How Can Poor Maintenance Cause Injury Accidents? | CO

 Posted on August 30,2024 in Car Accident

Accidents happen every day, with various causes producing unique injuries. When you think about car crashes and truck accidents, you probably assume they happen because of things like speeding, distracted driving, or alcohol. Did you know that a lack of proper maintenance can also lead to motor vehicle accidents?

Poorly maintained vehicles and roads are often contributing factors in collisions. Proving liability in these cases is sometimes challenging, however. An experienced attorney from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will investigate your accident, discover why it happened and who is to blame, and help you get the compensation you deserve.

How Can Vehicles Be Hazardous?

Every driver, whether operating a small passenger car or an 18-wheeler, has a legal duty of care to drive safely to avoid harming others. This duty extends beyond driving behaviors to ensuring that vehicles are safe to drive. Drivers should not operate vehicles with:

• Vehicle or parts recalls

• Very worn tires

• Cracked windshields that obstruct clear sight

• Failing brakes

• Transmission issues that impact drivability

• Steering problems

• Burned-out headlights, turn signals, or tail lights

• Loose parts that may fall off

• Damaged axles

• Faulty tie rods

• Worn suspension systems

Truckers should not drive tractor-trailers with faulty coupling systems, leaking liquid tanks, or insecure trailer doors. All these hazards can lead to accidents, and knowingly driving an unsafe vehicle is negligent behavior.

Negligence is the foundation for most personal injury claims, but you will need to investigate your accident to determine who was responsible for the hazardous condition. When you choose Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we will do it for you.

Who Might Be Liable for a Vehicle’s Poor Maintenance?

Most motorists own the vehicles they drive, although some drive company-owned cars and trucks while working. Commercial vehicles might belong to companies, organizations, or leasing companies. Vehicle owners may do their own maintenance, and others may use mechanics or maintenance companies to do any necessary work. Our investigation into the cause of your accident will answer several questions, such as:

• Did the driver or owner know about the vehicle’s safety issues?

• Did the responsible party make any attempt to repair or replace faulty parts or systems?

• Were any defective parts used?

• Did the maintenance company or mechanic recommend repairs, but the owner declined?

• Was the responsible party aware of a recall yet failed to have their vehicle serviced?

These questions will help us determine who was responsible for the unsafe vehicle. Your legal team will look for evidence pointing toward one or more of the following potentially liable parties:

• The driver

• The vehicle’s owner

• The company for commercial vehicles

• Parts manufacturers

• Mechanics or maintenance companies that serviced the vehicle

Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. can help you obtain compensation from each at-fault party.

What If Negligent Road Maintenance Contributed to Your Accident?

Potholes, cracked or broken pavement, and roadway obstacles may also contribute to causing motor vehicle collisions. Government agencies are responsible for road maintenance, and you may be able to obtain compensation from the specific government entity if a poorly maintained road caused your crash. Claims against the government have strict protocols, but Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. knows how to handle these cases effectively.

Call Today for Your Free Consultation With Our Skilled Fort Collins, CO Car Accident Lawyer

If poor maintenance led to your car crash, you deserve compensation. Let Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. help you get the highest possible amount. Call us at 970-225-2190 now to speak with our dedicated Larimer County, CO personal injury attorney.