When asked, “what are the potential causes of car accidents” where does your mind jump to? Perhaps drunk driving or maybe a driver texting while driving. While these reasons could lead to a car accident, an often forgotten cause is poor vehicle maintenance. Vehicles that are improperly maintained may lead to car accidents, with both parties sustaining potentially serious injuries. These are a few ways in which the lack of car maintenance can cause a car accident.
Brake Failure Can Lead to A Car Accident
Having well-functioning breaks is arguably one of the most important aspects of your car; you need them to stop. If a car’s brakes are not continuously maintained, this could cause them to fail, putting both the driver and others on the road at risk for a dangerous, and potentially fatal, car accident.
To help mitigate these risks, car brakes should be checked once every six months. Here are a few common warning signs that a vehicle may be experiencing brake failures:
- Brake warning lights on the dashboard. Perhaps one of the most visual signs that a car is experiencing brake issues.
- Your vehicle pulls or grabs to one side. While there are several reasons why this is happening, pulling can take place, as a result of maladjustments of the breaks, brake fluid leakage, oil or grease leakage on the brake pads, or frozen emergency brake cables.
- Clicking noises during braking. Over time, as the “anti-rattle” devices installed in cars to stop the brake pads from moving become brittle and break, rattling or clicking noises occur during braking.
- Grinding or squeaking noises during braking. On the flip side, if brake pads are worn out, you will begin to hear a grinding or squeaking sound. This an indication that a vehicle’s brakes need to be checked and potentially replaced.
Proper Tire Maintenance Can Prevent A Car Accident
Without adequate tire maintenance, a driver may experience a catastrophic tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control, which may lead to a disastrous car accident. Maintaining one’s tires is an extremely crucial aspect of vehicle safety on the road. Prior to driving on the road, these are several tire problems that a driver should handle.
- Improperly inflated tires. Whether over-inflated or under-inflated, they both serve as major safety concerns. Before driving, be sure that the tire pressure is at a proper level.
- Vehicle cargo overload. An overloaded vehicle is at an increased risk in vehicular turnover. This is especially true for SUVs.
- Worn down or bald tires. Worn down and bald tires have less traction, coupled with faulty brakes, this is a recipe for disaster.
- Punctured tires. While your tires may be perfectly up-to-speed, running over glass or nails on the road could easily puncture through a car’s tires, which may cause a car accident.
Prevent A Car Accident With Well-Maintained Headlights
Well-maintained headlights are especially important for late-night drives and traveling through Florida’s rainy weather. If one’s headlights were to malfunction in these scenarios, it could place the driver and others on the road at a high level of risk.
Furthermore, dirty headlights are also an issue, as they limit a driver’s visibility. A couple of signs that you may be in store for new headlights are dimming lights and rapid blinking signals. One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to take the proper precautionary steps.
If you or someone you know has sustained an injury or other damages and has been involved in a car accident, your insurance company may not be able to provide you with the proper remedy that you deserve.
With the help of an expert uber accident lawyer, you will be able to consult with an expert who understands your rights under Florida law.
