In 2025, over 3.5 million vehicles in the US have been recalled due to 197 separate vehicle and equipment issues that posed safety risks, according to AutoInsurance.
Vehicles with defects or mechanical failure pose a risk. Experiencing accidents like a failed brake, a blown tire or a defective airbag could make anyone feel frustrated. Crashes like these stem from problems beyond your control.
Car equipment failure lawyer Luis P. Guerra, Esq. says that even the safest driver in the world can be caught in a very serious accident when a manufacturer fails to take the necessary precautions to ensure its product functions properly.
But what happens if you become involved in an accident due to equipment failure? And what compensation does it cover? Let’s find out below!
Types of Compensation Available for Injuries
If you were injured due to equipment failure in a vehicular accident, it is good to know what kinds of compensation you can ask for. Compensation may cover medical costs during treatment and rehabilitation, and lost wages may cover the compensation for income lost during the recovery time.
Some personal injury law terms you should know about are negligence, economic and non economic damages as well as duty of care and liability. Pain and suffering compensation is a form of non-economic damages that compensates for intangible losses like physical pain, mental anguish, and a reduced quality of life.
If you are involved in an accident and you have committed some form of negligence, the injured party can seek punitive damages too.
Coverage for Vehicle Damage Repairs
If your vehicle is damaged due to equipment failure, it is important for you to know the repair options available to you. To determine if mechanical failure coverage applies to you, you should read through your policy. Comprehensive coverage can cover damage from such incidents, but it all depends on the policy.
There also exists the possibility to file a warranty claim if it is a manufacturer defect. Documenting the damage and collecting evidence are important steps because that will assist your claim. Your insurance agent can explain the type of coverage you have. They can also guide you in making a claim.
When you know you have available options for your case, you can feel a sense of security. This gives you assurance that your vehicle will receive its proper care.
Lost Wages and Earning Potential
While the failure of a piece of equipment can intrude on your daily routine, it can also cause loss of earning capacity. If equipment failure causes an accident that prevents you from working, you can get paid for lost wages.
This includes current wages but decreases in potential future earnings should your capacity to work diminish. One must keep records of everything: pay stubs, medical records, and correspondence with the employer.
This evidence will establish how the accident has affected your financial life. Many others have experienced and received support on the path toward financial recovery. You deserve to reclaim your balance.
Emotional Distress and Pain and Suffering
Emotional turmoil following an accident due to a defect in car equipment sometimes goes way beyond physical injury, while an accident due to defective car equipment can leave an individual very much distressed emotionally.
Your unique experience might cause anxiety and depression. You may even feel helpless about losing control of your circumstance. This feeling can have an impact on your relationship, work and even well-lived life. Still, it is important to accept that your emotional distress is worthy of attention.
You must understand that many others experience similar feelings. Perhaps reaching out may provide the healing touch needed for their painful wounds.
You deserve to be whole again. Working through these emotional and physical wounds is an important step in taking back your life.
Legal Fees and Costs Associated With Claims
Depending on compensation for accidents from car equipment failure, you must know the fees and costs involved. You will probably have to pay attorney fees, court costs, and maybe the fees of an expert witness.
You should always discuss the payment methods with lawyers beforehand; some may accept cases under agreements stating they will only be paid if they win the case. Some may judge on hourly rates, so it is beneficial to anticipate expenses to cut down your stress. The payment of some filing fees and fees might also go as far as being required for the gathering of evidence.
The client feels more at ease with the process when he understands the costs, so he isn’t surprised while seeking justice.
