Proper Vehicle Maintenance Can Reduce Car Accidents

 Posted on June 27, 2017 in Personal Injury

While most traffic accidents can be attributed to driver error, there are thousands of car crashes that take place each year due to improper vehicle maintenance. These accidents are likely preventable if the driver had taken care of his or her car in a responsible way.

If you believe that improper vehicle maintenance caused a car accident that left you injured, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. You should not be forced to pay for your medical bills and may be eligible for other types of compensation.

Top Maintenance-Related Causes of Accidents

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, there are several reasons why a vehicle in poor repair could cause an accident:

1. Tires or wheels. This accounts for 35 percent of accidents where it was noted that the vehicle (as opposed to the driver) had critically contributed to an accident. Tire blowouts can cause a car to spin out of control and hit other motor vehicles on the road. Blowouts can be caused by under- or over-inflated tires as well as tires that should have been replaced due to mileage limits. Worn tires do not always lead to blowouts. They can, however, affect a car’s ability to stop or navigate in rain or snow.
2. Brakes. Brakes accounted for 22 percent of all accidents attributed to a car’s condition. Brakes must be regularly checked for leaks, which can compromise a car’s ability to stop. Antilock Brake Systems must also be maintained or else the brakes can lock. Finally, worn brake pads can diminish a car’s capacity to stop.
3. Steering, suspension, transmission or engine. Problems with these car parts account for 3 percent of accidents that are caused at least in part by a vehicle.

Other causes of accidents can be attributed to missing headlights or taillights as well as to worn windshield wipers.

Contact a Lombard, IL Auto Accident Lawyer

It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your car accident. Not only will your claim be handled more effectively if an attorney is involved from the beginning, but also Illinois law sets a deadline by which you must bring your claim. For most car accidents, you must file suit two years after the date of the accident.

The qualified DuPage County car crash attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices offer free consultations to car accident victims. Call 630-932-9100 to schedule your first meeting today.