When vehicles are not properly maintained, they become potentially deadly hazards on Mississippi roadways. At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we have seen many times how neglected maintenance leads to serious, preventable accidents throughout Southaven, Hernando, and North Mississippi. If you have suffered injuries in one of these collisions, contact us today for help pursuing the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance matters for more reasons than just keeping your car running efficiently – it directly affects safety on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, mechanical failures contribute to thousands of accidents annually, many of which result in severe injuries or fatalities.
When owners and operators fail to maintain their vehicles properly, they put everyone at risk. Mechanical failures often occur suddenly, leaving drivers with little time to react and avoid a collision. These incidents can happen anywhere, from busy highways to quiet neighborhood streets in Southaven and Hernando.
Common Maintenance Failures That Cause Accidents
Several maintenance issues frequently contribute to accidents in Mississippi:
- Brake System Failures – When brakes wear down or hydraulic systems leak, stopping distances increase dramatically, making collisions more likely–especially in emergency situations.
- Tire Problems – Worn treads, improper inflation, and aging rubber can lead to blowouts or loss of traction, particularly on wet roads.
- Steering and Suspension Issues – Faulty steering components or worn suspension parts compromise a driver’s ability to control their vehicle, especially during evasive maneuvers.
- Light and Signal Malfunctions – Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals can increase the risk of collisions by making it difficult for other drivers to anticipate the vehicle’s movements.
- Engine and Transmission Failures – Sudden stalling or transmission issues can leave vehicles stranded in dangerous positions on roadways.
- Windshield Wiper Deficiencies – Poor visibility during Mississippi’s frequent rain showers can quickly lead to accidents when wipers fail to clear water effectively.
It is worth noting that these maintenance failures don’t just happen on their own. They develop over time and generally result from neglect, improper repairs, or intentional disregard for safety standards.
Legal Liability in Maintenance-Related Accidents
When an accident occurs due to improper maintenance, several parties may bear responsibility:
- Vehicle Owners – Owners have a fundamental duty to maintain their vehicles in a safe operating condition.
- Operators/Drivers – Those who drive knowing about maintenance issues may be held liable for resulting accidents.
- Maintenance Providers – Mechanics or service centers that perform inadequate repairs or fail to identify serious safety issues during inspections may share responsibility.
- Parts Manufacturers – When components fail prematurely or have design defects, manufacturers may bear liability.
- Commercial Fleet Operators – Companies must follow strict maintenance protocols for their vehicles and can face substantial liability when they fail to do so.
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we will examine all potential sources of liability to seek accountability from all responsible parties.
Documentation and Inspection Requirements
While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires regular safety checks for all commercial vehicles, Mississippi law does not require passenger vehicles to undergo regular safety inspections. All vehicles must meet basic safety standards, but these minimum requirements often fall short of what’s truly needed for optimal safety.
Necessary documentation that plays a role in maintenance-related cases includes:
- Maintenance Records – Regular service documentation helps establish whether the owner maintained the vehicle properly.
- Inspection Reports – Official inspection results can reveal whether a vehicle met safety standards.
- Repair Receipts – These show what work was performed and by whom, potentially establishing responsibility.
- Manufacturer Notifications – Recall notices or service bulletins demonstrate known issues that should have been addressed.
We recommend that vehicle owners maintain comprehensive records of all maintenance, inspections, and repairs. These records help protect you legally and ensure your vehicle receives proper care throughout its lifespan.
Commercial vs. Personal Vehicle Considerations
Commercial vehicles face stricter maintenance requirements than personal vehicles, and for good reason: their size and frequent use create greater risks when maintenance issues arise.
Commercial vehicles must comply with both state and federal regulations, including:
- Regular detailed inspections
- Mandatory maintenance schedules
- Driver vehicle inspection reports
- Comprehensive documentation requirements
- Qualification standards for maintenance personnel
When truck accident cases involve maintenance failures, the FMCSA’s standards can help establish liability. These regulations require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles.
While personal vehicle owners are subject to fewer formal requirements, they still have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Failing to address known safety issues can constitute negligence.
How Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman Can Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by improper vehicle maintenance, we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to identify maintenance failures
- Work with mechanical experts to establish causation
- Obtain and analyze maintenance and inspection records
- Identify all responsible parties
- Build a compelling case for compensation
- Fight for your rights in negotiations or at trial
Our extensive trial experience matters in these cases. While many claims settle before trial, insurance companies know we have the courtroom skills to take your case before a jury if necessary. This can lead to more favorable settlement offers from the beginning.
Get the Representation You Deserve
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we believe in treating our clients with respect and dignity. We will fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from your injuries. Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from an accident involving improper vehicle maintenance, call our firm today or contact us online for a free initial consultation. Let our experienced attorneys stand up for your rights and hold negligent parties accountable for failing to maintain safe vehicles on Mississippi roads.
