Defective, damaged, or worn auto parts can lead to car accidents. Until 2025, Texas law required vehicle owners to have their vehicles inspected to renew their registrations. However, car inspection laws in Dallas, Texas, and throughout the state have changed. Currently, the state mandates no safety inspection.
Car or truck crashes caused by vehicle or equipment breakdowns can result in physical injuries and financial losses. Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers is available to discuss your options for seeking compensation for your injuries after a vehicle malfunction. Call us today at (214) 556-8321 to schedule a free consultation with our Dallas car accident lawyers.
How Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Car Accident in Dallas, TX
Our law firm was founded over a decade ago to protect the rights of accident victims in Dallas, TX, by helping them pursue financial compensation from those who caused their injuries. Over that time, we have successfully recovered much-needed compensation through insurance settlements and trial awards.
When another’s careless acts—such as failing to repair or maintain a vehicle—causes an accident, our Dallas personal injury lawyers can help by:
- Listening to your explanation and analyzing your claims
- Preparing a claim using the evidence we gathered on your behalf
- Pursuing an insurance claim and attempting to negotiate a fair payout
- Filing suit against the at-fault party if we cannot obtain an insurance settlement
Car accidents result from many causes, including careless driving and defective equipment. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options for seeking financial compensation after being injured in a preventable car crash.
Vehicle Inspection Laws in Texas
Texas had a vehicle inspection requirement for registration. However, the state legislature passed a law in 2023 to repeal the inspection requirement. As a result, vehicle owners are not required to have their vehicles inspected for safety.
This move was not entirely unjustified. Most car accidents result from risky driving behaviors—like distracted driving—instead of equipment malfunctions or failures.
Moreover, Texas law enforcement officers still have the authority to keep dangerous vehicles off of public roads and highways.
State law makes it a misdemeanor to operate a vehicle under any of the following conditions:
- The vehicle is so unsafe that it poses a danger
- The vehicle lacks equipment required by state law, such as functioning headlights
- The vehicle has equipment prohibited by law, such as reflective tint
An officer can stop a driver operating a dangerous or non-compliant vehicle. During the stop, the officer has the authority to inspect the vehicle to determine whether it meets all legal requirements. The officer can issue a citation upon determining that the vehicle violates Texas law.
However, citations issued in Dallas for equipment violations can be dismissed when the driver provides proof of compliance. Proof may include inspection of the vehicle by the department that issued the citation to verify that the equipment issue has been fixed.
How Defective or Neglected Vehicles Cause Accidents
Equipment failures can lead to car accidents when drivers lose control of their vehicles. For example, a vehicle might stall, rendering the driver unable to move it. Similarly, a driver might not be able to steer or brake when their tire blows out.
In other cases, equipment failures might prevent the driver from warning other operators about what they are doing. For example, pedestrians in parking lots often observe reverse lights to determine when it is safe to walk behind a vehicle. A driver can cause a pedestrian accident if their reverse lights are broken.
Problems with the following parts and equipment systems may result in a crash:
- Wheels and tires
- Headlights
- Turn signals and brake lights
- Mirrors
- Windshield and wipers
- Brakes
- Steering
- Suspension
Other vehicle problems can arise when drivers deliberately use prohibited equipment. For example, aftermarket tint that is too dark can interfere with a driver’s view of the road.
Liability for Equipment-Related Traffic Crashes
Liability for crashes caused by equipment problems depends on the nature of the problem and who knew about it. Some parties that may be liable for vehicle-related crashes include the following:
Drivers
A driver may be responsible for injuries caused when they drive negligently. For example, suppose that a driver hears grinding from their brakes. If the driver continues driving despite knowing or suspecting their brakes are not working correctly, they may be responsible for any rear-end collision they cause.
Vehicle Owners
Vehicle owners may also bear the liability for accidents. Again, suppose that a vehicle owner knows their tires are worn but delays replacing them. They may be liable for their negligence that contributed to an accident, even if they were not driving at the time.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers have strict liability for injuries caused by equipment defects. If the vehicle or its auto parts were defective when they left the manufacturing facility, the manufacturer may be liable for any resulting accidents.
Contact Our Dallas Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
You may have a variety of claims after car accidents caused by defective, damaged, or worn auto parts. Contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your injuries and the compensation you can pursue for them under Texas law. Our Dallas car accident lawyers are available to listen to your story and help you understand your legal rights and options.
