You’re heading home on a blazing July afternoon when your engine suddenly gives out, or worse, your tire bursts at highway speed. Seconds later, you’re in a wreck that could’ve been prevented.

An Alabama summer afternoon can push any vehicle to its limits. Extreme summer heat increases the risk of breakdowns that lead to accidents and injuries. When that happens, the question isn’t just what failed, but who may be responsible.

Discover the causes of heat-related vehicle failures and how a skilled Alabama car accident lawyer at our law firm can help if a mechanical issue results in injuries in a crash.

Owner’s Responsibility for Heat-Related Vehicle Maintenance

Drivers in Alabama have a duty to keep their vehicles safe, especially during high summer temperatures. Failing to prepare for heat-related stress on mechanical systems can lead to dangerous and costly accidents.

All motorists should:

• Replace Fluids Regularly: Replace engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid regularly. High temperatures cause these fluids to break down or evaporate faster, reducing their ability to protect your engine and transmission.
  
  
• Service the Cooling System: Before peak summer heat, inspect hoses, the radiator, water pump, and thermostat. A worn or leaking component can cause the engine to overheat quickly, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
  
  
• Monitor Tire Pressure and Tread: During hot months, measure tire pressure and tread depth weekly. In Alabama, tires must have 2/32″ of tread. Heat causes air to expand, and worn or underinflated tires are more likely to blow out on sun-baked pavement.
  
  
• Test the Battery Before Summer Starts: Assess battery strength and check for terminal corrosion. Summer heat speeds up internal wear, often causing older batteries to fail without warning.

Skipping these simple steps could lead to a dangerous failure, especially in the sweltering Alabama heat. If that failure leads to an accident and injuries, the law may consider it negligence on the driver’s part.

When Repair Shops or Manufacturers Share Liability for Failures

Accidents can still occur due to sudden part failures even when a driver follows all the rules. In those situations, the manufacturer or the repair shop may be responsible.

Here’s when each could be held liable:

Getting to the bottom of these cases often requires closely investigating what went wrong. Attorneys may work with trained professionals, such as engineers or mechanics, to determine whether a part was faulty or a repair was mishandled.

Establishing Fault in Heat-Related Mechanical Failure Accidents

Alabama follows a contributory negligence system, which bars you from receiving compensation if you contributed to the collision. This is a much stricter standard than in most other states, making fault a central issue in any mechanical failure accident.

In heat-related crashes, the insurance company may argue that you contributed to the accident by failing to maintain your vehicle, even if another party also shares blame.

For example, if your brakes failed but you had ignored signs of wear or skipped regular service, that could be enough to bar your claim. If a part fails despite proper maintenance, your attorney must show clear evidence that the fault lies with the repair shop or manufacturer, not you.

Even a minor oversight can be used to deny compensation. It’s critical to document your maintenance history and seek legal help quickly if you’re involved in a crash.

What an Attorney Can Do for Your Case

Heat-related vehicle collisions can lead to legal disputes, especially when multiple parties are involved. An experienced mechanical failure car accident lawyer in Alabama can take the following steps to reduce your liability and protect your settlement:

• Review service records to document missed maintenance, overdue repairs, or skipped inspections
• Determine whether a faulty part directly caused or contributed to the crash
• Consult with certified mechanics or automotive specialists to confirm the source of the failure
• Identify each party responsible, including the vehicle owner, manufacturer, or repair shop
• Communicate with insurance adjusters to challenge attempts to shift fault or deny valid claims
• File a lawsuit if necessary to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses

Time matters in these cases. Service records, crash photos, and damaged parts can be lost or discarded quickly. Acting early allows your attorney to gather evidence for a well-supported case.

Get Skilled Legal Representation With The Vance Law Firm

You’ve already been through the trauma of a crash. You shouldn’t have to battle insurance companies or fight uphill against negligent manufacturers or repair shops just to get what you’re owed.

Evidence disappears quickly in mechanical failure cases. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us start building your case.