Did you know there are no mandatory car inspection laws in Chicago, Illinois? What happens if poorly maintained vehicles cause accidents on city roads? The Chicago car accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers help crash victims hold negligent manufacturers, repair shops, and drivers accountable. Contact us today at (312) 635-5400 to learn how we can help you pursue compensation.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Equipment-Related Car Accident in Chicago, IL
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our Chicago personal injury attorneys have over 35 years of combined legal experience. And since our firm’s founding, we have successfully used that collective knowledge to help recover over $250 million in injury compensation for car accident victims throughout Chicago, IL.
If you suffer an injury in a car crash caused by equipment failures, our attorneys will provide the following forms of assistance:
- Analyzing your crash and identifying the parties liable for your injuries
- Gathering evidence such as expert witness reports and medical records
- Filing an insurance claim and fighting to settle it
- Pursuing a lawsuit if settlement discussions fall through
A car accident resulting from mechanical breakdowns and equipment defects can cause serious, even fatal, injuries. Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Chicago car accident attorney; we’re ready to discuss your legal options for pursuing injury compensation and fight for what you deserve.
Understanding Illinois Car Inspection Laws
In lieu of universal vehicle safety inspections, Illinois law only requires certain vehicles, such as school buses and salvage vehicles, to undergo such routine assessments. Be that as it may, state statutes still prohibit drivers from operating unsafe vehicles on any road or highway.
In order to enforce these laws, police officers can stop and inspect any vehicle suspected of the following violations:
- A lack of required equipment, such as functioning taillights
- The use of prohibited equipment, such as an illegal window tint
- Being in an unsafe condition
For example, if your vehicle has a tire that visibly wobbles, a police officer can stop you and inspect your wheels. The officer’s goal is to prevent your vehicle from breaking down in a way that endangers you and other road users.
Common Causes Of Illinois Equipment-Related Car Accidents
Recent crash statistics for Chicago show that problems with the following systems were blamed, at least partially, for crashes:
- Brakes
- Tires or wheels
- Steering
- Fuel system
- Engine
- Suspension
- Lights and signal lamps
- Trailer coupling
Additionally, police reports identified that at least 24 crashes resulted from cargo-related issues, such as shifting or falling objects. Overall, 2,722 car accidents (roughly 1.3% of the city’s total for that year) were blamed on specific equipment failures. These crashes caused seven deaths and over 300 injuries.
Liability for Equipment-Related Crashes in Illinois
When a crash results from equipment problems, injured victims have several potential claims, including the following:
Driver or Owner Negligence
A vehicle’s driver or owner may be liable if they were negligent in finding or fixing a defect. Specifically, all drivers and owners have a legal duty to ensure their vehicles are in a reasonably safe operating condition; if a driver or owner knows or should know that their car is unsafe, they must refrain from driving it or have it examined and repaired before driving.
For example, suppose a police officer stops your vehicle because your brake lights do not work. The incident will put you on notice that you need to have your brake lights fixed, and if you fail to do so, you could be liable for a crash.
Repair Shop Negligence
Repair shops have a legal duty to perform repairs with reasonable competence. If a shop fails to meet that standard of care, it will bear the liability for any car accident with a poorly serviced car. For instance, a tire shop that fails to properly torque the lug nuts after repairing a flat tire may be liable if the wheel flies off and causes a collision.
Product Liability
The manufacturers of vehicles and replacement parts are strictly liable for any defects that existed when they left the factory. Thus, accident victims might have a claim against a manufacturer that produced vehicles with accelerators that could get stuck.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You may have many options for seeking injury compensation after a crash caused by equipment failures. Contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your options for seeking injury compensation after your car accident. Our Chicago car accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.