HOW DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ACCIDENTS
Windshield wipers may seem insignificant but they are essential to keep you safe, especially during South Florida’s rainy season. When they don’t work properly, they need to be fixed or replaced otherwise they may create a hazard and cause a serious accident. If you were involved in a car accident caused by a defective automobile part, it is best you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to protect you from a variety of legal risks associated with this category of accidents.
Bad weather and broken wipers
Heavy rain and wind are very common in South Florida. If you have lost visibility due to malfunctioning or defective wipers, you may be caught in the rain or a storm causing you to crash into another vehicle. Windshield wipers are important to keep you safe. You should take the required steps to ensure your wipers are properly working, that includes replacing the wiper blades and ensuring proper maintenance. However, there are times when a defect may have caused the accident.
Wiper recalls
There have been several recalls in South Florida due to defective windshield wipers. Toyota is one of the automakers experiencing these defects. There are some signs of wiper defect including deterioration of the rubber or when there is uneven swiping. Some wipers may also stop or fail from time to time.
Types of defects
Windshield wipers seem simple but they are not. The system has a few parts such as the wiper arm connected to the base and also a motor that keeps everything working. When an element is defective, you may have less visibility during poor weather conditions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, visibility is associated with almost 50% of fatal crashes. Some signs your wiper needs replacement include:
- Streaking and chattering
- When the rubber deteriorates too quickly
- Unvene sweeps
- Failing windshield wiper motor
- Wipers that stop
What can you do?
If your windshield wipers are defective, it is best you contact the manufacturer or check to see if there has been a recall. You can also ask your mechanic to check your blades and determine if they are broken. Sometimes manufacturers may delay a recall because they don’t want to be responsible for the damages. This is why it is important you hire adequate legal representation if you believe your accident was caused by lack of visibility. The attorney can determine if the manufacturer is responsible for the accident and liable for the injuries.
Contact us today
We are dedicated to assisting injured victims throughout South Florida and help them obtain compensation for all their losses. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective windshield wiper, contact a personal injury attorney. Your attorney will take a look at the circumstances surrounding your case and uncover any defects that may have contributed to the accident. The manufacturer should be held accountable.
