Texas roadways are no strangers to accidents. People are injured in car crashes every day in the Lone Star State, many of which are caused by failed brakes.
This guide to brake failure accidents in Texas covers common causes, prime risk factors, and the best ways to avoid this type of incident.
What Is a Brake Failure Accident?
A brake failure car accident is a crash caused when all or part of a vehicle's brake system fails. This causes them to lose control of the car's speed- leaving them unable to stop or use the road safely.
Types of Brake Failure Accidents
Brake failure accidents can involve one or more vehicles. One of the most common accidents caused by brake failure is one vehicle crashing into an obstacle, such as a road barrier.
Other outcomes include rear-end collision- when a driver with no brakes crashes into the back of another vehicle- and side impacts- when a driver swerves dangerously when trying to regain control and collides with someone else side-on.
A failed brake can also cause a vehicle to spin out of control, crashing into multiple vehicles as it does. This is usually caused more by the driver's reaction than the brake failure itself.
What Are Some Common Causes of Brake Failure Accidents in Texas?
Blockage under or around the brake pedal
Build-up of dirt, oil, debris, or grease in the braking system
Leaking brake fluid
Worn brake pads or brake rotors
Defective parts
Overheating in the brake pads
Damaged brake hoses
Failure to effectively maintain the brakes
Trucking companies using old vehicles
Who Is At Fault in a Brake Failure Accident?
That depends on what causes the brakes to fail and the other contributing factors surrounding the incident.
Here are some possible examples.
Vehicle owners may be at fault if they failed to properly maintain the braking system.
Drivers may be liable if they are guilty of reckless driving at the time of the brake failure.
Mechanics may be responsible if work performed on a vehicle's brakes was incorrectly finished.
Manufacturers could be at fault if there is a system error related to car design or production.
A trucking company could be liable for accidents involving a commercial truck that was improperly serviced.
Other drivers or road users could be partially to blame if they fail to follow road rules and contribute to an accident caused by someone else's brake failure.
How to Avoid Brake Failure Car Accidents
Arrange Regular Vehicle Maintenance
The best way to avoid brake problems is with regular, high-quality maintenance. The decision to properly maintain a vehicle is not only the best choice to keep one's self safe, but it is also a driver and owner's responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe to take on the road.
When a vehicle's brakes fail due to failure to maintain them and someone else is hurt as a result, the owner of the vehicle could be held liable- and possibly face criminal punishment.
The recommendation is to have the pad changed every 10,000 to 30,000 miles, brake rotors changed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, and brake fluid every two to three years (but check everything regularly for signs of problems). Contact Dallas truck accident attorneys for more advice on proper vehicle maintenance.
Only Go to Trusted Mechanics
Having a vehicle's brakes maintained is only part of it- it has to be a reliable, registered mechanic who does the work to ensure the quality is sufficient.
Even if a vehicle owner gets their brakes checked, they could still be held responsible (at least partially) if they went to an unregistered or unqualified mechanic.
Check Brake Status Before a Long Drive
It is best practice to assess brake conditions before heading out for any drive- particularly long-distance on highways. Check the brake fluid and brake pads, and test the brakes before getting too far from the start point.
Pay Attention to Warning Lights
Many drivers are guilty of ignoring warning lights when they first come on, but it is not a good idea. Warning lights usually come on because something needs attention, and drivers should respond as soon as possible.
Keep a Safe Distance Between Vehicles
A braking system can fail without causing an accident. That has a lot to do with how the driver was using the road beforehand. The more time someone has to react, the less likely an accident is to happen. Leaving a safe distance between vehicles is a great way to reduce the probability of a collision if brakes fail.
This is even more important when driving a truck or driving near a truck. A truck driver needs even more space to safely stop because of the excess weight of their vehicle and load, and someone driving near a truck needs additional space to avoid getting stuck in a blind spot. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also help with how to avoid head-on truck accidents in Texas.
Drive at a Safe Speed
Distance and speed go hand in hand with safe driving- with or without brake failure. That said, drivers who experience brake failure at high speeds are significantly more likely to end up in a serious accident.
Sticking to the speed limit is smart, but it is also the law. If a driver fails to follow the speed limit rules and causes an accident because their brakes fail, they could be responsible for hurting people and liable for damages- not to mention the potential for suffering severe injuries themselves. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are able to explain how to avoid spilled cargo accidents in Texas as well.
What to Do if Brakes Fail While Driving
Stop accelerating immediately.
Stay calm and avoid panicked movements.
Turn on the hazard lights as soon as possible.
Try pumping the brakes repeatedly to unblock the system.
Slowly apply the emergency brake.
Downshift (manual vehicles only) to slow the car down.
Don't try to turn off the car.
Look for a safe route if possible.
Gently turn the steering wheel towards a safe place to slow to a stop.
Stay inside the vehicle and call roadside assistance when the car stops moving.
Schuerger Schunnarah Trial Attorneys Go to War for 214 Brake Failure Accident Victims
An elite car accident attorney at Scheurger Schunnarah of Dallas, Texas, can help brake failure accident victims claim the compensation they deserve. The experienced team of personal injury lawyers fights to negotiate the maximum settlement and provide expert guidance throughout the legal process.
Arrange a free consultation today to learn more about your case and the options available going forward.