Is Avoiding Car Maintenance a Form of Negligence?

Proper and timely maintenance helps ensure that vehicles are safe to operate and all people sharing the road are kept safe. If a driver fails to service his car regularly and he causes a crash, injured parties can hold the driver liable for failure to maintain the car.

How Failure to Maintain a Car Can Be Considered Negligence

Drivers are legally obligated to follow all the rules of the road, including driving cars that are properly and regularly maintained, repaired, or serviced. If a driver drives a poorly maintained car, and their failure to service the car results in a crash, then the driver may be held legally responsible for any property damage and injuries caused by the crash.

For example, if the driver or owner of the car knew of a defect in the car that could result in injury to others or damage to property, and did not fix the, the car’s driver or owner may be held liable for the crash that resulted due to the car’s defect. This also applies to situations in which the owner isn’t the car’s driver.

Some of the most common examples of poor car maintenance include:

• Brake Failure: This can lead to severe and deadly car crashes, particularly in situations involving high speeds or heavy traffic. Common signs of impending brake failure include a screeching noise or a slipping or loose pedal when braking and brakes that don’t respond right away when applied.

• Worn Tires: Worn or balding tires are hazardous because tire treads help cars grip the road. If the tires fail to grip the road properly, the driver can lose control and end up causing a crash. The same goes for underinflated tires.

• Malfunctioning Lights: Brake lights, turn signals, and headlights are crucial for driving safely. Drivers must always ensure their lights are in good working condition before driving.

• Windshield Wipers: Wipers must be able to wipe water and other debris without leaving distracting streaks, as these can significantly reduce visibility. Depending on the usage and wear, drivers may need to replace wiper blades every several months.

• Defective Car Horn: The main function of horns is to alert others on the road of the car’s presence. They can also call attention to impending hazards. Under Connecticut law, all motor vehicles driven on roads must have a horn in good working condition. The horn must also be able to emit a sound that can be clearly heard under normal conditions from no less than 200 feet.

Get In Touch With a Seasoned Enfield Car Accident Attorney Now

Regular and proper maintenance of vehicles can prevent crashes and save lives. People injured in a car crash due to another motorist’s negligent maintenance can learn more about their case by contacting Berman & Russo and setting up a free consultation with a seasoned Enfield car accident attorney by calling 860-644-1548 or filling out this online form.