In order to prevent serious collisions from occurring, brakes must always be in proper working order. Brake failure often ends in crashes that happen at full speed. Many of them lead to devastating injuries and deaths.
If you were recently involved in a crash linked to brake failure, it may not be clear who was at fault. Brake failure is often a form of human error on the part of the driver or other responsible party.
How does brake failure lead to a crash?
There are three mechanical components to the braking system. It's critical that these work properly:
The brake pads. The brake pads place pressure on the rotors and drums to cause a car or truck to slow down or stop. When the brake pads wear down, it can cause the braking system to fail due to overheating. Drivers should always have the brake pads replaced when the sensor begins to emit a squealing sound.
Brake fluid and lines. Hydraulic braking systems will only work when there is adequate brake fluid and pressure transferred through the brake lines and calibers. When the fluid is low, the brake pedal will go all the way to the floor or feel spongy.
Rotors and drums. The rotors and drums are metal cylinders that attach to the wheels and make contact with the brake pads. These can become worn down and warped over time and will need to be replaced. Worn out rotors and drums can make it difficult to slow down or stop. They can even wear out the brake pads quicker.
Responsible parties in a crash caused by brake failure
The parties found responsible for crashes linked to brake failure often include:
- The owner and operator of the car/truck. Drivers must maintain safe and functional cars. This includes getting their cars to pass inspection and fixing any mechanical defects that can pose a safety risk. For trucking companies and fleet owners, there are strict federal regulations in place to ensure that all vehicles are safe to operate. Those who fail to maintain safe vehicles can be held accountable.
- Mechanic who repaired or replaced brakes — Mechanics can be held accountable if they failed to properly replace or repair brake parts. They can also be responsible for installing the wrong parts.
Contact our attorneys for help with your San Antonio crash claim
All it takes to cause a catastrophe is for a driver to ignore the warning signs or for another party to sell defective parts or services.
The San Antonio car and truck accident attorneys at The Herrera Law Firm are dedicated to helping get the justice and compensation they deserve. We'll launch a thorough investigation and find out what negligent actions led to your crash. We'll leave no stone unturned when determining how much compensation you're entitled to. Our legal team will fight to help you recover every dollar of it.
Contact our law firm online and schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.
