3 WAYS EQUIPMENT FAILURE CAN CAUSE AN AUTO ACCIDENT
Each year, there are about 5.5 million car accidents that occur on U.S. roads. And unfortunately, there can be a lot of different causes of accidents, like distracted driving, equipment and cargo problems, or a simple driver error. But one cause of accidents that everyone should be aware of is equipment failure. So let's explore a few common ways equipment failure can result in a car crash.
Tire blowouts: Tire failure is one of the most common causes of crashes that result from equipment failure. Tire blowouts are not always easy to predict and often happen quite suddenly. They can be caused by over or under inflation, a punctured tire, or simply from having a worn out tire. When a tire blowout occurs, it's usually difficult to regain control of the vehicle, which is why crashes are common.
Brake failure: Having functioning brakes is important for each and every driver on the road. Rear-end collisions are often caused by brake failure, which doesn't allow the driver to stop in time. Brake-related crashes could be caused by ABS faults, worn brake lines, or worn or damages brake pads. These types of crashes are usually preventable by ensuring the car's brake system is in good working condition and repairing damages promptly.
Defective lights: And lastly, malfunctioning taillights and headlights can result in an accident. When it's nighttime or even just overcast, visibility on the road becomes limited. This is why cars are equipped with headlights and taillights. But if these lights are broken, other drivers may not see the car -- this then increases the risk for an accident.
When it comes to equipment failure, determining fault in an accident can be extremely complex. It essentially comes down to who was at fault for the equipment failure, which could be the driver, the vehicle manufacturer, the person responsible for maintenance, or another party. This is why it's always best to work with an experienced accident attorney.
Hopefully, this article provided some insight into the common types of equipment failure that can cause an accident. You should always make sure your vehicle is in good condition before taking it on the road to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.