Every day, there are thousands of car accidents in the US. Some are caused by driver negligence, poor visibility, speeding, and bad road conditions. However, brake failure can be particularly scary, as there is a loss of control of the vehicle, leading to an unavoidable crash.
Those who are injured in such accidents may be eligible for compensation for their damages. A reliable semi accident lawyer in Nashville from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help! With an experienced legal representative at their side, victims are ensured the best chances they have of recovering their damages, which can be crucial for recovering financially from the whole ordeal.
However, prevention is always better than cure. In this article, drivers can learn about measures that they can take to actively prevent this kind of accident.
What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Brake Failure?
There are a number of reasons why brakes fail. This includes the following:
Overheating
Continuous and harsh braking, such as while traveling down steep hills or towing heavy objects, can lead to the overheating of the entire system. This can result in brake fade, in which the brakes lose performance because of overheating.
Leaking Brake Fluid
The substance that distributes the force from the brake pedal to the wheel cylinders or brake calipers is known as brake fluid. Brake fluid leaks can occur because of damaged brake lines, caliper cylinder seals, or master cylinder problems, resulting in a loss of hydraulic pressure and braking failure.
Worn Brake Pads or Shoes
Friction between a car's brake rotors causes the brake pads and shoes to wear out over time. If the pads are not replaced when they are thinned out too much, it can result in diminished braking performance and, in extreme cases, brake failure.
The Presence of Air in the Brake Line
Air may enter the brake lines as a result of faulty bleeding methods or leakage. This may give the brakes a "spongy" feel and reduce the performance of the braking system.
Brake Fluid Contamination
Brake fluid can collect moisture over time, resulting in a lower boiling point and poor brake effectiveness, particularly during harsh driving conditions. If left unattended, this can lead to brake failure.
Fortunately, brake failure is preventable with regular vehicle maintenance. This includes replacing worn brake pads or shoes, brake fluid, and rotors when deemed necessary.
Signs of Failing Brakes
Brake failures tend to occur when the brake pads are worn or the brake fluid is substantially depleted. Oftentimes, this is the result of poor maintenance or misdiagnosed damage. The good news is that there are certain warning signs that drivers can look out for that signal that there is a problem with the braking system in their vehicles. Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for other questions like What can you do to avoid head-on truck accidents in TN?
Strange Movements
A sure sign that there is a problem with the brakes is irregular movement. When a car pulls to the left or to the right when brakes are applied, or the car starts to shudder, it's probably time for the brakes to be checked. This could be an indication that one of the brakes is damaged or that there are damaged rotors.
Warning Lights
Most new vehicles have a warning light to indicate that there is a problem with the braking system. It's a sure way to tell that something is wrong. If this warning light turns on, it's important for drivers not to ignore it.
Unusual Noises
Strange sounds, such as grinding, scraping, or screeching when the brakes are applied, can also signal a problem. These noises often indicate that parts in the brake system have become worn and need replacement.
Increased Stopping Distance
The brakes on a vehicle are designed to slow it down and bring it to a complete stop. It's no surprise, then, that an increased stopping distance signals problems with the brakes.
Who Is at Fault for Car Accidents Caused by Brake Failure?
The truth is that brake failure accidents aren't as straightforward as one might think. There are various parties that could be held liable for any resulting damages, depending on the circumstances.
The Car or Truck Driver
The first person a car insurance company will want to talk to when determining liability is the driver whose faulty brakes cause the rear-end accident. That's because brake failure can be prevented in most cases, and when a driver fails to conduct the necessary checks or maintenance, they may be liable for the damages that result from the auto accident.
The Brake Manufacturer
Although car and truck accidents that occur because of brake failure are most often the fault of negligent drivers, in some cases, it could be the brake manufacturer that's at fault. However, the driver will have to prove that he or she conducted regular car maintenance before the manufacturer may be assigned liability.
Brake Repair Companies
Suppose a driver had their brakes repaired, and there were still mechanical failures that led to a car accident. In that case, the auto shop that repaired the braking system could be held liable.
Other Third Parties
Sometimes, a car crash can occur because of the negligence of third parties, such as trucking companies. Suppose the driver informed the trucking company about a possible problem with the braking system, and it failed to take action to repair it. In that case, the business may be accountable for the losses suffered.
The truth is that assigning liability in a car accident case caused by brake failure isn't easy, which is why it's important for victims to contact a reliable team of car accident lawyers to ensure that they are able to accurately determine who is at fault and pursue maximum compensation.
Car Accident Victims Can Pursue Compensation
Brake failure can be a scary ordeal, but it is preventable. Drivers have a responsibility to ensure that they maintain their vehicles to prevent motor vehicle accidents. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help advise on other safety measures such as What can you do to avoid Spilled Cargo Accidents in TN?
Those who have been injured in a Tennessee car accident because of brake failure can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for their damages.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are well-versed in personal injury law in Tennessee and can provide aggressive legal representation to ensure that victims get justice.
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