When it comes to car accidents in Smyrna, most people think of distracted driving, drunk driving, or running red lights. However, sometimes accidents happen because of maintenance issues. If faulty or negligence vehicle maintenance caused your accident, it’s time to speak with a Smyrna lawyer.
The at-fault driver could have neglected necessary car maintenance. Or, maybe a mechanic performed faulty work on a vehicle. Either way, you have legal rights.
John Foy & Associates can investigate the reason for your accident. We can determine who is liable for your damages. With our 20-plus years of experience, we’ll help you pursue compensation.
To get a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
Maintenance Issues that Can Cause Car Accidents
Smyrna drivers must keep up with car maintenance needs. Like most things, cars need proper care over time. If someone fails to schedule regular maintenance, their vehicle can end up causing an accident.
Here are some examples of standard car maintenance concerns.
Cracked Windshields
Dirty or cracked windshields can block a driver’s vision. If the issue worsens, it can become a considerable hazard. A driver might be unable to see potential dangers and avoid them.
If someone cannot see correctly through a cracked windshield, they can cause an accident. The driver might hit another car on the road or fail to see a stop sign. The consequences can be life-threatening.
Headlights and Brake Lights
At night and during low visibility, headlights are crucial. A driver might fail to change their headlights after their burn out. Other drivers cannot correctly see a driver without all of their lights.
Dirty headlights are also a hazard on Smyrna roads. If a motorist does not get their headlights cleaned, other drivers won’t see them at night.
The above goes for brake lights, too. Drivers must replace brake lights if they go out. Otherwise, other motorists will not know when the vehicle is stopping. The result can be fatal rear-end accidents and more.
Bad Windshield Wipers
If your windshield wipers streak or make noise, it’s time to replace them. Negligent drivers will ignore the problem. Then, the wipers might fail to work completely during bad weather.
When the windshields don’t work during inclement weather, a driver might lose visibility completely. In heavy rain or snow, this can mean an instant, dangerous accident.
Faulty or Worn Out Brakes
Brake issues often happen when a driver fails to:
- Have the brake pads changed, or
- Get their brakes serviced regularly.
Without its brake function, a car cannot stop. It’s not hard to imaging how terrible this situation can be for everyone on the road. Brake failure often leads to life-threatening injuries or deaths.
Brake failure can happen because of:
- A defective brake hose
- Corrosion
- Overheated brake pads
- Low brake fluid
- Too much moisture
- Defective brake parts
Bald Tires or Blowouts
Bald tires happen when a driver has failed to replace their tires. Poor tire maintenance is very serious, and it can lead to terrible accidents. Motorists should always check their tires and keep up with maintenance.
Tire blowouts can also happen on Smyrna roads. When this happens, the driver often loses control of their vehicle. If a blowout happens around other cars, a multiple-vehicle accident can happen.
Common causes of tire blowouts include:
- An overloaded vehicle
- Poor air pressure
- Punctures from sharp objects
- Hitting road hazards like potholes
Motorists should be careful to avoid hazards that can harm tires. They should also keep up with regular maintenance before it’s too late.
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Regular Vehicle Maintenance Needs in Smyrna
Part of having a car means keeping up with maintenance. Smyrna drivers must keep up with when their vehicles need particular services. Examples of regular maintenance include:
- Replacing fuel filters
- Replacing air filters
- Oil changes
- Battery and coolant inspection
- Replacing power steering fluid
- Inspecting brake pads
- Inspecting the HVAC system
Motorists should refer to their cars’ owner’s manuals for exact maintenance needs. If not, they could become liable for a severe accident.
Driver Negligence vs. Maintenance Issues in an Accident
Drivers are not always responsible for faulty or neglected maintenance accidents. Sometimes, a driver does everything they are supposed to for maintenance. Instead, a mechanic or repair shop does defective work.
Getting shoddy maintenance work can be just as bad as neglecting it altogether. Sometimes, shoddy work makes the situation much worse. If you think lousy maintenance led to your accident, contact a Smyrna car accident lawyer.
If you suspect the other driver neglected their car’s maintenance, you should also call a lawyer. Your attorney can investigate the cause of your accident. Once you know who was at fault, you’ll know where to turn for compensation.
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
If another party was responsible for your accident, don’t wait to seek compensation. You can file a personal injury claim with the insurance company. However, you have limited time to file.
In Smyrna, the statute of limitations is two years (Georgia Code Section 9-3-33). That’s how long you have to bring a legal case for your accident. If you miss the two-year deadline, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your Smyrna lawyer can start working on your case immediately, You’ll need time to build your claim and file within the limitations.
Talk to a Smyrna Car Accident Caused by Faulty or Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Lawyer for Free Today
You should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence in your accident. If faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance led to the crash, you have rights. You could be entitled to full compensation for your losses.
At John Foy & Associates, we can investigate the cause of your accident. We’ll determine who was negligent in the crash. From there, we can calculate your damages and fight for your compensation rights.
Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Working with us is risk-free for you. Plus, the consultation is 100% FREE. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
