Is Avoiding Car Maintenance a Form of Negligence?
Was The Car in Safe Working Condition?
All drivers have a legal duty of care to take appropriate measures, such as the ones below, to ensure that their cars are always in safe working condition:
- Responding quickly to notices of recall or defective parts and getting the parts replaced or repaired right away.
- Caring for the brakes and tires that may wear down earlier than normal, based on their quality and the driver’s driving habits.
- Maintaining the car as instructed by the manufacturer.
- Being proactive about repairing and inspecting faulty tail lights, headlights, signals, or brake lights.
Was The Driver Aware of The Faulty Car or Component?
If the owner or driver of the car knew of any malfunction that could prevent the car’s safe operation and failed to have it repaired right away, the driver may be held liable for a subsequent crash that resulted from this malfunction. Examples of malfunction and driver negligence can include:
- Steering Malfunction – The constant turning of the wheel can result in a loud noise, power steering fluid leakage, or grinding constriction over time. It can also cause the loss of steering pressure.
- Bald Tires – Bald tires are more vulnerable to grip loss or hydroplaning on wet and slippery surfaces, and this loss of traction can cause severe tire failure called a blowout. Driving a car with bald tires or tires in otherwise poor condition may lead to devastating crashes and injuries.
- Brake Failure – Faulty brakes typically produce a loud grinding or screeching noise. They might likewise have reduced performance, or upon braking, the car may pull to one side. In addition, other common examples of impending brake failure include the brake pedal pulsing when braking, losing brake pressure, or the brake fluid leaking beneath the car.
- Ignoring the warning lights or dashboard service lights for a long time.
Talk to Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Today
Getting injured in a car accident means that you are in pain and may not be able to earn a living to support your family. The Tampa car accident lawyers of Matthews Injury Law know all too well the losses that injured victims suffer due to other people’s negligence. We will conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the crash to figure out whether poor vehicle maintenance caused or contributed to the crash that left you injured.
Our lawyers will also gather all the necessary to prove your damages, establish liability for your losses, and make sure that you get compensated fairly. Let us handle your claim so you can just focus on recovering from your injuries. For a free consultation with our Tampa car accident lawyer, call us at 813-530-1000 or reach us online.