There are many reasons you may find yourself involved in a car accident. The weather may have turned the roads into a slick and slippery surface; you may be hit by a reckless driver or one that is intoxicated while behind the wheel. You may have been driving next to a motorcycle whose driver decided to cut in front of you, or you may have been hit by a large commercial vehicle. What you may not know is that mechanical errors are right up there among the most common causes of car accidents on the roads today. You can read more about these and other factors that result in accidents at georgiatrialfirm.com/duluth/car-accident/.
What are the Most Frequent Mechanical Errors that result in Accidents?
1. Ruptured Tires
When a driver fails to maintain their car and forgets to check the status of the tires, they may be driving with old tires with threading that has worn thin. This can cause the tire to explode and the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
2. Brakes that Fail
There is nothing more dangerous for a driver than to realize that their brakes are not responding as they should. Brake failure is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions. More than 5 million yearly car crashes can be blamed on this issue alone.
3. Unstable Steering Wheel
When there is an imbalance between the steering wheel and the tires, driving at high speeds will result in an unstable steering system, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the car.
4. Poorly Maintained Engine
A defective engine or one that is not adequately maintained can sputter as air and fuel mix. This could cause the engine to stall, stopping the engine in the middle of traffic.
5. Airbags Bursting
Airbag failure can result in catastrophic collisions. As a matter of fact, many car models have been recalled in recent years due to problems with their airbags. When an airbag explodes without cause, it can kill the driver and result in an accident where many others can also lose their lives.
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Help Prevent Accidents Due To Mechanical Failure
As the owner or driver of a vehicle, there are many things you can do to safeguard not only your own life but the lives of others around you. Although some issues are rare and there is nothing you can do about them, there are many others that you can control.
Start by getting in the habit of getting routine maintenance for your vehicle, and, between visits to the shop, keep an eye out for blinking lights and warning signs.
1. Check Your Tires Regularly
Tire defects are very easy to spot. Make sure to check them frequently and keep them inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Always keep the best quality tire pressure gauge in your car to check your tire pressure regularly. And in the case, if tire pressure is not up to the mark then fill it with a tire inflator. Also, you need to buy a good quality tire inflator and keep it in your car so that you can easily fill your tire when needed.
2. Learn To Listen To The Engine
Engines are designed to run smoothly. If you start hearing banging, popping, or cracking noises while driving, there is almost always a mechanical problem, likely within the engine itself. Don’t wait and bring your car to your trusted mechanic as soon as possible.
3. Check For Puddles
There is no reason why your car should be sitting on a puddle of liquid. Nothing should be dripping from the undercarriage of your car. If you do notice oil or any other liquid coming out, a visit to your mechanic is in order right away.
4. Be On The Lookout For Recalls
By visiting the official NHTSA website, you can easily get information on any recall that applies to your vehicle. Input your car’s make and model or use your car’s VIN and instantly find what you are looking for.
Be a responsible driver and do yourself a favor by having your car in top shape. You will help avoid an accident where you or your passengers can be injured as well as those who drive around you.
Will Your Car Insurance Policy Cover an Accident due to Mechanical Errors?
You might be surprised to discover that the average full coverage vehicle policy will not cover the repairs needed when the issue is a mechanical defect or breakdown. If you are interested in getting these expenses covered, you may have to buy an additional policy called “mechanical breakdown insurance.”
On the other hand, if you do maintain your vehicle but suffer a crash and injuries due to a driver whose car is not well maintained and had a mechanical error, you may have to reach out to a car accident attorney who will listen to your case in a free consultation and explain to you the legal pathways you can take. Your attorney will help you negotiate with the insurance company or file a lawsuit to get you the damages you deserve.
