How Defective Steering Contributes to Serious Auto Accidents

Our San Diego law firm has a great deal of experience addressing legal matters related to auto accidents and collisions. Whether it was a single-car collision or a multi-vehicle accident, you can count on our team to help you.

A number of vehicle defects can make operating a vehicle quite dangerous. Chief among these vehicle problems are flaws in a car's steering system. Let's explore this issue in greater detail.

Bad Steering Means Great Risk of Harm

When a vehicle has poor steering and handling, the chances of an accident occurring go up immensely. Poor steering means that a driver may not be able to make sudden swerves to avoid pedestrians and oncoming cars. Steering wheels can potential lock up, making it impossible for drivers to avoid a hazard. Even minor steering system problems could mean the difference between a close call and a collision.

These kinds of steering system flaws are unacceptable, and automakers or auto repair personnel need to be held accountable for their dire mistakes.

Increased Complications in Modern Steering Systems

Modern steering systems tend to be far more complicated than the steering systems of the past. The steering wheel often reacts and receives feedback from the road and the tires, and this is made possible by various pumps, lines, rods, and hoses that work together. With greater complexity comes an increased possibility of the system failing or functioning improperly.

Potential Problems with Steering Systems

Some potential issues with a car's steering system include:

• Issues with fluid pumps
• Lack of steering fluid
• Steering fluid leaks
• Defective hydraulic lines
• Loose hoses
• Relay rod problems
• Problems with steering knuckles
• Loose steering components
• Problems with system design
• Poor manufacturing or fabrication of the steering system

Warning Signs of Steering Defects

Thankfully there are some warning signs when it comes to steering system defects. These warnings include:

• Additional effort required to steer and turn

• Vehicle drifts to one side when driving

• Screeching noises when turning the steering wheel
• Rumbling of the steering wheel while driving

Automakers Must Properly Design and Test Their Vehicles

Given all that can go wrong and the various warning signs of a steering defect, it's important that automakers take great care when designing their steering systems. These steering systems should be properly tested to ensure safety and proper function.

Considering Auto Maintenance Issues

Sometimes a steering defect is not caught after routine vehicle maintenance. Worse, a mechanic may make some mistakes when adjusting or fixing the steering system, causing a dangerous defect. Whatever the case may be, the mechanic doing maintenance on a vehicle must exercise great caution.

How Product Liability Lawyers Can Help

Whether an automaker or a mechanic caused a dangerous vehicle problem, our legal team will help you pursue a case against the negligent party. We will help you seek compensatory and punitive damages against the negligent party, covering medical expenses, property damage, and other losses associated with the accident. In addition and by extension, we will seek justice for all motorists affected by this issue. Holding big business accountable for their mistakes is important for ensuring consumer safety throughout the country.

Learn More About Automaker Product Liability

For more information about automotive product liability lawsuits and how our legal team can help you, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. We at the Olsen Law Offices are prepared to assist you.