According to safe driving tips offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you should have regular oil changes, tune-ups, and regular checks on your tires and battery. Some of these car parts only need to be examined once or twice a year, but other areas of your vehicle should receive maintenance every few months. This is especially important if a “check engine” light is on or you suspect something is wrong with your vehicle.
Types of Maintenance You Should Do or Have Done Regularly
Specific types of maintenance include:
- Checking the tread and air pressure of your tires
- Inspecting your headlights to ensure proper visibility
- Checking the power levels on your batteries
- Inspecting the fluids in your engine
- Receiving regular oil changes approximately every 5,000 miles, depending on the car’s age and your driving conditions
- Replacing your engine’s air filter
- Replacing worn or defective windshield wipers
When you consider what regular maintenance should be done on a car, you should know that different vehicles require different levels of attention when it comes to maintenance. Compared to newer vehicles, older cars may require more frequent checkups to ensure the vehicle is still safe to drive.
If you have been recently involved in an accident and you suspect it was caused by neglected maintenance or defective products, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you file a claim against the liable parties.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
The Most Common Defective Car Parts
Defective car parts that can lead to safety issues may involve steering wheels, electrical wiring, windshield wipers, accelerator controls, or engine parts, according to information from the NHTSA.
There are many other defective products that may compromise a vehicle’s safety, including car seats and airbag systems. Any of these products can ultimately lead to a serious accident. In the event of an accident, car dealerships, product manufacturers, and mechanics may be held responsible for your losses.
Examples of defective car parts and products include:
- Steering wheels that lock in place, become loose, or break off at the base, causing you to lose control of the vehicle
- Defective tires that burst while driving
- Engine fans that shatter
- Defective windshield wipers that limit visibility during rain, sleet, or snow
- Seats that unexpectedly recline while driving
- Broken wheels, affecting your ability to maneuver on the roadway
- Fuel tanks that catch fire after an accident
- Accelerator controls that cause the vehicle to rapidly speed up or lose speed
- Airbags that deploy prematurely or fail to deploy at all
- Vehicle parts that fall off the vehicle and create roadway hazards
- Car seats with improper safety measures
- Car jacks that collapse while holding the vehicle
- Issues with electrical wiring, which may cause lights to turn off or start fires inside the vehicle
Types of Injuries Caused by Defective Car Parts
Defective car parts can cause many injuries, especially when the vehicle components control areas of the vehicle that are essential to driver safety.
Examples of injuries from defective car parts include:
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Broken or fractured bones
- Concussions
- “Road rash” after being ejected from the vehicle
- Whiplash
- Sprained ankles and wrists
- Nerve damage
- Broken ribs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Injuries to the back or spinal cord
If someone fails to follow through on the regular maintenance that should be done on a car, they may cause an accident. At the Morris Bart law firm, our attorneys fight for victims who have been impacted by neglectful maintenance.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
A Negligent Maintenance Lawyer Can Fight for Your Rights
If you retain a personal injury attorney at our law firm, we can gather evidence about your accident and prove who was at fault for your injuries. If another party is found liable, you may be eligible to seek compensation. We can manage every aspect of your case for you so that you can focus on making a recovery and moving on with your life.
Accordingly, we offer numerous legal services during your fight for compensation. Our services include:
- Civil litigation
- Settlement negotiations
- Filing insurance claims and dealing with providers
- Examining coverage policies
- Gathering evidence
- Utilizing third-party experts to demonstrate your losses
Call Morris Bart Today If You’ve Been in an Accident
If you suspect your accident was caused by the other driver’s lack of routine maintenance, call us today to learn more about your legal options. You don’t have to be alone in your fight for justice. Contact a representative at the Morris Bart law firm today at (504) 613-4771 to get started with your free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
