It can be a pain to change the windshield wipers on a vehicle. They are not always accessible, and the task requires remembering what type of wipers you need to buy to replace what you have. Many people put this off, and that can be a safety hazard once the spring storms roll in.
If you are in a car accident, and the other driver’s windshield wipers are worn, broken, or not even present, preventing them from seeing properly, that may indicate the driver is at fault for the losses they cause to you. Let our Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Kwartler Manus become your advocate in these situations.
How Windshield Wipers Contribute to Car Accidents and Road Dangers
When windshield wipers work properly, they remove moisture from windows to improve visibility. If they are older or worn, they cannot do this well enough. That leads to numerous risks to drivers and others on the road.
Visibility is Significantly Less
Worn wipers cannot remove the rain, snow, dirt from the roadways, and thin ice that forms on the windshield during the spring months. That means that the person behind the wheel is not able to see well enough. Many times, worn-down wipers can lead to streaking, creating areas where a driver cannot see through the windshield at all.
Distraction Behind the Wheel
Another common concern is what they do to the driver. If a windshield wiper has a piece of rubber hanging off of it or it is making a chattering or squeaking noise, that can be a distraction to the driver. Blades that skip are another concern. When this happens, it makes it hard for the driver to focus on the road in front of them. That means the driver is more likely to cause an accident.
Glare Risks Increase
Windshield wipers that do not work properly can cause glare. The rubber itself causes the light streaming in during a spring morning to diffract. That’s what creates the halo effect you sometimes see when a car is coming towards you. It can also create this halo effect on streetlights. That makes it hard for drivers to see.
Storm Risks Increase
In a sudden downpour, the driver behind the wheel of a car with broken or missing windshield wipers becomes a risk. Even if they pull over out of the way, they are a hazard on the roadway. Heavy rain and snow can completely eliminate a driver’s ability to gauge distance or see where they are going. That means if they operate the vehicle, they have a very limited ability to stop to avoid striking others.
Scratches in the Windshield
Most wipers cost only a few dollars to replace, but when a driver puts it off long enough, it can cause issues with the windshield. Many wipers have edges that, once the rubber wears away, can expose metal or sharp plastic. With the wiper constantly moving along the same path on the windshield, this exposed metal can cause a scratch on the windshield. It can even cause the windshield to crack in some situations.
When any of this occurs, it becomes dangerous to operate your vehicle. If you are in an accident with a driver who makes a statement about a broken or missing windshield wiper, make sure to inform your attorney about this.
Who Is Responsible When an Accident Occurs
Accidents in the spring months happen for many reasons. If a driver strikes you, pull to the side of the road and gather information. In some situations, you may learn what the problem was long before you call the police.
For example, a driver who strikes you may pull over and apologize, or make a comment about their wiper being distorted or limiting their visibility. You may notice that their window is dirty or covered in mud due to the wipers not working. In other situations, you may see rubber that is hanging off the edge of the wiper. If the weather conditions are bad, that could be a clear insight into what went wrong.
To determine fault in an accident like this, consider the following:
- Did the driver have proper visibility before striking you?
- Was the driver operating in an unsafe way that caused or led to the accident?
- Did the accident occur because of the driver’s inability to stop or operate the vehicle in a safe way?
After an accident that involves significant damage and injury, make sure you call the police to the scene and document as much information as possible. Doing so will help you gather critical evidence to build your claim against the other driver. After getting medical care, make sure to contact a car accident lawyer as well.
Let Our Team Guide You After an Accident
A broken or worn-down windshield wiper can certainly contribute to a car accident. If you have injuries and losses because of another driver’s actions or their inability to see well, make sure to contact our Philadelphia car accident lawyer. At Kwartler Manus, we can help you investigate and build a case that holds those who hurt you accountable. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.