A brake failure accident occurs when a vehicle's braking system malfunctions or fails completely, preventing the driver from slowing down or stopping properly, which can result in serious collisions and injuries. This type of accident can happen due to various mechanical problems such as worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, damaged brake lines, faulty brake cylinders, or problems with the vehicle's electronic braking systems. Unlike accidents caused by driver error, brake failure accidents are typically considered mechanical failures where the driver may have little or no control over the vehicle once the brakes stop working properly.
In personal injury cases involving brake failure, determining liability can be complex because responsibility might fall on multiple parties depending on what caused the brakes to fail. The vehicle owner could be liable if they failed to properly maintain their brakes or ignored warning signs of brake problems, while a mechanic or auto shop might be responsible if they performed faulty brake repairs or failed to identify brake issues during routine maintenance. Additionally, the vehicle manufacturer or brake parts manufacturer could be held liable if the brake failure resulted from defective parts or poor design, and in some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident, making these cases particularly complicated but potentially valuable for injured victims.
