When you’re involved in a car crash, one of the first things you want to know is what went wrong. Sometimes the answer is clear. Another driver ran a red light or rear-ended you, for example. But other times, the cause may be a mechanical failure that turned your car into a danger on wheels.
Brake failure is one of the most terrifying—and potentially deadly—examples of dangerous car defects. If your brakes failed before a collision, you may be wondering whether a manufacturing defect or maintenance issue played a role. And if so, who should be held responsible for your recovery and long-term needs?
At Crosley Law, we’ve handled many cases where defective car parts, including faulty brakes, played a role in a serious accident. Here, we’ll explain how brake failures happen, who may be legally responsible, how we investigate these crashes, and what you can do if you suspect car defects caused your wreck.
How brake failures happen
Brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety systems. When they fail, even for a split second, the results can be catastrophic. Common causes of brake failure include:
- Defective brake pads or rotors
- Brake line leaks
- Faulty anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
- Overheated brakes (brake fade)
- Electronic or software malfunctions
- Improper installation or repairs
In many cases, drivers have no warning until it’s too late. They press the brake pedal and nothing happens. Or the car doesn’t stop in time, despite what seemed like a normal braking maneuver.
If a defect or failure like this caused your accident, you may have a legal claim—not just against the other driver, but against the vehicle manufacturer, parts supplier, dealership, or repair shop that serviced the vehicle.
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Who can be held liable for brake failures in Texas?
When a crash is caused by defective vehicle equipment, the case often falls under product liability law. This allows you to pursue compensation from a company that made or sold a dangerous product even if they weren’t directly involved in the accident.
Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be legally responsible:
1. The vehicle manufacturer
Automakers are required to design vehicles that are safe and reliable. If a design flaw or faulty assembly led to your brake failure, the manufacturer could be held strictly liable for your injuries.
2. The parts supplier
Many car components are made by third-party suppliers. If the defective part came from one of them, they could be named in your injury claim.
3. The dealership or seller
If the dealership knew (or should have known) the vehicle had faulty brakes but sold it anyway, then they could be liable for negligent sale or failure to warn.
4. A repair shop or mechanic
If your car was recently serviced and a mechanic installed brakes incorrectly or failed to spot a serious issue, they could be at fault.
Each case is unique, and multiple parties may share responsibility. That’s why we begin every case with a thorough investigation.
How Crosley Law investigates brake failure cases
Proving that a brake defect caused your crash is complex. You need more than your word—you need hard evidence. At Crosley Law, we know how to dig deep and uncover the facts.
Here’s how we build these cases:
1. Preserve the vehicle
The first step is to secure the vehicle before it’s repaired, sold, or scrapped. Your car holds key evidence: worn brake pads, fluid leaks, damage patterns, or signs of tampering. We immediately send preservation letters and arrange for expert inspection.
2. Use expert analysis
We work with automotive engineers and accident reconstruction experts who can identify mechanical failures and evaluate whether a defect was present. Their testimony can be crucial in proving your case to a jury.
3. Gather vehicle history and recall records
We pull service records, maintenance logs, and recall information to find out whether the brake system had prior issues or if other people have reported similar problems. This helps us identify patterns and strengthen your product liability claim.
4. Analyze black box and diagnostic data
Many newer vehicles store electronic data about brake usage, speed, and crash forces. This information can reveal whether you applied the brakes before impact and if the system responded properly.
5. Build a timeline of events
We use all the above data to create a detailed timeline of what happened before, during, and after the crash. This allows us to show how the defect directly caused or contributed to your injuries.
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What you can do if you suspect brake failure caused your accident
If you believe faulty brakes or other mechanical defects played a role in your crash, taking the right steps early can make all the difference in your case.
1. Don’t let the vehicle be repaired or destroyed
Your car is key evidence. Tell your insurance company you want to preserve it for investigation. Contact a lawyer immediately so they can take the proper legal steps to secure the vehicle.
2. Get a full medical evaluation
See a doctor even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Medical records also help establish a clear link between the crash and your injuries.
3. Document everything
Take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, and the vehicle. Write down everything you remember about how the brakes felt and responded before the crash.
4. Avoid talking to the other party’s insurance company alone
They may try to minimize your injuries or get you to admit fault. Instead, let your attorney handle all communications.
5. Contact Crosley Law
Product liability and defective equipment cases are complex. We have the resources, experience, and expert network needed to hold manufacturers and other negligent parties accountable.
Don’t let a defective brake system derail your future
You did everything right. You maintained your car, drove responsibly, and expected it to keep you safe. But if a car defect caused your brakes to fail and lead to a serious crash, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone.
At Crosley Law, we’ve helped clients throughout Texas investigate vehicle defects and recover full compensation for their injuries. From expert inspections to tough courtroom advocacy, we do everything it takes to hold negligent companies accountable.
If you suspect a mechanical failure caused your crash, don’t wait. Call us at (210) 529-3000 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and help you understand your next steps.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, speak to a qualified attorney.
