Bronx Car Inspection Laws

Bronx Car Inspection Laws

About 2% of car accidents result from equipment failures. While this might seem like a minimal number, it still means hundreds of crashes happen in the Bronx, NY, each year due to issues like faulty brakes, malfunctioning windshield wipers, and burned-out lights. These crashes can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, particularly when they happen at highway speeds.

Fortunately, a Bronx car accident lawyer from Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers can help you fight for compensation if you experience a crash with a defective vehicle. Contact us today at (929) 447-2347 for a free consultation.

How Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Bronx, NY

How Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Bronx, NY

After a car accident caused by another driver’s carelessness, our personal injury attorneys can provide you with the following legal assistance:

  • Listen to your story and explain your options for pursuing injury compensation
  • Gather evidence, including doctor records, crash reports, and witness statements
  • Prepare an insurance claim against the at-fault driver and negotiate for a fair settlement
  • File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to resolve your case quickly and fairly

The seasoned attorneys at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers have over 41 years of combined legal experience fighting against insurers and at-fault drivers on behalf of clients in the Bronx, New York. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in injury compensation for accident victims through settlements and court awards.

Although they tend to be less common, car and truck accidents caused by faulty equipment can still cause serious or even fatal injuries. Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Bronx car accident attorneys to discuss your legal options for seeking car accident compensation.

New York State Car Inspection Requirements

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, most states required regular vehicle safety inspections. These inspections were mandated by Congress and enforced by a threat to withhold federal highway funds from states that did not comply. However, the enforcement mechanism was eventually removed from the law, and many states repealed their inspection requirements.

New York is one of the few states that retained its safety inspection requirements. Under New York law, cars and light trucks, such as pickup trucks and SUVs, must be inspected annually. A licensed inspection facility must perform the inspection and issue the certificate. You cannot register your vehicle unless it passes.

If it fails, you can have the repairs performed by any garage or even perform them yourself. You do not need to have the inspection station repair your vehicle. You also do not need to return to the original inspection station for a re-inspection after the repairs are completed. However, you may get a free re-inspection if you return to the original testing station.

Safety inspections focus on the systems most likely to cause a collision during a malfunction. 

These systems often include the following:

  • Brakes
  • Steering
  • Turn signals
  • Headlights, tail lights, and brake lights
  • Safety equipment, such as seat belts
  • Wheels and tires
  • Windshield
  • Windshield wipers and blades
  • Horn
  • Mirrors

The inspector may also check for fuel leaks or any other obvious safety issues, such as loose body panels.

Liability for Car Accidents Caused by Equipment Failure

Car crash liability is determined using negligence law. Negligence occurs when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and, as a result, injures another road user. 

The liability for car accidents caused by equipment failures can include the following parties:

The Vehicle’s Owner

Vehicle owners are responsible for performing regular maintenance. When they neglect their vehicles, they may be responsible for any resulting crashes. For example, suppose that a driver has a vehicle with bald tires. The owner may be liable if their car hydroplanes on a wet road and causes a pedestrian accident.

The Driver

A driver who is not the owner may also be liable for a crash caused by faulty equipment. This can occur in two situations.

First, a driver may be liable for a crash when their driving damages the vehicle, yet they continue driving it. For example, suppose that a driver hits a pothole and hears something break under the car. By continuing to drive instead of stopping, the driver may become liable for any crashes, even if they do not own the vehicle.

Second, a driver may be liable for a crash when they overlook signs that the vehicle is malfunctioning. Thus, a driver may be liable for a brake-related crash if they smell something burning and do not have it checked.

The Manufacturer

Manufacturers can be liable for injuries caused by their products. If your vehicle crashes due to a faulty part or faulty workmanship, you may have a claim against the company that manufactured the vehicle or part.

Contact Our Bronx Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Car crashes caused by faulty equipment can be devastating. If you were in an accident and suspect the driver didn’t follow New York inspection laws, our skilled team of Bronx car accident attorneys can help. Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to explore your legal options and protect your rights today.