitation

• Lost wages and future income

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Long-term disability

Don't wait for the at-fault parties to come clean or for the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. Reach out to an experienced auto accident attorney who can advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward.