When mechanical failures or vehicle defects cause rideshare accidents, liability may extend beyond the driver to vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, or maintenance providers. Product liability claims can significantly increase available compensation compared to driver-only negligence cases.
Common Vehicle Defects in Rideshare Accidents
Several types of defects frequently contribute to accidents:
Brake failures: Defective brake components, lines, or systems that fail to stop the vehicle properly.
Tire defects: Manufacturing flaws causing blowouts, tread separation, or sudden deflation.
Steering defects: Problems with steering components causing loss of control.
Acceleration defects: Unintended acceleration from electronic throttle control problems or stuck accelerators.
Airbag failures: Airbags that fail to deploy in crashes or deploy unexpectedly.
Seatbelt defects: Restraint systems that unlatch during impacts or fail to properly restrain occupants.
Who May Be Liable
Vehicle defect claims can target multiple defendants:
Vehicle manufacturers are liable for design defects affecting all vehicles of a particular model and manufacturing defects in specific units.
Parts manufacturers may be liable when defective components—tires, brakes, airbags—fail regardless of the vehicle manufacturer.
Maintenance providers who negligently repaired the vehicle or failed to identify dangerous conditions.
The rideshare driver who may have neglected maintenance, ignored warning signs, or failed to address known problems.
The rideshare company if it failed to require adequate vehicle safety standards or inspections.
Rideshare Vehicle Maintenance Issues
Rideshare vehicles face unique wear concerns:
High mileage: Full-time rideshare vehicles may accumulate 50,000+ miles annually, far exceeding typical maintenance intervals.
Deferred maintenance: Economic pressures may lead drivers to postpone necessary repairs.
Inadequate inspections: Uber and Lyft require periodic vehicle inspections, but standards and enforcement vary.
Proving a Defect Claim
Vehicle defect cases require specific evidence:
Physical evidence preservation: The vehicle and failed components must be preserved for expert examination.
Expert testimony: Mechanical engineers and accident reconstructionists establish what failed and why.
Maintenance records: Documentation showing service history and any prior warnings about the defective component.
Recall information: Whether the defect was subject to manufacturer recalls and whether repairs were completed.
Pursuing Defect Claims
If you suspect a vehicle defect caused your rideshare accident:
Preserve the vehicle and demand that insurance companies not destroy or repair it before inspection.
Document the scene including any physical evidence of mechanical failure.
Research recalls affecting the vehicle make, model, and year.
Consult attorneys experienced in both rideshare accidents and product liability who can investigate defect claims while pursuing standard negligence theories.