Who Is at Fault in a Car Wreck Caused by a Mechanical Failure?

 Posted on February 11, 2026 in Family Law

Car accidents do not always happen because of driver error. At least, not driver error in the moments before the wreck. Sometimes a vehicle breaks down or loses parts while in transit, causing a crash that no one saw coming. 

If you have been hurt in a wreck caused by a mechanical failure in 2026, you may be wondering who is responsible. Because there is not always an obvious person to blame, the answer can be a little complicated. A Bloomingdale car accident attorney can help you understand what tools you have to get compensation in a wreck like this. 

Can a Driver Be Held Responsible for a Mechanical Failure?

Yes, in many cases. Illinois law holds drivers responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe working condition. Under 625 ILCS 5/12-101, vehicles operated on Illinois roads must meet basic equipment and safety standards. If a driver knew about a problem with their vehicle and chose to keep driving anyway, they may be liable for any accident that results.

If a driver knew their brakes were worn out but put off repairs, and those brakes then failed and caused a crash, they could be found negligent. The same applies to other problems like failing headlights, bald tires, or a known steering issue. 

Ignorance is not always a defense either. Illinois courts may find that a driver should have known about a problem if a person doing normal vehicle maintenance would have caught it.

Who Else Could Be at Fault in a Mechanical Failure Accident?

Depending on the facts, other parties may share or even carry the full responsibility for the crash.

The Vehicle Manufacturer

If a defect in the vehicle itself caused the failure, the manufacturer may be liable. This is called a "product liability claim." Illinois has strict liability for defective products. You do not have to prove the manufacturer was careless; only that the product was defective and that the defect caused your injury. Common examples include faulty airbags, defective braking systems, and steering components that fail without warning.

A Repair Shop or Mechanic

If the vehicle had recently been serviced and the failure was connected to the shop’s work, they  could be at fault. A mechanic who installs a part improperly, uses the wrong component, or does not notice a serious safety problem may be liable for any crash that follows. These claims are based on negligence, meaning the shop did not meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable repair professional.

A Parts Manufacturer or Supplier

Sometimes the defect is not in the vehicle as a whole, but in a specific part that was manufactured or distributed by a separate company. In that case, the parts manufacturer or supplier may also face liability.

How Does Illinois Handle Multiple Parties Being at Fault?

Illinois follows a rule called "modified comparative negligence." Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, someone can still get compensation even if they were partly at fault for the accident, as long as they were not more than 50 percent responsible. The total recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault.

This matters in mechanical failure cases because insurance companies may try to argue that you should have noticed the problem or gotten your car serviced sooner. Having a lawyer is very helpful in this case. Insurance companies have professional legal teams with a lot of experience in minimizing the amount the company has to pay. 

What Should You Do After a Mechanical Failure Accident in Illinois?

If you were involved in this type of crash, try to preserve as much evidence as possible. Do not have the vehicle repaired right away, as the damaged parts may be key evidence. Stay in contact with witnesses whose contact information you got and request a copy of the police report.

Call a Lombard, IL Car Accident Attorney Today

Mechanical failure accidents involve complicated legal questions about who is responsible and why. You should not have to navigate that alone after a wreck. 

The DuPage County car accident lawyers at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices are ready to help. We have three offices for your convenience in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville, and we offer free consultations, free case evaluations, and Saturday and evening appointments. Call us today at 630-932-9100 to get started.