Blog

Is Your Vehicle a Risk for Causing a Serious Accident?

vehicle a risk?

Most car accidents in Pennsylvania are caused by driver error, speeding, drunken driving, distracted driving, or reckless driving. However, there are still a small number of incidents caused by vehicle defects.

Manufacturers of motor vehicles are required by law to create safe, reliable vehicles. However, a defect in design or during manufacturing could make those vehicles ticking time bombs.

When driving, do you wonder if your vehicle is one of those out there that has dangerous defects?

Luckily, you can lessen the likelihood that your vehicle’s problems cause future incidents by knowing the common defects that cause motor vehicle accidents.

Most Common Causes of Vehicle Accidents

1. Suspension Problems

Suspension problems usually give off warning signs before they become major issues. While suspension issues do not make up for the highest volume of car accidents, having your suspension properly maintained is still critical.

You may notice some of the following signs when your suspension is failing:

  • Uneven tire treads
  • Bouncing when driving on a relatively smooth road
  • Oily or greasy looking shocks
  • Drifting or pulling sensation when you try to turn

2. Powertrain Issues

Powertrain failures are more likely to cause an accident than suspension problems. The powertrain is what consists of your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other main operational components. Therefore, when this fails, it decreases your ability to operate the vehicle safely.

Frequent maintenance can usually identify upcoming powertrain issues, but you can also look out for common indicators, such as:

  • Warning lights lit up on the dashboard
  • Oil below the vehicle
  • Banging or weird noises coming from under the hood
  • Weird smelling exhaust or smoke coming from the exhaust

3. Steering System Malfunctions

Steering is by far one of the most important safety components on a vehicle. If you cannot steer the car, you cannot avoid striking objects.

Warning signs signalling that it is time to have your steering system checked include:

  • Stiffness when trying to steer
  • Noises coming from the wheel when you attempt to turn
  • Delayed response times

4. Brake Defects

Brake defects account for a clear majority of vehicle defect accidents. After all, if a vehicle cannot stop, it cannot avoid a rear-end collision or other devastating crash.

Your brakes can give plenty of signs that it is time for repair or replacement, while at other times the brake defects are silent and unnoticed. However, be on the lookout for the following and have your vehicle repaired immediately:

  • Lit up brake light indicators on the dashboard
  • Noises when you try to brake
  • Brake pads flattening to the floor
  • Odd changes in how your brakes respond

5. Wheel or Tire Defects

It’s likely that you have heard about the lawsuits against major tire manufacturers for their defective tires that have been causing accidents. A large majority of defect-related car accidents are due to tires or wheel complications.

You should always have your tires inspected and rotated as part of your routine maintenance, but also do an at-home check for unusual wear patterns or signs of balding. If there are any cuts or cracks on the tires, take them in immediately for replacement.

Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident? You May be Entitled to Compensation

Motor vehicle defects are no excuse for accidents. While the driver of the faulty vehicle may not be negligent, the manufacturer of those products could be held liable for your injuries. To determine which parties may be responsible, it is in your best interest to contact a personal injury attorney.

When you need an injury advocate, turn to Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. You can schedule your free consultation by calling him at 215-771-0430 on his cell or calling the office at 800-465-8795. You can also request more information online.

Get a Free Case Review

Please fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you shortly

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

NO WIN NO FEE - FREE CONSULTATION

Not Sure If Your Accident Qualifies?