The Dangers of Brake Defects

The Dangers of Brake Defects

Many people associate car accidents with traffic violations, falling asleep at the wheel, or even drunk driving. While these types of conduct can and do cause thousands of accidents every year, a number of collisions are actually the result of brake failure that can be attributed to a defect in the brakes themselves. These types of accidents occur at a surprisingly high rate. For example, just last year, Volkswagen initiated a worldwide recall of more than 770,000 cars, claiming that there was a defect in the anti-lock braking system. Although the recall prevented thousands of potential accidents, some were still injured and many more are put at risk by similar defects every year. Fortunately, those who are injured in accidents caused by vehicle defects can collect compensation from the at-fault parties, so if you were involved in a collision caused by brake failure, it is important to retain an experienced auto accident lawyer who can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Liable Parties

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 22 percent of car accidents can be attributed to brake failure. Some of these collisions are not due to inherent defects in the brakes themselves, but to a lack of maintenance by the vehicles’ owners. However, it is not uncommon for brake-related accidents to be the result of:

• A flawed brake system design;
• The use of inferior materials during assembly;
• A failure to properly complete a repair or conduct a thorough inspection; or
• Damage sustained during transportation.

When one or more of these problems causes an accident, the vehicle manufacturer, or company responsible for assembly or transportation can be held liable for damages. This is because companies that manufacture consumer products are required to use reasonable care when designing and producing vehicles. When companies fail to fulfill these responsibilities and their actions result in an accident, they can be required to pay damages compensating the victim for:

• Medical expenses, including the costs of rehabilitation;
• Lost wages;
• Loss of future income if the injuries suffered were so severe that they resulted in permanent disability;
• Vehicle repair or replacement; and
• Pain and suffering.

Although collecting damages cannot always return an injured party to his or her former state of health, it can go a long way towards helping victims and their families move on with their lives. Unfortunately, proving that a company’s negligence was the cause of an accident can be difficult and requires the collection of a significant amount of evidence, making it especially important for those who are involved in brake defect-related accidents to speak with an attorney about filing a claim against the at-fault party.

Call Today for Help with Your Case

If you were injured in an accident because your brakes were defective, please call the SAM LAW OFFICE LLC at 847-255-9925. Initial consultations are conducted free of charge, so if you have questions or concerns about your own accident, please don’t hesitate to call or contact us online.