According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,000 U.S. crashes are caused by improperly maintained tires each year, resulting in about 700 deaths and a large number of injuries.
Your tires might not be the first thing on your mind when you commute to and from work daily, but having maintained and inflated tires is essential to road safety. If your tires are worn or not kept at the correct pressure, you’re more likely to get in an accident. These risks increase in hot, windy, wet, and snowy weather.
Who is at Fault When a Car Malfunctions?
The use of defective or damaged materials contributes to the high rate of car accidents. Mistakes during manufacturing or auto assembly may be the reason why a car malfunctions on the road as blunders happen when tires are installed, mounted, and balanced by a mechanic. Installing tires that don’t fit the car model correctly happens more often than people think.
If negligence by the auto manufacturer or by a repair shop results in an accident, the business responsible is held liable for the negligent actions. Other parties can sue them for damages as well. In this case, it’s best to speak to a lawyer. They have mechanics who can detect what went wrong with your car at the time of the accident as proof that the malfunction wasn’t your fault.
Tire Maintenance Tips
Manufacturer negligence often causes tire problems, but lack of required maintenance is also a top cause of tire blowout accidents. The latter is especially true for modern vehicles that don’t visit the repair shop as often as their classic counterparts. That’s why it’s essential for you to pay attention to the health of your tires.
To maintain proper tire health:
- Make sure you’re using the right tire size and type for your vehicle
- Periodically check your tire pressure and inflate them as recommended by the vehicle’s owners’ manual
- Check for telltale signs of damage like bulges and uneven tread wear
- Have your tires rotated and balanced by the manufacturer
Taking these steps reduces the chance of an accident caused by worn or damaged tires.
Legal Help After a Car Malfunction
If you were injured in an auto accident and believe that defective tires may have contributed to the collision, talk with an experienced attorney. The Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Salpeter Gitkin, LLP can look into your case and determine whether you have the right to pursue legal action for your losses.
In the event that you do, we can identify the liable parties and engage in negotiation with the insurance company to ensure that you receive compensation for all accident-related damages. Don’t allow a third party’s negligence to result in your financial hardship. Contact us today at 954-467-8622 for a free case evaluation.
