Failing brakes is one of the scariest situations to happen on Johns Creek roads. You expect your car to stop when you put pressure on the brakes. If that doesn’t happen, you can get in a terrible accident. If you have injuries, a Johns Creek brake failure lawyer can help.
John Foy & Associates has been representing car accident victims for 20-plus years. We can help you file a claim against the party responsible for your accident. You should not have to pay for the costs of faulty brakes that were not your fault.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.
Common Causes of Brake Failure
There are a few different issues that can cause brake failure. Here are some of the most common.
Understanding why your brakes failed is crucial for your legal case. You will need to know whose carelessness led to your brake failure.
Fluid Leaks
Brake failure often happens when there is a loss of fluid pressure in your brake system. Car brakes work because of water-powered pressure. If you have a leak somewhere, there might not be enough pressure to activate your brakes.
Your car should give you a warning light if you have a fluid leak. However, a vehicle defect could mean the light doesn’t come on. Maybe the light comes on right before your brakes fail — and there’s no time to act.
Cracking or Rust
A broken or cracked brake hose can cause you to lose brake fluid. You can also have a fluid loss because of a rusted brake line. This situation is more common in older cars that have been around moisture or salt.
Old Brake Linings
Car braking systems create friction to get your vehicle to stop. That friction turns your car’s motion into heat. Brake linings should be sturdy enough to:
- Create a lot of resistance
- Handle the intense conditions of brake systems
Over time and without maintenance, brake linings can become worn. If you step all the way down on your brake pedal and your car still won’t stop, it probably means worn brake linings. This can be a terrifying and hazardous situation.
Overheated Brakes
Some brake issues can occur when the brakes get too hot. This can happen because of:
- Aggressive driving
- Mountain driving
- Racing other vehicles
- Overusing the brakes
If the brakes don’t have a chance to cool down, your braking power can decrease over time.
Get the strong arm
Determining Who Is Responsible for a Brake Failure Accident
Brake failure can happen because of:
- Faulty maintenance
- Vehicle defects
- Manufacturer errors
- Lack of maintenance
If another party’s actions led to your brake failure, you probably have an injury claim. You’ll need to investigate the cause of your brake issues.
Did you recently take your car to a mechanic for other work? Did you just purchase the vehicle, or have you had it for many years? Did the manufacturer have a recall related to your vehicle model?
When you contact a Johns Creek brake failure lawyer, they will ask similar questions. If someone else’s carelessness led to your brake failure, you might have a case. You can file a personal injury claim for compensation.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Brake Failure Accident
If your brake failure caused an accident, you’ll need to be careful. The other driver will probably blame you for the crash. But if your brake failure was not your fault, you are not responsible.
If a company is at fault, they will try to deny liability. Their insurance company might even blame you. It’s best to protect yourself by getting a brake failure lawyer as soon as possible.
Your lawyer can help by:
- Determining who was at fault for the brake failure
- Calculating your total personal injury damages
- Building a strong personal injury claim
- Communicating with the insurance company
- Negotiating for a fair settlement
- Making sure you don’t get blamed for an accident you didn’t cause
Brake failure issues are tragic. They usually cause catastrophic accidents. You and anyone else hurt in the accident deserve compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, our brake failure lawyers can help. With 20-plus years of experience, we know how to win cases. Contact us today to get started with a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
When Another Driver Caused the Accident
If another driver’s brake failure caused your accident, you have options. Your lawyer will still determine who was at fault for the bad brakes.
The at-fault party could be:
- The other driver (if they failed to keep up with their car’s maintenance)
- A car manufacturer
- A maintenance company
- A dealership
Sometimes, the other driver is responsible because they didn’t take care of their car’s brakes. If so, you can file a claim with their auto insurance.
Your lawyer can determine who was at fault for the accident. From there, you can begin seeking the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If Your Brakes Stop Working
There’s little more terrifying than failing brakes. Here are some tips for handling brake failure:
- Start pumping your brakes as quickly as you can. The fast motion might create enough pressure to stop the car.
- If pumping the brakes doesn’t help, push down on your parking brake as hard as possible.
- If you are about to crash into another driver, focus on avoiding an accident as much as you can. Honk your horn to warn other drivers. If you can, steer your car towards the side or shoulder of a road.
Once your car finally stops, turn off your car and put it into Park. Then, call for help. If you got into an accident, call 911 for the police.
Talk to a Johns Creek Brake Failure Lawyer for Free Today
John Foy & Associates is here to help after a car accident. Working with us is risk-free for you. We do not charge a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.
To schedule a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
