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When driving on the road, you expect that the other vehicles will be properly maintained so as not to cause accidents. However, this is not always the case. Poorly maintained vehicles are accidents waiting to happen. 

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) an estimated 44,000, crashes nationwide can be attributed to a lack of vehicle maintenance issues. Of those vehicle issues, 35 percent are due to tire problems; 22 percent are due to brake problems;  3 percent are due to problems with steering, suspension, transmission or engine-related issues, and 40 percent are attributable to other vehicle maintenance issues. 

Tires 

SmartMotorist.com says that today's radial tires are significantly safer than the bias-ply tires of 25 years ago. However, under-inflation was the culprit in many tire-failure fatalities. Uneven or worn-out tires are the next most serious problem and can also lead to tire failure. Uneven wear is caused by improperly balanced tires, misaligned, or broken suspensions. It is recommended that tires be inspected every 5,000 miles.

Brakes 

Braking systems operate via hydraulic pressure transferred through a special ‘brake fluid’ through metal lines to brake-system components. As brake fluid ages, it collects contaminants and may absorb moisture, reducing the life and effectiveness of other brake system components and even accelerating the rusting of brake lines, according to The Chronicle Herald in California. Brakes should be inspected at least once a year. 

Steering/Suspension/Engine 

Of all the components in a vehicle, according to DefensiveDriving.com, the steering and suspension take some of the heaviest wear. Some of the most common steering and suspension problems are easily identifiable and prevented by checking power steering belts and fluid levels. 

Liability for a poorly maintained vehicle 

When a driver takes to the streets in an unsafe and poorly maintained car, it is more than his or her own life or safety that is at risk. His or her passengers as well as drivers and passengers of other vehicles and pedestrians are also in jeopardy. If it appears that the unsafe condition of an involved vehicle brought about a serious accident, the driver or owner of that vehicle is at fault. 

The law requires drivers to use reasonable care to avoid harming anyone encountered on the road including maintaining and using the vehicle’s equipment in safe working order. If a driver fails to meet this requirement, he or she may be found to have violated driver duty of reasonable care and considered negligent. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact the experienced legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.