Lack of vehicle maintenance is one of the major causes of crashes and road accidents that results in a lot of injuries and deaths every year. Vehicles with poor or no upkeep are accidents waiting to happen. Inadequately maintained commercial and large vehicles particularly contribute to the national road toll each year.
Specifically minor maintenance problems of these large vehicles can have many negative consequences. When these consequences include personal injury or the death of other drivers on the road, survivors and loved ones have a right to seek legal compensation.
Vehicle Maintenance is Crucial, But Often Overlooked
Road accidents caused by lack of vehicle maintenance are unfortunately very common. According to statistics, thousands of crashes occur every year because of poor vehicle maintenance and vehicle malfunction.
No matter the type or size of a vehicle, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the safety of the driver of that vehicle as well as other drivers, and passengers on the road. Unfortunately, vehicle maintenance is often overlooked which results in an increasing number of crashes, injuries, and deaths on the road.
Common Poor Vehicle Maintenance Problems That Cause Accidents
As mentioned above, car maintenance is a serious and often overlooked issue. Studies done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show an average of 45,000 accidents per year are caused by a vehicle malfunction, many of those because of poor maintenance on the owners’ part. Most common poor maintenance issues include the following:
Deflated, Worn Tires
Deflated or worn tires severely affect vehicle maneuverability and increase the risk of a crash, damage, and injury. In 2021, The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 35% of accidents caused by cars in disrepair happened due to bad tires
Worn or Faulty Brakes
Regardless of the size or type of vehicle, worn or faulty brakes can have devastating consequences. Accidents caused by such poor vehicle maintenance often include runaway vehicles, rear-end collisions, and accidents involving pedestrians.
Bad Steering, Loss of Control
Lack of vehicle maintenance can cause issues such as bad steering which may lead to loss of control, and the risk of head-on collision accidents increases.
Faulty Lights, Reflectors, And Signals
A malfunctioning reflector or signal light can severely affect a vehicle’s movement predictability. Especially in rural areas at night, poorly maintained reflectors and lights can render a vehicle nearly invisible and lead to high-speed crashes.
Oil Changes
Oil changes are also important to keep up on. Going too long in-between changes could cause serious engine problems. It is recommended that you change the engine oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles whether you think your vehicle needs it or not.
Filing a Lawsuit for Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Accident
You can file a claim to seek compensation if you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by a poorly maintained vehicle. Some of the evidence required to establish liability and ensure a successful claim, may include witness testimony, police reports, vehicle inspection reports, vehicle maintenance logs, etc., and the help of an experienced attorney can prove to be invaluable to achieve such a purpose.
Expected Compensation
In the event you succeed in establishing negligence caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance, you may expect to recover compensation for the following:
- Past medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Pain, suffering and inconvenience
- Loss of income
- Out-of-pocket costs
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Car Accident Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
If you were injured in a road accident caused by a lack of vehicle maintenance, make sure to consult with a personal injury attorney. At Hilton & Somer, LLC, our attorneys will work with you to determine what caused your accident and gather the necessary evidence to prove the negligence of the party at fault, so you can receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 703-560-0700 for a free consultation.
References
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts
