1 Out of 6 Used Cars Has an Accident History
Does your car have a secret past?
The auto review website CarGurus conducted a study of 2.5 million vehicles that were sold on its website in 2012. After looking at the vehicle history report for each car, CarGurus found that sixteen percent of vehicles listed on the site had an accident history. This is one out of every six vehicles, but the number may actually be greater since not all accidents are reported.
CarGurus found that the percentage of used cars involved in accidents decreased in newer models. The likelihood of an accident history for a vehicle from model years 2009 through 2011 was only eight percent.
An accident history affects the value of a car. It may also affect how well the safety features in the vehicle can protect you in a Memphis car accident.
The Memphis auto accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer suggest that anyone who is considering buying a used car, buy a vehicle report from a service like Carfax or AutoCheck before making the purchase. The report costs $40, and it will reveal the car’s accident history–whether the vehicle has a salvage title, if there is known flood damage, and whether the car was part of a fleet.
According to CarGurus, 35 percent of newer model vehicles sold as used are former fleet vehicles. Many of these are rental cars that were used by many drivers and were subject to sporadic maintenance checks. In addition to maintenance issues and high mileage, a fleet vehicle is twice as likely to have been in an accident that an individually-owned car.
What can you do to make sure the car you are considering is safe? Read our article, “Memphis Accident Attorney Warns: Used Cars May Have Dangerous Pasts”.
Our Memphis car accident lawyers help accident victims throughout Tennessee and Mississippi. For information about protecting your rights after a car crash, request a free copy of Learn How to Deal with the Aftermath of a Tennessee Auto Accident with These Tennessee Accident: Tips for Injury Victims, or contact Bailey & Greer at 901-680-9777.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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