Auto Accidents and Defective Steering Systems
Some of the most dangerous auto accidents occur when a driver is unable to safely control his or her vehicle. While this is often caused by road conditions or the driver’s own errors, a defect within the car can also result in a life-threatening loss of control. We tend to take for granted that a car’s essential systems, such as the steering or brakes, are not prone to sudden malfunction; sadly, this is not necessarily the case.
A variety of major car manufacturers and their models have been known to include defective steering systems, resulting in accidents and injuries. By understanding the dangers and warning signs of faulty steering, hopefully you will be able to avoid a crash. But in the event you are injured due to a manufacturer’s defective product here in Long Island, a car accident attorney can help you reclaim lost expenses on all fronts.
The Dangers of Defective Steering
Between traffic, pedestrians, and road conditions, New York can be a dangerous enough place to drive as it is. If a driver’s steering happens to fail, the potential for an accident is raised immediately and dramatically. Just this month, Hyundai was ordered to pay over $8 million in individual damages, with an additional $240 million in punitive damages, for a car crash that killed two teens in Montana due to steering failure. Even though the car’s model, a Hyundai Tiburon, was already recalled for steering defects, the court ruled that the accident was caused by a separate steering problem.
Even when an accident does not result in death, it can still cause significant personal injury, vehicular damage, and property damage. If you suspect that faulty steering or a similar manufacturing defect has caused an accident, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced car accident attorney.
How Can Steering Fail?
Depending on the source of a problem, steering systems can experience multiple types of failure. In some instances, a wheel may lock up, keeping drivers from turning it at all. For other problems, a wheel may turn as it normally does, but the wheels will not respond accordingly, sending the vehicle on a straight trajectory despite the driver’s intentions. Alternatively, the steering may become looser than normal, resulting in delayed or reduced responses. If power steering fails, the car may still respond, but the wheel itself will be difficult to turn due to the vehicle’s weight and friction.
These problems can be caused by a single failure in any of the steering system’s parts. A broken hydraulic line, mounting bolt, ball joint, and power steering pump can all impact a driver’s ability to control the car, along with a variety of other problems. Unfortunately, these issues can be difficult to determine on one’s own, especially after an accident has already taken place. Through the help of an attorney, you can gain professional insight and evidence for defective steering.
Contacting Your Attorney
When a car manufacturer is accused of selling a defective product that results in an accident, the ensuing legal battle can be strenuous. Large corporations will quickly attempt to relieve themselves of negligence though a legal team, making time a valuable factor. As soon as you are involved in an accident that was caused by sudden steering failure, contact one of our legal professionals. We will begin mounting evidence for your case through multiple professional and eyewitness accounts, and consult with auto accident experts who can help reveal the true reason behind your car’s failure.
Call Our Office
If you have been injured in an auto accident or a family member has been killed by someone else’s negligence, start taking the right steps to gain the compensation you deserve. Contact us for more information and to schedule an appointment for your potential case.
