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Around 1:30 pm on Sunday, August 4th, a man was test-driving an electric pickup truck when he struck a car salesman in the dealership parking lot in Mission Bay.
According to San Diego Police Officer S. Foster, the driver, a 54-year-old man was test-driving a 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning. He shifted the vehicle into drive and the truck “abruptly launched forward”.
When the truck lurched forward, it struck the 31-year-old salesman. He sustained a skull fracture and brain bleed, according to Foster, and has been hospitalized.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
Vehicle Malfunction Accidents
While police are still investigating this accident, it’s possible that a malfunctioning component of the vehicle contributed to causing the accident.
What is a vehicle malfunction? When a vehicle’s system or component experiences a failure or defect that impairs its normal operation. It can potentially lead to safety hazards and may cause accidents or injuries.
Common vehicle malfunctions may include:
Engine Problems
The engine may experience issues like stalling when it unexpectedly shuts down. This can be caused due to fuel, air, or electrical issues. Alternatively, the engine may overheat which can inflict damage.
Transmission Issues
Transmission issues can be caused by fluid leaks when loss of transmission fluid affects vehicle performance and causes damage. Additionally, the transmission may lose power due to the inability to maintain gear engagement.
Brake System Failures
Brake system failures can be caused by worn-out brake pads. These reduce the efficiency of braking and can significantly increase the distances needed to fully stop. Brake fluid leaks can cause loss of hydraulic pressure and reduce braking efficiency. Additionally, the anti-lock braking system may fail, causing instability while braking.
Other common vehicle malfunction issues that may lead to accidents can include:
- Tire or wheel issues
- Steering and suspension failures
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Fuel system problems
- Safety system failures
- And more
Vehicle malfunctions can greatly impact the driver’s ability to properly and safely control the vehicle and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
“The Singleton Schreiber team sends their thoughts and well wishes to the victim and his family while he is in the hospital. As personal injury lawyers, we know the recovery process can be difficult, physically, emotionally, and financially,” says Gerald Singleton, attorney of Singleton Schreiber, “While officials work to determine the cause of the accident, we think it is important that the victim and his family know they may have legal options and could consider speaking to a personal injury lawyer to learn more.”
If you or a loved one have been injured in a collision with a vehicle, contact the team at Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about how our car accident attorneys in San Diego can help you. Call (619) 771-3473 or reach out via email at info@singletonschreiber.com to get started today.
