Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Is your car helping you to avoid car collisions, or is it putting you at risk? Many of us simply hop in our cars and go, not stopping to think about the ways that our vehicles could be affecting our ability to drive safely. Nevertheless, product defects and mechanical failure in Hollywood in Florida cause many thousands of car injuries and car accidents in the region each day.
Consider these questions when evaluating the safety of your car:
1) What are the safety features of my car?
Start with the seat belts. Are they in good condition, or do they show signs of ripping or wear? Is your airbag one of the ones affected by recalls? Make sure that the systems designed to keep you safe are actually keeping you safe.
2) What do other drivers have to say about my car?
Check online to see whether your car or any of its car parts have been recalled. If so, contact a local dealership to find out whether you have been affected by the recall and whether you can get a defective part replaced at no charge.
In addition to checking for recalls, check online forms to find out whether other drivers with the same make, model, and year of car have had problems. If multiple people have reported injuries or accidents resulting from particular mechanical failure, take your car to a mechanic or dealership to get a professional to check for the same problem. Sometimes, car manufacturers will not issue a recall even though many people have been injured. If you are driving around with a defective car, it’s best to be proactive about it in to address the potential issue even before you are injured.
3) Do any of my car components handle strangely or overheat?
Do some of your car not react way you expect? Does the dashboard or other area overheat, for example? Does the brake stick or is the steering off in some way? Get these issues checked out.
4) What condition is my car in?
It doesn’t matter whether your paint job is sparkling; if your engine is in trouble or if your brakes are not working correctly, that can easily lead to a traffic collision. Make sure that your car is properly maintained and get regular oil changes and tune-ups. If it’s been a while, take your car into a body shop for some basic maintenance.
5) How are my tires?
Bald tires or incorrectly inflated can cause you to slide or lose control — especially on turns. Make sure that the treads are deep. If your tires are worn down more in one spot and another, your tires may not be properly aligned or may be overinflated. Take them into a Hollywood or Florida shop and replace any tires that have been worn down too far.
Have you been in a car accident or suffered an injury due to a car part defect or mechanical failure? Contact Flaxman Law Group to arrange a free accident consultation to discuss your options and your situation.