Is Your Car or Motorcycle an Accident Waiting to Happen?

It’s easy to dismiss small vehicle issues, especially when life gets busy. However, certain problems can escalate into serious safety hazards. Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to auto accidents, significantly impacting road safety. Motorcycles, being smaller and less noticeable than other motor vehicles, are also involved in a significant number of collisions, leading to higher injury rates for motorcyclists as opposed to car occupants. Recognizing and addressing these issues early can save lives and prevent costly consequences, both to your vehicle and to those on the road around you.

At Mintz Law Firm, we care about your safety and well-being. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a vehicle defect or mechanical failure, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your rights are protected.

Don’t Ignore These Dangerous Motor Vehicle Problems

Although you may not be proud of it, you’ve probably put off some car or motorcycle repairs in your life. Small issues like a wiggling armrest or a broken stereo may not put you and your family in danger, but there are certain problems that, when ignored, turn your vehicle into a ticking time bomb just waiting to go off at a moment’s notice, potentially leading to a car accident.

Don’t drive around in an accident waiting to happen. By paying attention to the service your car or motorcycle needs and addressing issues promptly, you’ll be able to sleep at night knowing that you and your loved ones are as safe as possible.

Here’s a look at some commonly overlooked problems with cars and motorcycles that can prove disastrous:

Burnt-Out Bulbs

Burnt-out headlights, tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals happen quite frequently, and can cause major problems in a very short window of time. As a driver, it’s your responsibility to ensure that other vehicles are able to see you on the road and that they can anticipate when you’re about to stop, back up, or turn.

If an accident occurs as a direct result of burnt-out lights, you will be held liable for any injury to persons or property. Check your lights regularly to make sure they are operating correctly, and never drive on the road when any of your bulbs are not working properly.

Uneven Tire Wear

When you’re driving, it’s not always obvious that your vehicle’s tires have been worn unevenly, but you shouldn’t wait until your car or motorcycle starts bumping and rattling before you take notice. Worn tires can be hazardous because of their reduced grip on the road, which can lead to a car collision. We recommend that you have your tires rotated regularly in order to prevent this type of problem. A good rule of thumb is to rotate tires and adjust alignment at every oil change.

Recall Items

If you receive a notice in the mail that a factory recall has been announced on a part for your car or motorcycle, you should take your car in quickly. Too many drivers fail to take these recalls as seriously as they should. If a manufacturer has recalled a part, it is because it has caused serious damage to life and property for other drivers.

Although taking your car into the dealership and having it worked on for one or more days may seem inconvenient, it’s absolutely crucial that you take care of it right away.

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, you probably groan in frustration, but don’t be one of the drivers who refuses to get the car or bike checked out and simply hopes that the light will turn off and the problem will magically go away. While the problem could be as simple as a loose gas cap, it could also be an indication of contaminated gas, the need to replace your O2 sensor, or other major issues that could wreak havoc on your engine and eventually lead to an accident. 

Vehicle Roll-Away

Drivers of cars with automatic transmission that were built before September 2010 should pay special attention to the hidden danger of vehicle roll-away. These cars were manufactured before the implementation of Brake Transmission Safety Interlock (BTSI) and can be shifted out of park, even when the vehicle’s engine is turned off and the driver’s foot is not on the brake. Left unattended in cars like these, children are capable of shifting the gear stick and causing the vehicle to roll and possibly collide with a stationary object, person, or another vehicle. Always keep your car locked, never leave children alone in your vehicle, and always engage the parking brake when the car is stopped.

We care about your well-being and don’t want to see you or a loved one injured in an auto or motorcycle accident. For more tips on driver safety or legal advice pertaining to automobile or motorcycle law, please reach out to us today.

Common Causes of Car or Motorcycle Accidents

There are many factors that can contribute to an accident occurring beyond vehicle maintenance issues. These can include: 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can result from various activities, including texting, eating, reading, grooming, talking to a passenger, or even talking on the phone. With the rise of smartphone technology, the number of distracted drivers has increased, leading to more car and motorcycle collisions.

When a driver’s attention is diverted from the road, even for a few seconds, the risk of an accident skyrockets. To reduce the risk of accidents, it’s crucial to stay focused and avoid any activities that take your eyes off the road.

