Automobiles can only operate safely and efficiently if all of its parts are free from defects. Every year though, there are some vehicle recalls due to defective auto parts, which include faulty brakes. If an auto’s brakes fail to work, the driver and any passengers and anyone else in the vicinity could be at risk of a bad accident and severe injuries. This could include other vehicles and their drivers and passengers as well as pedestrians using our sidewalks.
Any driver in a vehicle should have that trust that their vehicle will operate safely and when the brakes are applied, they should work in an appropriate manner. Unfortunately, if a brake designer or manufacturer makes any mistakes, it can impair your ability to reduce speed or stop your vehicle.
Common Reasons for Faulty Brakes
Brakes can fail for a number of reasons, which include:
- Faulty design
- Faulty installation
- Improper repair work from a mechanic
- Leaking or clogged brake lines
- Faulty or broken hydraulic system
- Weak brake shoes or pads
- Anti-lock brake system failure
- Electrical or computer malfunction.
There are many reasons why brake failure takes place and it can so easily result in a collision. Any crash which involves another vehicle means there could be numerous casualties and, depending on the speed of the vehicles at the time, serious injuries could result.
Thorough inspection of the suspect brakes needed
If you are involved in an accident that involved faulty brakes, then the first action should be a thorough inspection of the vehicle. It is important to identify the reason for the brake failure so that other accidents can be avoided in the future and blame for the accident ascertained.
If it was due to lack of maintenance by the owner then that person will have to take the blame if an accident takes place. If it is a poor repair job done by a mechanic, this will be discovered when an inspection is completed. If there was a manufacturer’s defect involved, this will soon be established as well.
If you have been involved in an accident due to faulty brakes, then you can file a claim for compensation against the party or person who is established to be at fault for your accident. It is your legal right to claim monetary compensation for any injuries you have received in a car accident that was not your fault. The payment covers you for hospitalisation, loss of income and a component for the emotional suffering you have had to endure in often life changing situations
Whatever the reason for the faulty brakes, you should contact a a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident as you are then much more likely to obtain a successful outcome in any compensation claim.
