According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state recorded 401,867 car accidents in 2019, resulting in 3,185 fatalities and 18,063 incapacitating injuries (source: 2019 Traffic Crash Facts). Car accidents are a very serious issue in Florida — but why do they happen?
In most cases, car accidents are caused by negligence or driver error. Common examples may include distracted driving, driving under the influence (DUI), speeding, running a red light or a stop sign, reckless driving, aggressive driving, or fatigue. However, manufacturing defects or design flaws may also play a role in car accidents.
Before they can sell their cars on the market, automobile manufacturers must comply with certain safety regulations. Unfortunately, unsafe cars do still end up on our roads all the time. Cars are made up of hundreds of parts that work together to keep them running safely and smoothly. However, with so many working components, it is not uncommon for something to go haywire and malfunction.
Were you involved in a car accident in Lakeland, Florida and suspect that a design defect in your car might have caused or contributed to it? If so, you should speak with a car accident attorney right away. An attorney can pursue legal action against the manufacturer and all the other liable parties for your accident, helping you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Preventing Auto Accidents Caused by Design Flaws
You can do a few things to prevent manufacturing defects or design flaws from affecting your safety on the road. These include the following:
- Whether you are buying a brand-new car or a used one, make sure to investigate the manufacturer’s safety rating. However, if you are buying a used car, you should check for recalls on that model and ensure that any faulty parts have been replaced at an authorized dealership.
- Never assume that everything is in excellent shape, even when buying a new car. Whether there are tire problems (worn thread), unresponsive brakes, tight steering, a jerky transmission, an overheating engine, or excessive vibrations or shaking, it’s best to take the car to the dealership to have all the problems repaired. A new car should come with a warranty to help keep the costs of the repairs down.
- Understand the terms of your warranty. Modifying your vehicle can put excessive stress on your car components and put you at risk. Modifications can also render the warranty null and void.
- If your car requires any repair or service work, always take it to an authorized dealership or a qualified mechanic.
Whether an auto accident in Lakeland is caused by driver error or design defects, it can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, scrapes, cuts, head injuries, broken ribs, internal bleeding, herniated discs, knee trauma, and even death. If an automobile manufacturer has cut corners to turn a profit, or if they were otherwise negligent and sold an unsafe product, you can work with an experienced auto accident attorney in Lakeland, Florida to build a claim for recovery.
Looking for an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Lakeland, Florida? Contact O’Toole Law Group.
If you would like help navigating the legal waters of auto accident claims in Lakeland, Florida, turn to the personal injury lawyers at O’Toole Law Group. Our legal team can meet with you, discuss your situation, and help you figure out how much you can expect to recover through your lawsuit. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact our office today at (863) 533 5525 or fill out our contact form.