Speeding

Speeding is a significant contributor to car and motorcycle accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their ability to react to sudden changes on the road, such as a car stopping abruptly or a pedestrian crossing. This loss of control can lead to devastating car collisions and motorcycle crashes. Excessive speeding also increases the stopping distance required to avoid an accident, making it more challenging to prevent a collision.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a contributing factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2020. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to speeding-related accidents, as they lack the protection of a metal enclosure and are more susceptible to being thrown from their vehicle in the event of a collision.

To avoid speeding-related accidents, drivers and motorcyclists should:

• Obey posted speed limits
• Adjust speed according to road conditions, weather, and traffic
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes
• Use cruise control or speed limiters to maintain a safe speed

By being mindful of speed and taking steps to avoid excessive speeding, drivers and motorcyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in a serious accident.

Poor Visibility

Poor visibility is a significant road hazard that can lead to car and motorcycle accidents. Fog, heavy rain, and snow can obscure the road, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and obstacles. Additionally, winding roads, blind intersections, and inadequate lighting can further impair visibility. Faulty headlights or taillights can also exacerbate the problem, leaving drivers and motorcycle riders vulnerable to accidents.

Ensuring that your vehicle’s lights are functioning correctly and being extra cautious in poor visibility conditions can help prevent accidents. Motorcycles are particularly at risk because they are less noticeable compared to other motor vehicles, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Hazardous road conditions can pose a significant threat to drivers and motorcyclists, particularly when combined with other factors such as speeding or distracted driving. Road hazards can include potholes, uneven pavement, debris, inclement weather, and poorly maintained or designed roads. Construction zones or roadwork can also create dangerous situations for all motor vehicle drivers.

To avoid accidents caused by hazardous road conditions, motorcyclists should:

• Slow down and exercise caution when approaching road hazards
• Use high beams or fog lights to improve visibility in low-light conditions
• Avoid riding in areas with poor road conditions or construction zones
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow time to react to road hazards

By being aware of potential road hazards and taking steps to avoid them, drivers and motorcyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in a serious accident.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving endangers not only the driver but also other road users, particularly the motorcycle rider who faces a higher likelihood of severe injury or death in collisions due to the lack of protective features. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. The consequences of drunk driving are severe, and it’s essential to make responsible choices. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, and always plan for a safe way to get home.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is a common practice among motorcyclists in which they ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. While lane splitting can be a convenient way to navigate through congested roads, it can also increase the risk of motorcycle accidents.

To avoid accidents caused by lane splitting, motorcyclists should:

• Avoid lane splitting in areas with heavy traffic or construction zones
• Use caution when passing between lanes, and be aware of other vehicles and road hazards
• Maintain a safe speed and following distance to allow time to react to other vehicles
• Consider alternative routes or modes of transportation to avoid congested roads

By being aware of the risks associated with lane splitting and taking steps to avoid them, motorcyclists can reduce their risk of being involved in a serious accident.

Accident Consequences: Serious Injuries and Fatalities

Car and motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and back and neck injuries. Motorcycle accidents are particularly hazardous, as riders are more vulnerable to serious injuries due to the lack of protection. The severity of these injuries can lead to high medical costs, lost wages, and long-term disability.

Motorcycle and car accidents can even lead to fatalities. Fatalities can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Head trauma or spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries or bleeding
• Burns or fire-related injuries
• Environmental hazards

To reduce the risk of fatalities in motorcycle accidents, motorcyclists should:

• Wear protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and durable clothing
• Ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other drivers
• Avoid riding in areas with poor road conditions or construction zones
• Stay alert and focused on the road, avoiding distractions such as cell phones or other electronic devices

By taking steps to reduce the risk of accidents and wearing protective gear, motorcyclists can minimize their risk of being involved in a fatal accident.

Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney for Serious Injuries Today

Ignoring seemingly small vehicle problems can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Whether it’s a burnt-out bulb, uneven tire wear, or an unnoticed recall, these issues can escalate into major hazards if not addressed promptly. Ensuring that your car or motorcycle is well-maintained not only protects you and your passengers but also reduces the risk of accidents for everyone on the road. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and attention to warning signs are essential steps in keeping your vehicle safe.

At Mintz Law Firm, we understand how vital it is to drive safely and responsibly. If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a vehicle defect or failure, our skilled attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – call us today at (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us protect your rights and help you get back on track.