When a car accident takes place, the investigation involves various things. This includes the specific details of the accident as well as the vehicle’s condition during the accident. The investigation process will include a review of your vehicle’s maintenance records. For example, history of repairs, inspections, and regular servicing are key evidence in insurance claims.
Insurance companies will look at your vehicle’s maintenance history to determine liability. They check if the vehicle was properly maintained or if any mechanical issues caused the accident. If it is discovered that you had poorly maintained your vehicle, it could lower your compensation or even lead to a denial of your claim.
If you have been in a car accident, understanding how maintenance records come into play is important. Whether you are filing a claim or defending yourself, make sure you have all the documents related to this. However, dealing with accident claims can be stressful and complicated. This is why having an attorney from Murphy Trial Law is a good idea.
How vehicle maintenance records can make a difference in car accident cases?
If you were in a car accident, it is very important to collect vehicle maintenance records. These records can serve as important evidence and help you in the claim process. Through the maintenance records, you can prove that your vehicle was in good condition before the accident.
Timely maintenance, such as oil changes and brake checks, show that the vehicle was in good condition and functioning perfectly. These records can help you counter claims that the accident was caused due to mechanical failures.
The defense attorney might argue that the accident resulted because you did not take proper care of your vehicle or maintain it regularly. However, if you have secured all the maintenance records, you can easily counter such allegations.
Moreover, maintenance records can also support your claim for vehicle damage compensation. It will help you prove how good your vehicle’s condition was and assess the extent of damage after the accident. Therefore, you will be fairly paid for the damage and the loss of your car’s value.
Specific cases where maintenance records can help
- Mechanical failure accidents.
If the accident resulted from any mechanical failure, vehicle maintenance records can help you prove that there was a manufacturing defect and not negligence on your part. For example, if the brakes failed or a tire blew out, the defense may argue that it was due to poor maintenance.
However, if you can show proper maintenance records to the jury, it can help prove that the failure was out of your control.
- Third-party negligence.
If the accident resulted due to the fault of the manufacturer or the vehicle’s parts supplier, maintenance records can play an important role here. They will help you defend against allegations that you did not take proper care of your vehicle or failed to fix the issue timely.
For example, if the mechanic installed or failed to replace a faulty part in your vehicle at the time of maintenance, the records can help you prove that the vehicle was well maintained until the mechanic’s error caused the accident.
- Disputes over liability.
Disputes over liability happen when the parties involved in the accident present two different or contradicting statements about the cause of the crash. In such cases, if you have vehicle maintenance records, you can defend yourself from claims that poor maintenance of the vehicle resulted in the collision.
These records will help you prove that your vehicle was in perfect condition and that the opposite party’s negligence actually caused the accident.
