Routine Car Maintenance Can Help Prevent Car Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on July 20, 2020 in Car Accidents

The standard advice for new drivers is to drive defensively to prevent collisions. Following this advice helps keep the driver and others safe on the road. Still, there is more to avoiding car accidents than focus and caution alone. Worn-out or faulty vehicle components cause many vehicle crashes. Drivers are responsible for routine inspections at a trusted repair shop when they notice any warning signs or alerts from their vehicles. If you or your loved one is hurt in a car accident, it is important to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney. 

Car Maintenance Tips to Prevent Accidents

Since Illinois is not a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, any damage or injury caused by a mechanical failure can get complicated. When trying to determine who is at fault, an attorney would have to conduct a full investigation into the person responsible for any recent repairs and the manufacturer to determine if either were to blame. This can be a lengthy process and can get expensive. For this reason, proper car maintenance is essential and can help motorists avoid this situation altogether.

Drivers should pay attention to the following to help determine when and what they may need to repair:

• Vehicle Warning Lights: It is crucial to notice any warning lights on the dashboard, such as the check engine light, electrical fault light, ABS warning light, and oil warning light. A vehicle’s manual will cover what each of these lights looks like and what they mean for the particular make and model. Failure to respond to these alerts could prevent a driver from having proper control of his or her vehicle.

• Tires: Most modern cars have a tire pressure warning light, but if an older vehicle does not have one or it is not working properly, a driver should have the tire pressure checked. Low tire pressure could cause a flat, which could negatively affect a person's driving ability. Also, an inspection of the tires’ tread depth from time to time is critical to avoid a blow-out. If they are very worn down and smooth, drivers may lack control on wet or slippery terrain. 

• Windshield Wipers: Often taken for granted, windshield wipers are the key to visibility in the rain and snow. If a driver only notices that his or her wipers are ineffective during a thunderstorm or blizzard, his or her vision may be dangerously compromised. This can hinder the motorist's ability to see clearly and other vehicles on the road passing nearby.

Contact a Barrington Personal Injury Lawyer

Since you must determine how much each driver was at fault in an Illinois motor vehicle accident, seeking trustworthy legal counsel is worth the effort. If you or your family member suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Work with a Cook County car accident attorney at the qualified legal team at Barrington Injury Attorneys. Call us today at 224-900-HURT to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:
https://www.carbibles.com/car-maintenance-tips/
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-406
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+11+Art%2E+IV&ActID=1815&ChapterID=0&SeqStart=118400000&SeqEnd=120100000