Five Non-Drivers That Could Be at Fault for Your Car Accident

Posted on: 21 August 2015

You may need the help of a lawyer if a car accident leaves you injured. If you weren't at fault, you will need to secure payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from someone. Usually this is the insurance of the at-fault driver, but what if there is no other at-fault driver? There could be many others at fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident, and your lawyer can help you get the amount you deserve from each of them. This guide will introduce you to other potentially responsible parties.

#1: Auto Manufacturers

In some cases the manufacturer of your automobile or that of the other driver is at fault for the accident. If the car malfunctions or there is a fault with the vehicle, your lawyer may be able to successfully sue for damages. This may not apply if there was a known recall issued by the manufacturer for the fault, though. In this case, the owner of the vehicle will be responsible for not taking the car in for recall work.

#2: Mechanics and Repairmen

The mechanic or shop could be at fault if a car that has recently had work done and then is in an accident because the work wasn't completed properly. For example, failure to tighten the lug nuts properly on a tire after new tires are put on can result in a lost tire at highway speeds, resulting in an accident.

#3: Parts Manufacturers

This brings up the next possible responsible party – the manufacturer of the parts. The parts manufacturer is responsible if the part fails to perform properly and malfunctions. To stick with the tire example, a brand new tire that blows out because of a fault in the rubber could make the tire maker responsible for damages and injuries.

#4: The Municipality

If the state of the road is to blame for the accident, you lawyer may be able to sue the city, county, or state for your personal injury claim. In this case, they will have to prove that there was negligence involved. For example, if there are large potholes that are known to the city but have not been repaired or at least made visible to drivers, the city could be found at fault.

#5: Private Property Owners

Accidents that happen on private property, such as in a parking lot, could be the fault of the property owner. If the lot isn't set up properly for traffic flow, or if there is damage (known to the lot owner) to the lot that resulted in an accident, then you may be able to sue. Owners of neighboring properties to the location of the accident could also be at fault. For example, if a property owner on a busy intersection has failed to trim back bushes, thus resulting in a visibility issue that led to an accident, the owner could be responsible for damages.

For assistance, talk to a personal injury lawyer.

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