Car accidents may seem like they come out of nowhere. One moment you are driving along, thinking about your destination and the next, you find yourself involved in a collision that may be due to nothing you did wrong. In fact, most multi-car collisions involve at least one driver who does not err but instead is in the wrong place at the wrong time, suffering due to the actions of a motorist who did make a mistake.
In the last few decades, the technological advances introduced into automobiles on Chicago roadways has been astounding. From minor improvements to major overhauls, the current driving landscape looks remarkably different than it did a mere 50 years ago, and as a result, fewer people are losing their lives in collisions. Yet until every car accident is prevented and no one is injured on our expressways, we still have a long way to go toward guaranteeing the safety of all drivers.
Anti-lock brakes are a widely used feature among motorists today that can help to improve functionality of a car in adverse conditions. Designed to help a motorist control a vehicle on slippery surface or simply when a car must stop quickly, anti-lock brakes use wheel sensors to determine when a car’s tires start to lock up. Instead of allowing the wheels to lock – which can lead to an uncontrollable skid – anti-lock brakes work to pulse the brakes, quickly applying braking pressure and releasing faster than a driver could manually by pumping the brake pedal. This provides greater maneuverability of a car and can decrease the distance necessary for stopping on dry, clear pavement, lowering the risks of a car crash.
The vast majority of auto manufacturers have made anti-lock brakes standard in their cars over the last 10 years but the federal government did not require the technology until September 1, 2011. This means that there are some cars on the streets today that do not have anti-lock brakes and that are more likely to be involved in a collision as a result. Even if you have anti-lock brakes, the person driving near you may not, putting you at an increased risk for being struck and potentially threatening your personal safety.
To get the most out of anti-lock brakes, make sure you have an understanding of how they work. When in use, anti-lock brakes will send a vibrating or pulsing sensation through the vehicle, especially the brake pedal, indicating the system is engaged. If you are braking when this happens, continue to push firmly on the brake pedal and resist the urge to pump the pedal. Allow the anti-lock brakes to engage and continue steering your vehicle as you will still have control over the wheel. Further, know that anti-lock brakes are designed to work with properly inflated and maintained tires, and failing to keep your tires in proper working order will limit the ability of an anti-lock braking system to work appropriately.
If you were involved in a car accident in Chicago or if someone you love was injured in a crash, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for your damages, including any medical expenses you incurred and any lost wages you suffered. Further, you may have the right to work with an attorney of your choice so that your rights can be protected and your interests well-represented throughout the duration of your claim.
If you have questions or if you are in need of help, know that the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. offer a case consultation without cost or obligation to all victims who call us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We have a licensed lawyer available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year because we understand that you may need assistance outside of normal business hours and we want to help. Further, if we represent you in your case, will we advance all costs associated with your claim and we will never charge you a fee unless we make a recovery for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Super Bowl, Drunk Driving go Hand-in-Hand in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published February 8, 2016.