Few traffic accidents are as frightening as those caused by brake failure. Pressing the pedal and experiencing no reaction is terrifying and often ends in a serious car accident with painful injuries. In some cases, brake failure in car accidents in Washington or elsewhere can also cause injuries to motorists in other vehicles when the mechanical failure results in a collision with another car.
After an accident caused by brake failure, it’s essential to understand your right to compensation and how to identify the liable party. A knowledgeable Marysville car accident lawyer from Wells Trumbull can help investigate the cause of the brake failure, determine liability, and guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What are the Most Common Causes of Brake Failure Accidents In Washington?
Brake failure isn’t as uncommon as you might think. About 2% of car accidents are caused by serious mechanical failures, with 22% of those attributed to brake failure. Alarmingly, an estimated 264,000 crashes occur each year in the U.S. due to brake failure. Brake-related car recalls made up about 6% of total vehicle recalls in a single recent year. The most common causes of brake failure accidents in Washington include the following:
- Owner neglect, such as insufficient maintenance and failure to replace worn brake pads and other parts
- Overheated brake pads
- Rotor disc damage
- Fluid leaks
- Loss of hydraulic brake fluid pressure
- Overloaded vehicles
- Defective brake parts
- Moisture in the brake system from driving through mud
- Bubbles in the brake line
Ignoring warning signs of brake problems, insufficient maintenance, or misusing brakes contributes to brake failure and accidents.
Liability In Brake Failure Accident Claims
After an accident caused by brake failure, an in-depth investigation is often required to determine the cause of the brake failure and identify the liable party responsible for car accident damages, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. If negligence caused the brake failure, the liable party could be the driver, the car owner, or a negligent brake repair mechanic. Proving liability requires demonstrating that the at-fault party owed a duty of care to others on the road, that this duty was violated, the violation directly caused the accident and injuries, and that the injury victim suffered damages as a result of the injury.
If the brake failure occurred due to a defective part, the manufacturer is liable for the damages through a defective product claim. Manufacturers have strict liability in cases involving defective products. Proving liability in these cases requires showing evidence that the product had a design flaw, manufacturing error, or marketing mistake that caused the accident and injuries.
Recognizing a brake problem before it causes an accident is critical. Common signs of impending brake failure include the following:
- Activated brake warning lights
- The brakes feel soft or spongy when applied
- The car pulls to one side when braking
- The brakes squeal or make a grinding sound
- Braking causes the steering wheel to vibrate or shake
- You notice a burning odor or smoke when braking
If you notice any of the above signs of brake problems, it’s crucial to have your brake system evaluated by a professional.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
If you’ve been injured in an accident due to brake failure in your car or another vehicle during a collision, reach out to the Marysville personal injury lawyers at Wells Trumbull for experienced legal representation in your claim. Your car accident attorney in Washington will investigate, document evidence of liability, carefully calculate your damages, and make a compelling claim for your full and fair compensation. Contact Wells Trumbull today for legal guidance.