Chicago Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Accident Lawyer

Compensation for Victims of Crashes Due to Neglected Vehicle Maintenance

Chicago neglected vehicle maintenance accident lawyer representation is crucial when a crash is caused by something as preventable as poor vehicle upkeep.

In a city like Chicago, where traffic is heavy and fast-paced, issues like faulty brakes, worn tires, or broken lights can turn a routine drive into a life-altering collision. These accidents often result in serious injuries—and they’re entirely avoidable. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to hold negligent vehicle owners accountable and help victims pursue compensation for their injuries.

Book a free consultation with our Chicago car accident law firm today.

Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $3,200,000 secured for a man with disabilities who sustained serious orthopedic injuries after being hit while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
• $1,600,000 obtained for a client who required spinal fusion surgery following a rear-end crash that caused a herniated disc in the lower back.
• $350,000 recovered for a pedestrian who suffered a fractured leg when a taxi making a left turn struck her in the intersection.

Understanding Neglected Vehicle Maintenance

Neglected vehicle maintenance refers to the failure to perform regular upkeep and necessary repairs on a car to ensure its safe operation. Every vehicle owner has a legal and moral responsibility to maintain their car in a condition that minimizes risks to themselves and others on the road. When maintenance is ignored, it can lead to serious hazards and accidents.

Below are some common examples of how neglected maintenance contributes to crashes:

• Brake Failures: Poorly maintained brakes can fail at critical moments, often causing rear-end collisions—especially in traffic or at intersections. The at-fault party is usually the driver who ignored necessary repairs.
• Tire Issues: Worn or underinflated tires are prone to blowouts, leading to loss of control, rollovers, or multi-car crashes—especially at high speeds or in hot weather.
• Faulty Lights: Broken headlights, brake lights, or turn signals reduce visibility and communication on the road, increasing the risk of crashes in low-light or nighttime conditions.
• Steering & Suspension Problems: Neglecting these systems can cause a driver to lose control while turning or swerving, often resulting in collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects.
• Engine or Transmission Failures: Sudden stalling from mechanical failure can create instant road hazards. Rear-end or chain-reaction crashes often follow, and poor maintenance is frequently to blame.

Common Injuries in Neglected Maintenance Accidents

Car accidents caused by neglected vehicle maintenance can result in severe injuries that impact victims physically, emotionally, and financially.

• Rear-end collisions caused by brake failures often result in whiplash, a neck injury caused by the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head.
• Spinal injuries, including herniated discs or damage to the vertebrae, are also common and can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis.
• The impact of a crash can lead to in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. Victims may need surgeries, casts, and extensive rehabilitation to regain full functionality. Fractures often result in long-term discomfort and mobility challenges.
• Head injuries are frequently seen in neglected maintenance accidents, especially when airbags fail to deploy, or the victim strikes their head against the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), ranging from concussions to severe brain damage, can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.
• Broken glass, jagged metal, and deployed airbags can cause deep cuts and lacerations.
• There is also a risk of fire in accidents involving engine or transmission failures, which can lead to severe burns that may require skin grafts and leave permanent scars.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, neglected maintenance accidents result in fatalities. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions can lead to high-speed collisions that claim lives. Families left behind must cope with emotional grief and the financial burden of funeral expenses and lost income.

Illinois Laws on Vehicle Maintenance

Illinois law requires that all vehicles be maintained in a condition that ensures safety for both the driver and others on the road. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, specific statutes address key maintenance responsibilities:

• Braking systems must be in proper working order as required by 625 ILCS 5/12-301. A vehicle must be able to stop within a prescribed distance, and malfunctioning brakes are a clear violation of this law.
• Tires must meet minimum safety standards per 625 ILCS 5/12-405. This includes sufficient tread depth and no visible damage that could affect road grip or increase blowout risk.
• Lights and signals, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, are mandated under 625 ILCS 5/12-201 through 5/12-212. These components must function properly to ensure visibility and allow communication between drivers.

If an accident occurs due to a vehicle owner’s failure to meet these obligations, that individual may be held liable under Illinois’ general negligence principles. For example, if worn-out brakes lead to a rear-end collision, the at-fault driver may be found negligent for violating the duty to maintain a safe vehicle.

Evidence like police reports, mechanic inspections, and eyewitness statements often plays a critical role in proving that negligent maintenance was the direct cause of the crash.

Neglected maintenance can also result in traffic citations, which may further support a personal injury claim. A citation for defective equipment under 625 ILCS 5/12-101 or related provisions can help establish fault in civil court.

While Illinois does not have a mandatory statewide vehicle inspection program for private vehicles, Chicago municipal ordinances require regular inspections for certain commercial vehicles. For example:

• Taxis and liveries must pass semiannual safety inspections under Chicago Municipal Code § 9-112-050.
• Rideshare and delivery vehicles operated commercially are also subject to inspection rules enforced by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).

Failure to comply with these local safety standards can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and increased liability if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Private vehicle owners are still expected to perform routine maintenance, such as brake servicing, tire replacement, and oil changes. While not directly enforced through inspections, failure to maintain these systems can still lead to liability under common law negligence if it results in a crash.

Liability for a Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Car Accident

Liability for an auto accident caused by neglected vehicle maintenance can fall on several parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident:

• The Driver: Vehicle owners are responsible for keeping their cars in safe working condition. If the accident occurred due to their failure to maintain critical components, such as brakes or tires, they may be held liable as the at-fault party.
• Auto Repair Shops or Mechanics: If a vehicle was serviced but repairs were performed negligently, the repair shop or mechanic could share liability. For example, improperly installed brakes or overlooked issues could contribute to a car accident.
• Manufacturers: If a defective part caused the mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the part or vehicle might be held accountable. These cases often involve product liability claims.

Illinois follows comparative negligence rules, allowing victims to recover damages even if partially at fault, as long as their responsibility doesn’t exceed 50%. Each party’s liability is determined by their level of responsibility for the accident.

Steps to Take After a Neglected Maintenance Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car crash caused by neglected vehicle maintenance, taking the following steps can protect your health and legal rights:

• Call 911 & Get Medical Help: Report the accident and request medical assistance immediately. Even minor injuries should be checked—some symptoms (like whiplash or internal injuries) can appear later.
• Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any mechanical failures (e.g., worn tires, broken lights).
• Gather Witness Information: Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash. Their statements can help prove liability.
• Don’t Discuss Fault with Insurance Companies: Avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements to insurers. Don’t accept early settlement offers without legal advice.
• Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer: A skilled car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, deal with insurers, and fight to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Statute of Limitations for Chicago Car Accident Cases

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car crash is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the deadline extends to five years. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Book a Free Case Review with an Experienced Attorney Near You!

With extensive experience handling car accident cases, the legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understands the challenges accident victims face. Our Chicago car accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping injured parties recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.

Our law firm offers a free case review to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case and help you recover a fair settlement.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with our Chicago personal injury law firm.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.