Two brothers, aged 10 and seven, were walking to elementary school one morning in early December in Richmond, Virginia, when they were struck by a car. The boys’ father said that the boys are in stable condition. Richmond Police report that the driver of the car that hit the boys was driving a car with faulty brakes.

The tragic story illustrates that when a motor vehicle’s brakes fail to operate properly, the results can be horrible, and even deadly.

Causes of faulty brakes

Brakes fail for many reasons, including:

• Defective design
• Improper installation
• Sloppy repair work
• Computer or electrical malfunction
• Hydraulic system failure
• Bad brake pads or shoes
• Anti-lock brake system malfunction

When any of the above occurs, cars or other motor vehicles can wreak havoc on the road for other motorists and pedestrians.

Claiming negligence

When you are injured in a car accident caused by bad brakes, you may able to sue the driver under a negligence claim. California law requires that drivers properly maintain their cars. This means that the drivers are responsible to make sure that their cars’ lights, steering system and brakes work properly. A veteran car accident attorney may succeed in showing that the braking system of the car that caused the accident was not properly maintained.

How to avoid faulty brakes on your car

Identifying bad brakes can be relatively easy because there are several signs that your brakes are wearing out. If you hear a high squeal or a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, your brake pads need to be replaced. If you smell metal or feel vibrations when you brake, then you need to go directly to the repair shop. If you need to press the brake pedal to the floor to stop your car, then you need to replace your brakes immediately.

If you were involved in an auto accident involving faulty brakes, then you need to schedule an appointment with a California auto accident attorney who can help you recover compensation.