Whether you are commuting on Interstate 10 or heading down Highway 59, Texas roads are always heavy with traffic. While you cannot control how other people drive, you can ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
Keeping your car in good shape protects your passengers and neighbors in East Texas. Taking small steps today can prevent a major tragedy tomorrow. Proper upkeep ensures your vehicle responds correctly when you need to avoid a crash.
Vital maintenance steps
Safety on the road often comes down to four simple components. Ignoring these systems can lead to a catastrophic loss of control or legal complications if a failure causes an accident.
1. Brakes (The Stopper): This is the most critical system. Pay attention to any squealing, grinding, or a “soft” or spongy feel in the pedal. These are signs of compromised brake pads, rotors or fluids. Have your brake system inspected annually.
2. Tires (The Gripper): Tires are your car’s only contact with the road. Check your tire pressure monthly (especially when temperatures change) to ensure proper grip and handling. Under-inflated tires can blow out or fail to perform in an emergency. Use the “penny test” (Lincoln’s head must be covered) to check if your tread is deep enough for safe driving, especially in wet conditions.
3. Lights (The Viewer/Being Seen): Check all lights monthly: headlights (low and high beams), brake lights and turn signals. Driving with a burnt-out light significantly increases your risk of a crash, especially at night or in bad weather, and can result in a traffic ticket.
4. Fluids (The Lubricator/Cooler): Engine oil and coolant keep the engine from seizing or overheating, which can lead to a sudden breakdown on the highway. Check these levels monthly and follow the manufacturer’s schedule for changes.
Routine maintenance is your first line of defense against sudden mechanical failures at high speeds. These simple checks help ensure you fulfill your legal duty to keep a safe vehicle on the road.
How neglect affects legal responsibility
In Texas, authorities can hold car owners negligent for crashes caused by poor maintenance. Drivers have a “duty of care” to keep their vehicles in a safe condition. If you ignore worn brakes and cause a wreck, you may be liable for damages, including medical bills and repair costs for others.
Fault is rarely all-or-nothing. Texas follows a “proportionate responsibility” rule when two or more people share the blame. However, if a court finds you were more than 50% responsible for a crash due to poor maintenance, you may be barred from recovering any money at all.
Guidance for accident victims
Taking prompt action after a crash is critical. In Texas, you generally have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to file a legal claim.
Whether an accident occurred due to mechanical failure or another driver’s mistake, help is available. If someone injures you in a wreck, contact one of our experienced car accident lawyers for a free consultation today to protect your rights.