5 Common Driving Habits Ruining Your Car and Raising Accident Risk: Tips from a Carmel Car Accident Attorney

Many of us drive daily without thinking about the small habits we’ve developed. Unfortunately, some of these habits can wear down your car over time and increase your accident risk. Bad driving behaviors not only lead to expensive repairs but can also create dangerous situations on the road.

If you’re ever in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a Carmel car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

Vaughn A. Wamsley, a trusted car accident attorney in Carmel, IN, explains five common driving habits that could be damaging your car and raising your risk of accidents.

1. Harsh Braking and Accelerating

Many drivers slam on the brakes at the last minute or hit the gas hard when leaving a stop. While this may seem harmless, harsh braking and accelerating put a lot of strain on your car’s brakes and engine.

Every time you brake suddenly, your brake pads and rotors wear out more quickly. Over time, this leads to costly repairs and a less efficient braking system. Similarly, stepping too hard on the gas can damage your engine and transmission.

Beyond the impact on your car, these habits can increase your chances of being in an accident. Sudden braking can catch the driver behind you off guard, and aggressive acceleration may lead to losing control, especially in bad weather.

If you’re involved in an accident due to aggressive driving, contacting a Carmel car wreck lawyer can help you with any claims or legal concerns.

2. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Your car requires regular maintenance to run smoothly. Skipping oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections can lead to breakdowns and even accidents.

When you ignore maintenance, you’re more likely to have problems with your vehicle’s performance. For example, driving on old tires can increase your risk of a blowout, and ignoring low oil levels can damage your engine. In the event of an accident, driving a poorly maintained vehicle can be seen as negligence, which may make you legally responsible for damages.

Staying on top of your car’s maintenance is important, not just for the health of your vehicle but also for your safety on the road. If you’re unsure about your rights after an accident, consulting an auto accident lawyer in Carmel, IN, can provide clarity.

3. Driving with Low Fuel Levels

Running your car with low fuel levels might seem like a small issue, but it can cause big problems. Driving on fumes can damage your fuel pump, which sends gasoline to the engine. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs.

Worse yet, running out of gas while driving can put you in a dangerous situation, especially if you are stranded on a busy road or in an unsafe area. In some cases, running out of gas can lead to accidents, as other drivers may not see you in time to stop or swerve. Financial and legal implications can arise if you cause an accident because you weren’t paying attention to your fuel levels.

To avoid these risks, it is best to fill up your tank when it drops below a quarter full. If you ever face legal challenges after being stranded or in an accident, contacting an affordable car accident lawyer in Carmel, IN, can help you with your case.

4. Overloading Your Vehicle

Your car has a weight limit for a reason. Carrying too much weight can damage your car’s suspension, brakes, and tires, causing them to wear out faster. For everyday drivers, this might happen when loading up your vehicle for a road trip or moving large items. However, overloading is a serious issue for commercial drivers that can lead to major problems.

Excess weight makes it harder for your vehicle to stop quickly and handle sharp turns, increasing the chances of an accident. In some cases, overloading may cause your tires to blow out, especially at high speeds.

If you’re a commercial driver or someone frequently on the road, knowing your vehicle’s weight limits is important to avoid unnecessary risks. If an accident happens due to overloading, consulting a top-rated car accident attorney in Carmel can help you determine liability and seek compensation.

5. Riding the Clutch (For Manual Transmission Vehicles)

Proper clutch use can lead to serious car damage for those who drive a manual transmission vehicle. When you ride the clutch, you press down on the clutch pedal even when you don’t really need to. Doing this causes extra wear and tear on the clutch plate, making it wear out more quickly than it should. This leads to breakdowns, leaving you stranded or in a dangerous situation.

Bad clutch habits can also increase the likelihood of stalling, especially in tricky driving situations, such as at intersections or in heavy traffic. If your car stalls unexpectedly, it can increase the chances of getting rear-ended or causing an accident.

If improper clutch use causes an accident, it may impact how fault is determined in a legal case. Consulting a Carmel personal injury lawyer for car accidents can help protect your rights if this happens.

The Legal Implications of Poor Driving Habits

Bad driving habits can increase your risk of being in an accident and may also be seen as negligence in a legal case. If your habits lead to an accident, the other driver’s attorney might use this as evidence against you. It’s important to remember that maintaining your car and practicing safe driving habits are not just for your benefit—they help protect others on the road, too.

If someone else’s poor driving habits have caused an accident caused you, you should contact a no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer in Carmel, IN. They can help you determine whether the other driver’s habits contributed to the accident and help you pursue compensation for any damages.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Car Accident

After a car accident, a Carmel car accident attorney can help you throughout the entire legal process. They’ll help gather evidence to show if the other driver’s poor habits contributed to the crash. This could include reviewing driving records, vehicle maintenance logs, and witness statements.

A lawyer can also assist you in seeking compensation for damages, including vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, and lost wages. If you’ve been hurt or your car has been damaged in an accident, an auto accident lawyer in Carmel, IN, will make sure your rights are protected.

Preventing Car Damage and Accidents

You can do several things to avoid the risks associated with these bad habits. Practice gentle braking and accelerating to avoid wearing down your brakes and engine. Stay on top of regular maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations. Avoid overloading your vehicle, and always keep your fuel levels above a quarter tank. If you drive a manual transmission, be mindful of how you use the clutch.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer in Carmel, IN, Today

Practicing good driving habits and maintaining your vehicle can reduce the risk of accidents and costly repairs.

If you ever need help after an accident, don’t hesitate to contact the best car accident lawyer in Carmel, IN, at 317-846-1080 Vaughn Wamsley for a free consultation.