Getting into a motor vehicle accident is a traumatic event for everyone involved and can change lives in the blink of an eye. Many crashes are caused by a driver’s negligence or recklessness, in which case they are at fault. However, there may be situations where neither driver was truly at fault.
Brake failure is one such situation because both motorists could be driving at a safe speed and following all traffic laws but still collide. In this case, you may be entitled to compensation for damages caused by the faulty brakes. A diligent defective auto parts attorney at The Marrone Law Firm has the experience to help you with a defective brakes lawsuit in Philadelphia.
Defective brakes fall under product liability, which allows people to bring a claim when a defective or dangerous consumer item injures them. A successful product liability claim must show the product was defective because it did not meet reasonable safety expectations when it left the other party’s possession and that the defect caused an injury.
Drivers expect their brakes to function properly to slow their vehicle or bring it to a stop. Poor manufacturing, inferior materials, or improper maintenance could cause the brakes not to work as expected and lead to a collision. In this situation, the injured person may file a claim for product liability. Proving a defective product can be challenging, and a Philadelphia lawyer could evaluate the facts and develop a defective brakes lawsuit.
Two parties could be at fault in accidents involving defective brakes, depending on the nature of the defect. The manufacturer could be held responsible when the brakes have a defect in the installation or design. For instance, if the brakes were improperly placed during the assembly process so they could not stop the vehicle safely, it could be the manufacturer’s fault. A car maker could also be liable if their brakes could not reliably stop the car due to a defect. If the design and installation were correct but the brake pads were inferior and prone to quick deterioration, the manufacturer of the materials could be responsible.
The mechanic responsible for maintaining the brakes could be at fault, especially concerning commercial vehicles that endure a lot of wear and tear on their brakes and require regular maintenance. A mechanic could be held responsible for an accident if they failed to properly maintain or replace deteriorating brakes.
Finding and proving fault for defective brakes can be a complex and lengthy process. A dedicated attorney could review the case and pursue any potentially responsible party in a defective brakes lawsuit in Philadelphia.
The state limits the time in which a claim must be filed. Pennsylvania Statutes § 5524 sets the limit for a defective product at two years from the date that the injury occurred.
If a claim is not filed within this time limit, it may be difficult to recover damages from an accident caused by faulty brakes. That is why it is important to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Getting into a car accident is a confusing and stressful time, and getting compensation for your injuries could be a challenge if the collision was due to faulty brakes.
The seasoned injury attorneys at the Marrone Law Firm could evaluate your case to pursue a defective brakes lawsuit in Philadelphia and get you compensation for your injuries. A defective product case could be a long and complex process, so contact us as soon as possible to get started.