We spend hours a week behind the wheels of our automobiles— and during that time, we are putting ourselves at some risk. Car accidents are so common that it’s likely each one of us will be in at least one during our lifetimes.
Accidents can happen in many ways, but tire mishaps are among the most dangerous. If a wheel fell off an axle, for example, that could be a shocking and costly event.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a wheel falling off an axle, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you’ll need to prove liability first.
What does liability look like in a defective tire lawsuit? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Liability in a Car Accident Case
Let’s say you were in an accident where the cause of the accident was a tire defect. You sustained injuries and damage to your vehicle that you are going to have trouble affording payments for.
You want to seek compensation under the law.
In order to recover compensation, you will need to prove that the person or entity responsible for the accident was negligent.
Negligence is a legal term that means that the person or entity owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and their breach of duty caused your injuries.
In the context of a wheel falling off an axle, the person or entity responsible for the accident may be the manufacturer of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle, or the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.
The manufacturer of the vehicle may be liable if the wheel fell off because of a defect in the design or manufacture of the vehicle.
The owner of the vehicle may be liable if they knew or should have known about the defect and failed to fix it.
The driver of the vehicle may be liable if they were negligent in operating the vehicle, such as by driving too fast or failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
Determining Fault
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a wheel falling off an axle, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and can help you pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Why can this legal aid be so important?
An attorney has likely handled cases like yours dozens and dozens of times in the past. They’ll know what evidence is needed to prove liability in your case, and they’ll know how best to obtain it.
As soon as possible after the accident, take photos and videos of the damage to the vehicle and the scene of the accident. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
This can be helpful when it comes time to work with your attorney.
Wheel Fell Off an Axle in an Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident where a wheel fell off an axle, it’s important to seek compensation. The above information can help you determine how best to proceed.
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