Worn-out wipers can turn an ordinary Oregon rainstorm into a real threat with far-reaching consequences.
Oregon drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles safe to drive in all conditions, which includes changing windshield wipers regularly.
If another driver crashed into you because they couldn’t see through their own windshield, you shouldn’t have to deal with the fallout alone.
A car accident lawyer can investigate what happened and help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Why Windshield Wipers Wear Out Faster in Oregon’s Weather
Oregon drivers use their wipers often. Constant rain, mist, and road spray mean rubber blades wear down faster than they do in drier states. Dirt and debris from wet roads can also scratch or clog wiper edges and make them less effective over time.
In the winter, ice buildup can tear or crack the rubber.
Because of these punishing weather conditions, drivers in Oregon typically need to replace their wipers more often than drivers in other states to keep their vehicles safe and street legal.
How Often Should You Replace Your Windshield Wipers?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing windshield wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. But in Oregon’s climate, you may need to replace them more often – especially if you frequently drive in rain or snow.
You should never wait until your wipers fall apart to replace them. If you notice that they have stopped clearing your windshield evenly or started squeaking, streaking, or skipping, it’s time for a new set.
Replacing blades costs far less than dealing with an accident due to poor visibility. Make it a habit to check your wipers at the start of each season, and don’t ignore small signs of wear.
Signs Your Windshield Wipers Need Replacement
It’s easy to spot worn-out wipers if you know what to look for. Some common signs to replace windshield wipers include:
- Streaks, smears, or missed spots on your windshield
- Chattering or squeaking as the wipers move across the glass
- Lifting or skipping during use, especially at higher speeds
- Cracks, fraying, or uneven edges on the blades
If you notice any of these problems, or if you can’t remember the last time you replaced them, get new wipers before they put your visibility and your safety at risk.
Common Types of Road Accidents Linked to Worn-Out Wipers
When windshield wipers wear out, they stop clearing rain and road spray effectively. That makes it harder for drivers to judge distance, spot hazards, or respond quickly.
Some common types of crashes linked to poor visibility from bad wiper blades include:
- Rear-end collisions stemming from the inability to gauge following distance
- Intersection crashes due to missed traffic signals or stop signs
- Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks obscured by glare or rain buildup
- Merging collisions while entering freeways with limited visibility
- Turning accidents after failing to spot oncoming traffic
Steps to Take After an Accident Potentially Resulting from Bad Wipers
If you sustained injuries in a crash involving issues with the other driver’s windshield wipers, you can follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your Oregon car accident case:
- Take detailed photos of the other vehicle’s windshield and wipers at the scene.
- Write down anything you noticed about the other driver’s visibility issues and the weather conditions.
- Get a copy of the police report and check for any notes about weather or poor visibility.
- Look for traffic or security camera footage that shows the moment of impact.
- Ask any witnesses if they noticed the other driver struggling to see the road.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible to treat your injuries and connect them to the collision.
- Keep all records of your injuries, vehicle damage, and time missed from work.
- Contact a car accident lawyer to review your case and start planning your next steps.
Oregon’s Legal Duty to Maintain Safe Vehicle Equipment
Every Oregon driver must keep their vehicle in safe working condition, which includes having functioning windshield wipers.
Under state law, it’s illegal to drive a vehicle with a windshield but no working wipers, with limited exceptions for certain vehicles. The wipers must clear moisture, and the driver must be able to control them.
Oregon law also says that no one may drive or allow someone else to drive a vehicle that’s in a condition that could endanger others. Proof of a violation of either of these laws can support a personal injury claim after an accident involving faulty wipers.
Who Is Legally Responsible When Faulty Wipers Contribute to a Crash?
There are a few parties who could potentially be liable for a collision resulting from faulty wipers, including:
- The driver is usually at fault since they’re responsible for ensuring their wipers are in good condition and that they can drive with clear visibility.
- The vehicle owner may also be liable if they neglected regular maintenance, failed to fix wiper issues, or knowingly allowed someone to drive their car in that condition.
- A company responsible for fleet maintenance could be at fault in commercial or rental accident cases.
- A repair shop may share blame if it installed the wrong blades or skipped needed service.
- A wiper or vehicle manufacturer may be liable if a defect caused the wiper failure.
An experienced attorney can help you identify all potentially liable parties so you have more options for seeking maximum compensation.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Prove Fault
The lawyers at Rizk Law know how to build strong car accident claims based on equipment failures, including bad wipers.
Our team can help you establish fault by investigating the scene and gathering useful evidence like dashcam footage or witness statements. We can also check service records or prior citations to see whether the wipers were a known issue.
In some cases, we may consult a mechanical expert to determine whether worn-out or defective wipers contributed to the crash.
Proving that a driver ignored basic safety rules can strengthen your case, while identifying other at-fault parties can increase your compensation sources. Let us handle all the legal work while you focus on recovery.
Contact Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Today
When the stakes are high, you can count on Rizk Law. Our team doesn’t just handle cases – we pour everything we have into fighting for those we represent. One former client put it like this:
“These lawyers perform at a level to the likes I have never seen….. Thank all of you…”
Did you suffer injuries in a car crash because someone didn’t replace their wipers?
Don’t let them off the hook. Contact Rizk Law to discuss your case in a free consultation session with a Portland car accident lawyer. We’ve served Oregonians for more than 20 years and have recovered millions for injured victims.*
Let us push for the results you deserve, too.
*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
