In September, an SUV overturned after a tire blowout in Douglassville, Georgia. Four of the occupants were injured; the fifth, a twelve-year-old boy died.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, about one out of every five accidents is caused by faulty vehicle maintenance or vehicle defects. Every day, Georgia car accidents occur because car owners neglect to perform basic vehicle maintenance or replace worn parts. When drivers don’t maintain their vehicles in safe running condition, everyone on the road is put at risk.
Tire blowouts aren’t the only danger. As an Atlanta car accident attorney, I’ve heard of numerous instances when a driver’s engine stopped on the freeway, and the driver was unable to get his vehicle out of the flow of traffic. Other drivers on the highway could not stop in time to prevent a deadly Atlanta car crash.
Cars have parts that wear out and need to be replaced. If you own a motor vehicle, you have a duty to make sure that your car is in safe working order every time you take it on the road. Car maintenance refers to more than checking your oil and tire pressure. You should make sure your tires, brakes, batteries, and engine are in good working order, and that your car is clean. A dirty windshield can reduce visibility and depth enough to cause a deadly Atlanta pedestrian accident.
You can easily prevent accidents due to poor car maintenance by taking a few simple steps:
- Visually inspect your tires every time you get into your vehicle.
- Replace your tires when they are worn.
- Check your brakes as you pull out of your parking space.
- Create a car maintenance schedule.
- Get your car inspected by a professional once every six months.
- Don’t let car repairs wait.
If you are injured in an Atlanta car wreck caused by poor vehicle maintenance, you have the same rights as any Georgia accident victim injured by driver negligence. You may be able to obtain compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An Atlanta car accident attorney can tell you if you have a Georgia injury claim.
To learn more about your rights after an Atlanta auto accident, request a free copy of Shane Smith’s book, 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case. To schedule an appointment with an Atlanta car accident attorney, contact Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656