Mechanical Problems That Cause Car Accidents
It is extremely important to maintain your vehicle properly to avoid car accidents. A poorly maintained vehicle increases your risk of being involved in a traffic accident. The key is to stay on top of mechanical issues that can result in a crash. Examples of mechanical issues that may result in a crash include:
Brakes
Your brakes are one of the most important tools to avoid a collision. If your brakes are not working properly, your risk of being in a collision increases in two ways. First, you may be unable to avoid a collision because your brakes fail. For example, another driver turns left in front of you. If your brakes are working properly, you may be able to stop short of the collision.
Second, improperly working brakes can result in a collision because you fail to stop. For example, you run into the back of a vehicle because your brake pads are worn causing your brakes not to work properly.
Vehicle Lights
Vehicle lights may not seem as important as other items; however, faulty lights lead to many accidents. If your headlights are burnt out, your visibility is decreased, and you are not as visible to other drivers. If your tail lights are not functioning properly, drivers behind you may not realize you are stopping or turning until it is too late to avoid a rear-end collision.
Tires
Having properly inflated tires and tires with good tread is crucial for a safe vehicle. Worn tread and inadequate inflation can cause tire blow-outs, hydroplaning, and reduction in ability to stop the vehicle. You must have that are in good condition, especially during the winter months when driving on wet, snowy, and icy roads.
Traffic Accidents Caused By Mechanical Issues
The above issues are just a small example of the ways you can cause a traffic accident if you do not maintain your vehicle. Some of the mechanical issues that cause car accidents are within your control, as discussed above. However, not all mechanical issues are within your control. Defective design and faulty parts are also to blame for many car accidents. When this is the case, victims may have a claim against the designer, manufacturer, distributor, or another third party.
However, when an accident is due to the failure to maintain the vehicle, the vehicle’s owner’s is held responsible for any damages. Damages an accident victim may be entitled to receive compensation for in a traffic accident include:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional suffering
- Physical pain
- Travel expenses
- Over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, and medical equipment
- Long-term personal care
- Physical therapy
If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to seek immediate medical care. Delaying medical treatment can harm your health and hurt your accident claim.
Call An Erie Personal Injury Attorney For More Information
Our Erie personal injury attorneys offer free consultations for accident victims and their families. If you have questions regarding a car accident claim or any other personal injury claim, call our office to schedule your free case evaluation.
Contact The Travis Law Firm toll-free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys. We accept most personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay our attorney fees until we recover funds on your behalf.