Mechanical Failures That Cause Car Accidents

Accidents occur on Texas roadways every day. Most of these crashes are caused by poor or reckless driving. However, some are caused by mechanical failures.

Mechanical failures may be caused by the driver, repair shop, or the manufacturer. The driver may be to blame if they fail to maintain their vehicle and a failure occurs, such as a tire blowout. A repair shop may be at fault if they did not repair an issue properly, causing the car to get into an accident. But in some cases, a manufacturer may be liable, especially if a part is defective and it causes a crash.

Some mechanical failures are more serious than others. Here’s a list of the most common ones.

Wheels and Tires 

Wheel and tire malfunctions account for 35% of car accidents, making them the most common defect. Many drivers wait too long to replace their tires. They often wait until they are worn and even bald, making them hazards on the roadway.

Worn tires are unsafe. They are more likely to slip and lose traction in poor weather conditions. They don’t grip the road as well and take more distance to brake, which can lead to accidents in rain and snow.

Knowing how to recognize when you need new tires will help you stay safe on the road. Tires may need to be replaced every year, depending on how often you drive. Check for any loose threads or misaligned tires, since poor alignment can wear out tires faster. Keep in mind that tires are the only thing between your vehicle and the road, so you shouldn’t scrimp on them.

Brakes 

Bad brakes are a major factor in rear-end crashes. Poorly maintained brakes can cause a vehicle to overshoot the brake pedal, which leads to wear and failure. A car with worn-out brakes will have reduced stopping power, which can make it harder to slow down and stop.

The typical lifespan of a brake pad is 30,000 miles. A mechanic can inspect your brakes and check for worn-out brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or faulty braking system.

Steering and Suspension

Your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems make it easy to control the direction of your car. A problem with these components could prevent you from moving too quickly, which can be a scary situation. Routine maintenance can help spot these problems to avoid accidents.

 Headlights and Taillights

 Drivers rely on vehicle lights to aid in visibility in darkness, fog, heavy rain, or snow. Even in broad daylight, turn signals are the only way other drivers on the road can tell what direction your car is going in. Taillights and headlights are meant to keep you and the other drivers safe on the road.

 Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Car accidents are primarily caused by a driver’s negligence, but there are some exceptions. A mechanical failure can be to blame.

A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assess your crash and determine the cause. Schedule a free consultation by calling 281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.

Source:

n8familychiropractic.com/4-mechanical-failures-that-cause-auto-accidents/