When it comes to car accident causes, many people think of drunk drivers, texting & driving, and bad weather conditions.
But did you know that poor vehicle maintenance is another reason that accidents occur?
If drivers know or should have known their vehicle had maintenance issues that could cause an accident, they could be held liable if their vehicle causes injuries to others on the road.
Auto maintenance issues that could lead to such a situation include:
Cracked Windshield – A cracked windshield may not seem like a big deal, but it is. This is because it can obstruct a driver’s vision. In an emergency, one could potentially have less than a second to react, and even a small obstruction could make a difference in the driver’s response time.
Lights and Wipers – Both of these play a major role when it comes to safe driving. If you can’t see or be seen, your chances of being involved in an accident increase. Signs you need new lights include a rapid blinking signal and dimming lights, while signs that indicate it’s time for new wipers include noise or streaking.
Faulty Brakes and Worn Out Brake Pads – It’s possible for brakes to suddenly fail, though they generally do so because a driver did not regularly have the brakes serviced or the brake pads changed. Signs of brake issues include a pulsating brake pedal, repeatedly needing to add brake fluid to the major cylinder, or the car pulls to one side during braking.
Bald Tires – Having bald tires is visible, so there is no excuse for not knowing your tires are in poor condition. When it comes to SUVs and other high-profile vehicles, poor tire maintenance increases the risk of rolling over in an accident.
If you sustained injuries in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, please contact us to discuss your case.