In Nashua, the second-largest city in New Hampshire, a charming mix of history, culture, and modern amenities can be found. In this vibrant city, not everything is expected to go smoothly; unfortunate events can also occur.

Sadly, thousands of serious accidents occur in Nashua every year. Not only are accidents caused by human error, but also by mechanical failures that often go unnoticed. In road safety, a routine vehicle checkup plays a vital role in avoiding unnecessary accidents caused by worn brakes or a failing steering system, as well as other vehicle-related issues.  

Understanding these common failures can help prevent accidents and save lives. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a crash involving mechanical failure, it’s essential to know your rights. Reaching a car accident law firm in Nashua, NH, can provide the legal guidance and necessary support needed in the aftermath of such devastating accidents. 

Recent car accident with two black cars.

The Common Vehicle Failures that Cause Accidents 

In general, vehicle failure causes terrifying moments due to loss of control, longer stopping distances, unexpected breakdowns at high speeds, and more mechanical issues. They are: 

  • Brake Failure: Brake pads are a more important thing here, as they play a vital role in driving. Worn-out pads or leaking brake fluid can lead to delayed application or a complete loss of speed control, leading to accidents.  
  • Blowouts of Tires or Tread Separation: Using old tires, getting punctured tires, or under-inflated tires can cause blowouts at high speeds of driving. 
  • Steering and Suspension Issues: Handling the steering is not an easy task while driving. When the components get loose or worn, they may reduce the ability to control the speed of the vehicle. 
  • Failure in the Engine or Transmission: Another crucial component that is most responsible for driving. Sudden power loss or a fault in the components can cause rear-end collisions or worse. 
  • Fault in Lights or Signals: Non-working headlights or signals can cause severe confusion to fellow drivers in the lane or opposite. It hardly affects anyone other than the driver. 
  • Other Faulty Components: The safety components, like the windshield, wiper, or defroster, can’t help in the bad weather conditions in a fault condition. This may also increase the risk of a vehicle crash. 

How Vehicle Failure Leads to Accidents: 

  1. Negligence or refusal to service: Faulty brakes or unexpected lights flashing on the dashboard can eventually lead to massive damage or a high accident rate.  
  2. Aging of parts: Essential pieces, like tires and brake pads, degrade as part of their functionality.  
  3. Sudden performance deterioration when braking happens: It takes longer to stop the vehicle than usual, or it becomes hard to control the steering wheel.  
  4. On-the-road failure: Brake failure, a blowout, or loss of power can happen at high speed or during heavy traffic. 

Conclusion 

  • Mechanical failures, rather than human error, are an often-overlooked cause of devastating car accidents, but the signs are usually there; if you know what to look for. 
  • By staying proactive with vehicle maintenance and being alert to changes in performance, you can protect yourself and others on the road.  
  • If you ever find yourself involved in an accident caused by a vehicle malfunction, a car accident law firm can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.