Many accidents in Johns Creek are caused by driver negligence like distracted driving, drunk driving, or speeding. But there is another factor that most drivers don’t think about: poor vehicle maintenance. If you were in an accident after taking your vehicle to a mechanic, talk to a Johns Creek faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer because you might have a legal case.
Vehicle repair issues can be incredibly dangerous. At John Foy & Associates, we know that you should not have to pay for the costs of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. We can investigate the details of your accident, let you know if you have a case, and help you build a strong claim.
We can do all of the above and more—starting with a FREE, no-risk consultation. There is no charge when you meet with us, and you don’t pay a fee at all unless we win you money. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to learn more and get your FREE consultation today.
Why Faulty or Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Is So Serious
When a vehicle is unfit to drive after poor repairs, it puts the driver, their passengers, and all other people on Johns Creek roads at high risk. An accident may happen at any moment, and the driver of the defective vehicle may have no warning. This can result in huge medical costs, painful injuries, and even death.
Besides potentially serious injuries, faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance can also cause significant damage to the vehicle itself, leading to lengthy and expensive repairs. It’s a terrible feeling to know you just paid for maintenance that left you dealing with an accident and further costs.
If you experienced an accident and believe it was caused by faulty maintenance, keep track of all damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning
- Vehicle repairs
- Vehicle replacement
- Pain and suffering
If you were not at fault for your accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover these costs. An experienced Johns Creek faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer can help you with the legal side of things.
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Examples of Neglected Vehicle Repairs in Johns Creek
Without a thorough knowledge of car maintenance, it can be difficult to know when a maintenance job is bad or has contributed to your accident. That’s why we encourage clients to contact a law firm (like John Foy & Associates) that specializes in vehicle maintenance-related accident cases.
Examples of faulty repair jobs that can lead to accidents include:
- Bad wiring
- Leaky hoses
- Faulty mechanical jobs
- Incorrect part replacements
- Faulty brake repairs or replacements
The exact maintenance issue can also depend on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, a maintenance technician might use the wrong parts for your vehicle or be unfamiliar with how certain repairs should be performed.
Accidents Caused by Another Driver’s Faulty or Neglected Maintenance
Sometimes, an accident happens because a driver has failed to keep up with their own vehicle’s maintenance. Under Georgia Code § 40-8-201, when inspection of a vehicle or its components reveals necessary repairs or adjustments, the vehicle’s owner should get those repairs or adjustments made and obtain an official certificate of inspection and approval. If the driver fails to do this and it results in an accident, they are likely responsible.
In this case, the responsibility would lie with the driver rather than a maintenance or repair company. The driver would be negligent in the accident because they did not keep their vehicle safe enough to be on the road.
Here are some examples of neglected maintenance that can lead to crashes.
Failing to Replace Lights
Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are incredibly important for every vehicle. They alert other drivers to your vehicle’s presence and actions, such as stopping or turning.
If a vehicle has broken, burned out, or faulty lights, it can be nearly impossible to see at night. Under Georgia Code § 40-8-20, all drivers in Georgia should display their vehicle’s lights at all times between “a half-hour from sunset to a half-hour before sunrise,” when it’s raining, and at any time when visibility on the highway is less than 500 feet head.
Drivers should be careful to check their vehicles regularly and replace lights when they are no longer working. If the other driver in your accident did not have working lights when the crash happened, that may be powerful evidence of their negligence in your case against them.
Broken Wipers
Just like headlights, functional wipers are important for road safety. Wipers that don’t work can impair visibility during inclement weather like rain, ice, or snow.
Faulty Brakes
If a driver does not keep up with regular brake inspection and maintenance, brakes can fail suddenly and cause an incredibly serious, even deadly, accident.
Cracked Windshields
A cracked windshield can impair a driver’s vision and make it hard for them to see the full space around them. Low visibility can delay response time and easily lead to an accident.
Worn Out Tires
Worn out or “bald” tires are a sign of serious vehicle maintenance neglect. Worn down tires should be visible to any driver and a sign that replacement is necessary. Tires in this condition can quickly lead to a rollover accident or other collisions.
Determining Fault in a Faulty Vehicle Maintenance Case
The responsible party in your accident will depend on how your accident happened. The at-fault party could be any of the following:
- A repair shop owner
- Shop mechanics
- Manufacturers
- The other vehicle’s owner
In some cases, more than one party is found to be at fault for an accident. This type of case can become complicated quickly, which is why we recommend working with a Johns Creek faulty or neglected vehicle maintenance lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak with a Johns Creek Faulty or Neglected Vehicle Maintenance Lawyer Today at No Cost
If you were injured in an accident caused by poor or neglected maintenance, you have legal rights. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help you gather evidence from the accident and proof of your damages to build you a strong case and seek compensation. We’ve done this for countless accident victims over the past 20-plus years, and we’re not afraid to fight for your rights.
Call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with a FREE, no-risk consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form