North Carolina Brake Failure Accident Attorneys

Brake failure, particularly at high speeds, is one of the most dangerous kinds of auto part failure. Functional brakes are necessary if a driver is to slow down and stop a vehicle in response to a change in traffic, curve in the road, traffic signal or obstacle. If brakes suddenly fail, a collision of some kind is imminent. The severity of the collision is the only variable at this point, unless a driver is extremely lucky and manages to slow without striking another vehicle or fixed object. When these accidents do occur, the question of liability is crucial. Who is accountable?

Depending on exactly what caused the brakes to fail, the auto manufacturer may be liable for all physical, financial and emotional injuries related to the accident. Only a thorough investigation and review of all physical evidence will reveal exactly what occurred and therefore what party (or parties) should be held responsible. In some cases accountability may lie with a dealership, mechanic or auto part retailer. An attorney who is experienced in handling auto product liability cases in North Carolina can work with expert witnesses to get to the bottom of the situation.

Nagle & Associates, P.A. is in a uniquely advantageous position when it comes to brake failure and other auto defect cases. The firm was founded by an attorney who worked as an insurance claims adjuster and insurance defense lawyer. This understanding of the “other side” can make all the difference in negotiating a fair settlement or fighting for a maximum award in court. The firm takes on car accident claims and lawsuits for clients across North Carolina.

Brake Defects, Poorly Designed Brakes and Mechanic Negligence

Brake failure may be traced to three primary causes: manufacturing defects, poor brake design or poor brake maintenance. In the first scenario, the brakes may have been designed properly but something occurred during manufacturing that left them defective and thus unable to function correctly. Failure due to a manufacturing defect could occur immediately or after the vehicle has been in use for some time. In the second scenario, some part of a vehicle’s braking system may have been negligently or improperly designed. Though it was built correctly, perhaps it was inappropriate for the size and weight of the vehicle or had some other design flaw that rendered the brakesinefficient or completely unworkable.

The third scenario is somewhat different than the first two. In the third scenario above, poor brake maintenance may cause eventual failure. Brakes must be properly inspected, maintained and sometimes replaced to make sure they are in working order. Vehicle owners have a responsibility to comply with manufacturer instructions on brake maintenance, but what if an owner followed these instructions and the brakes still failed? Brake failure in this situation could be traced to negligence on the part of the auto mechanic who inspected, repaired or replaced the brakes. It could also be traced to a manufacturing or design flaw that rendered the brakes useless even though they were maintained on a regular basis.

Involve a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney

Determining the cause of brake failure is important if liability is to be assigned to the appropriate party. These are complex and technical matters, and that is why it is essential to involve a professional. With a North Carolina car accident attorney from Nagle & Associates, P.A. to apply the resources and experience to your investigation and resulting claim or lawsuit, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Contact the firm today to discuss your options.