Car Accident Lawyer
Speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving aren’t the only causes of car accidents these days. Car crashes can also result from poor vehicle maintenance. If you were injured in a car accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance, you may be able to hold the other driver liable.
Vehicle Maintenance Issues That Can Cause a Car Accident
All drivers have a responsibility to maintain and repair their vehicles when necessary. If they fail to do this, accidents are more likely to occur. Here are some common vehicle maintenance issues that can lead to an accident.
- Broken tail lights. Tail lights let drivers behind your vehicle know when you are slowing down. If your tail lights are broken, however, they won’t be able to tell that you are slowing down and rear-end your vehicle.
- Failing brakes. A brake system helps a vehicle slow down and stop for stop signs, red lights and other vehicles. If a vehicle’s brakes aren’t working well, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into other cars, bikes and pedestrians. Signs of failing brakes include grinding and screeching noises and brake fluid leaking out of your vehicle.
- Malfunctioning wipers. When driving in heavy rainstorms, it’s essential to have good working windshield wipers. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the road ahead and may get into an accident.
- Worn out tires. Tire problems cause a large percentage of vehicle collisions. As a car accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC can confirm, worn out tires can cause vehicles to roll over or swerve into oncoming traffic.
- Steering issues. When a vehicle steering system fails, it can make it harder for a driver to control the vehicle. Drivers may have trouble keeping their vehicle in a straight line, which can result in a collision.
How to Prove Poor Vehicle Maintenance Resulted in a Collision
Proving that the other driver’s failure to maintain his or her vehicle led to the car accident may be tricky. However, it can be done. If possible, try to gather evidence as soon as possible after the crash. For instance, if a blown out tire caused the accident, take a photo of it. When police arrive at the scene of the accident, tell them that poor vehicle maintenance caused the crash so that they can put it in their report.
If you were hurt in a vehicle accident, contact a car accident lawyer, like one from Burton Law Firm.