Regular vehicle maintenance is vital for safety on the road. Out of all the vehicle collisions that occur each year throughout the U.S., some of them could have been prevented had the drivers kept up with regular vehicle maintenance. According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), these accidents make up much of the $871 billion in economic losses from vehicle accidents each year.

Many vehicle owners consider the cost of maintaining their vehicle an unnecessary expense. However, this expense is a fraction of the economic damage these accidents can cause.

Preventing Accidents Through Maintenance

While any worn down or depreciated vehicle part could play a role in causing an accident, some vehicle parts are more likely than others to cause a collision. Examples of vehicle parts that frequently lead to accidents due to neglected maintenance include:

Lights: The lights on a vehicle are a vital tool in avoiding an accident. Both headlights and brake lights warn other vehicles of a driver’s presence, and a malfunction could result in a devastating crash. It is important to regularly test and change light bulbs as needed.
Braking system: One of the most important parts of a vehicle is the braking system. When a car owner fails to regularly service the braking system or brake pads, it could interfere with their ability to stop in time to avoid an accident.
Tires: Worn or bald tires can also lead to vehicle accidents. Bald tires make it difficult for a vehicle to stop, which could cause it to slide into another vehicle.
Steering system: The ability to steer is also critical for motorists. When a driver fails to maintain proper steering fluid levels, it could cause them to lose control of the vehicle.

These are only some of the maintenance failures that can lead to a motor vehicle collision. There are countless parts of the vehicle that can result in an accident, especially when a vehicle does not receive service regularly.

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Signs that Maintenance May Be Necessary

Some of the most common signs that maintenance is necessary include:

A flashing indicator on the dashboard
Unusual noises
Hard starts
Stalling
Slow acceleration
Vibrations
Vehicle fails to start
Low fuel mileage

Before you take in your vehicle for maintenance, ensure that you find a reputable mechanic or dealer to address your needs. Seek out a mechanic with positive ratings and learn whether they hold any certifications. If possible, find a shop that specializes in your make of vehicle.

Pursuing a Faulty Maintenance Claim

Some drivers take the initiative to have their vehicle serviced, only for the mechanic to perform inadequate maintenance. When a faulty inspection or repair job results in a motor vehicle accident, the mechanic could face civil liability for any damages that occur.

Mistakes are common during vehicle maintenance, even among trained professionals, especially when shops are understaffed or overbooked. When these shops cut corners, the consumer tends to suffer. Some maintenance errors involve a failure to identify a necessary repair. The failure to act could result in a vehicle crash sooner rather than later.

Likewise, these claims can also involve a botched or defective repair, such as not successfully repairing or replacing a vehicle part. In some cases, mechanics will install a part that is designed for another vehicle. These mismatched parts might work in the short term, only to break down over time.

Other errors may involve damage that occurs during the repair process. It is possible for a mechanic to successfully address the original issue but fail to notice other damage they caused while performing the repair. Any of these issues could result in a viable negligence claim.

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Talk to an Attorney About a Faulty Maintenance Case

Our team can help you determine how important vehicle maintenance is to your accident case. If your vehicle was in an accident due to a negligent repair job, you could be eligible for monetary compensation. Let the team at the Morris Bart law firm review your case and assist you in your pursuit of compensation. Call (504) 613-4771 to learn more.

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to find a Morris Bart office near you.