If one of your resolutions for the New Year is to buy a new car, don’t just go for flash. Whether your budget is modest or extravagant, you want to choose a car you love but also a car that can get you and loved ones to your destinations safely. To do that and to help you prevent car accidents in Miami Lakes and other communities, ask yourself these questions when looking at any potential car:
1) Does this car have good safety ratings and a good reputation for safety?
Many organizations publish their lists of safe cars and lemons, especially at this time of year. While safety ratings alone are not the ultimate measure of preventing accidents, they can help. These lists are often based on crash tests, recalls, and safety features and many organizations publish useful information about specific models.
2) What safety features does this car have?
All newer cars have seat belts and air bags, which are the most important features if you want to prevent injury in a collision. However, today’s cars also have many additional features that can keep you safe. For example, some models have rear view cameras that let you prevent override accidents. Some models have accident prevention technology that can apply the brakes in the event of an imminent collision. Even a GPS system can help you if you often travel to new destinations and don’t want to be distracted by reading directions. Think carefully about how you use your car and consider the safety features that might be the most useful for you.
3) What are some of the potential problems with this model and can I overcome them?
No car is perfect, which is why you will want to consider any potential issues, rather than focusing on all the positive benefits. Does the car have head rests that impede your vision? Is the car’s dash bright and distracting? Does the dashboard leave a glare on the windshield at night? Some issues may be fixed. For example, you can usually dim a dashboard display or turn off any bright displays that may be distracting. However, if a car has blind spots or is hard to drive, keep looking.
4) How does this car perform on a test drive?
Retailers like customers to take test drives because they hope that customers will be able to picture themselves in the car and then want to purchase the vehicle. But the test drive is not just a marketing tool. It can help you determine how a car handles. Can you adjust the seats so that you are comfortable and can see well? Is the car the right size for you? Does it handle well?
5) Can I afford to maintain this car?
Even a car with excellent safety ratings is only as safe as how you drive it, and a large part of its safety comes down to maintenance. Can you afford quality tires for the car when the treads wear down as well as the maintenance needed to keep the brakes, engine, and other essential components in good repair? If not, you should not buy the car because you may not be able to keep it in safe condition.
If you have been injured due to a car defect or mechanical issue or have been injured in a car accident, contact Flaxman Law Group at any time for a free case review. Our team of attorneys would be happy to listen to your situation and provide legal advice.