Massachusetts residents who get involved in car accidents are often left dealing with serious injuries. If an accident is caused by brake failure, it’s important to know who might be held liable.
What are the signs of brake failure?
It’s important to recognize when your brakes have problems. Hearing odd noises coming from them is a huge red flag. If this happens, the best thing to do is immediately take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
Another telltale sign of potentially failing brakes is that your brake feels different when you step on it. If there’s a spongy feeling or if the car veers to one side while you’re braking, it’s time to get an inspection. Even if you believe the problem lies elsewhere, it’s better to err on the side of caution and have your brakes checked by a professional.
Who may be liable for an accident caused by brake failure?
Often, in car accidents stemming from brake failure, the auto manufacturer is responsible. If the manufacturer was aware of a problem with the brakes in a particular car model or models and failed to issue warnings to drivers or recall the vehicles, it makes the manufacturer liable.
The driver could be at fault for a car accident due to brake failure as well. If the accident occurred because of some other reason such as distraction and the driver failed to brake in time or at all and rear-ended another vehicle, they would be found liable.
A driver could also be found liable for a brake failure accident if they failed to properly maintain their vehicle’s brakes. It’s important to regularly get a car inspected by a mechanic. If the driver neglected to do that and had an accident, they might be found at fault.
If you were injured in an accident involving brake failure, it’s important to hold the at-fault party liable.
