Have you or someone you know ever had an accident while driving with cruise control? You’re not alone. Cruise control accidents are becoming more common and fewer consumers know what to do in the event this type of crash occurs. Below, we discuss the causes of cruise control accidents, who’s at fault when they happen, and how you may be able to get compensation for damages.
Causes of Cruise Control Accidents
There are many potential causes of cruise control-related collisions depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. In some cases, the cruise control system may be faulty or malfunctioning. In other cases, the driver may not have set the system correctly or may have failed to disengage it properly. Weather conditions can also impact the performance of cruise control mechanisms, potentially leading to a crash.
Who’s At Fault For a Cruise Control-Related Crash?
Many factors can contribute to a cruise control accident, and it can be difficult to determine who is at fault. In some cases, multiple parties may share fault. The driver may be at fault for not properly maintaining the vehicle or for not using the cruise control feature correctly. In other cases, the manufacturer may be at fault for inherently dangerous defects in the cruise control system.
Signs of Defective Cruise Control
Sometimes, there may be indicators present that suggest a cruise control system may be defective. This is not always the case, but because cruise control crashes are so dangerous, it’s important to be aware of these signs that there’s potentially a problem with your vehicle.
The cruise control system does not disengage when you brake or shift the vehicle into neutral.
If you depress the brake or go into neutral, your cruise control system should automatically turn off without you having to disengage the cruise control from the wheel. When this doesn’t work, your car may not slow down in the event you need to stop quickly.
The cruise control system engages on its own.
If you are driving and your cruise system suddenly comes on, you should pull over and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible before driving it again. Accidents can easily be caused when a driver is unaware that their vehicle is on cruise, particularly on highways and at greater speeds.
Who Is At Fault For a Cruise Control Collision?
It can be difficult to determine who’s at fault after any accident, let alone one potentially caused by a defective mechanism. But there are a few key factors that can help to determine who may be held responsible:
- Manufacturers may be at fault for a collision if the car had a design or manufacturing flaw.
- Vehicle mechanics and dealerships may be responsible for damages if the car was not properly serviced or repaired.
- The other driver may be at fault if they were speeding, following too closely, or breaking another law that caused or contributed to the accident.
Depending on the circumstances of a case, more than one at-fault party may be named in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. A judge will determine what percentage responsible each at-fault party is for the incident.
How to Get Compensation For Damages
There are a few different ways you can go about obtaining compensation for any damages you suffered as a result of a cruise control accident, like medical bills and lost wages. First, you may be able to file an insurance claim with your insurance company or the insurer of the other driver involved in the accident, if applicable.
In the event that a mechanic, dealership, or manufacturer is at fault for a defective cruise control system that caused a collision, you may be able to file a lawsuit with the help of a personal injury attorney. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue for monetary compensation, medical cost reimbursement, non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages if the at-fault party was egregiously negligent and/or the damages were extreme.
Get Legal Help After a Cruise Control Crash Now
The best way to respond to a cruise control accident is to seek experienced legal help. An attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and help you gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case. At Mazow | McCullough, PC, we have extensive experience working with car accident victims and their families and can provide you with the comprehensive legal support you and your loved ones need after a devastating motor vehicle collision.
Call our office today for more information at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084. Serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and State of New Jersey.
