- October 24, 2021
A Buffalo car crash might be attributable to poor car maintenance.Vehicle owners are responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of their vehicles. Correct maintenance ensures safe driving and helps the driver to drive smoothly and to avoid collisions. If you or anyone you know is involved in a Buffalo car crash, make sure that they are represented by the best attorney in Buffalo, New York.
According to the New York Department of Health, on average, 1,098 people die each year from unintentional motor vehicle injuries, or 5.6 for every 100,000 New Yorkers. Traffic injuries decreased from 8.4 per a 100,000 population in 2001, to 4.9 in 2014.
When a driver does not fulfill these obligations and a road accident occurs, the victim may hold the driver responsible for not performing maintenance on their vehicle. Repair shops, car dealerships, and manufacturers may also be held liable.
General Vehicle Maintenance Problems Leading to a Buffalo Car Crash:
The driver must maintain many parts of the vehicle to ensure they function properly. Sometimes, drivers do not need to do anything other than fix problems as they arise. By operating normally, you run the risk of being liable for damage in the event of an accident.
Parts of the vehicle that require regular inspection and maintenance include:
Cracked Windshield:
A cracked windshield is a big deal because it can interfere with the driver’s vision. In an emergency, a person can have less than a second to react.
Headlights and Wipers:
If you cannot see, your chances of getting into an accident increase significantly. Signs that you need new lights include fast flashing and dim lights, while signs that it is time for a new wiper may include squeaky noises or streaking.
Defective Brakes:
Brakes can suddenly fail, although this is often due to drivers not checking and changing brake pads regularly. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder, otherwise, the vehicle will move to the side when braking.
Bald Tires:
You can see that the tires are bald, so there is no reason not to know that your tires are in poor condition. For SUVs and other high-end vehicles, poor tire maintenance increases the risk of rollover in an accident.
Inflation of Tires:
Drivers must ensure that their tires are properly inflated. Hyperinflation can make it difficult to drive, while excessive inflation can cause an explosion while driving. The lights alert other drivers to upcoming road maneuvers, and if they do not work, this could also result in an impact.
Proper Seatbelt:
If the owner of the vehicle is unable to ensure that the vehicle’s seat belt is in good condition, he or she may be held liable if a passenger is injured as a result of damage to the seat belt.
Responsibilities of the Repair Store:
When the vehicle owner brings the vehicle to the workshop for repair, the workshop is responsible for ensuring that the repair is carried out correctly. In this case, the repair shop may be held liable for damage to all damaged parts.
Cars brought to a repair shop after an accident should also have the airbag replaced. If the airbag has deployed or if it does not deploy, the shop should at least test the sensor to make sure it is operational.
Obligations of the Seller:
Liability for improper vehicle maintenance may also apply to the dealer from whom the vehicle was purchased or rented. This can happen if there is a problem with the car that the dealer is aware of but does not fix before selling or renting to someone.
For example, a vehicle recalled by a well-known manufacturer must be recalled from the batch until the recall problem is resolved. If a dealer sells a vehicle with an active recall warning and that recalled component causes injury, the dealer may be held liable for the damage.
Manufacturer’s Legal Liability:
In rare cases, a vehicle malfunction may cause an accident. If the manufacturer does not notify vehicle owners and dealers of the problem and accident, they may be held liable for accidental damage.
Rare manufacturer defects that can lead to collisions and injury include:
- Tires
- Brakes
- Gearbox
- Power steering
Contact Us:
When you are injured in an accident, you must prove that you were the victim of the injury. This means that you must prove that someone else’s negligence hurt you during your Buffalo car crash. Our attorneys have been helping victims of accidents for several years. We have the resources to build a compelling case and maximize compensation. We do not charge you in advance. Contact us now for a free consultation.
