A brake failure at highway speeds on I-565, I-65, or another major thoroughfare in the Huntsville area leaves almost no time to react, and it can lead to a devastating collision. When a car crash is caused by brake failure, the legal question is rarely “did the brakes fail?” but rather “who caused them to fail?”
At the law firm of Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., our experienced Huntsville personal injury lawyers have handled car crash claims, trucking cases, and product liability claims across Northern Alabama since 1966 – including cases that involved defective brakes. If failed brakes led to your injuries, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Brakes Failed? Find Out Who's Responsible
Morris, King & Hodge has handled brake defect and product liability cases across North Alabama since 1966. No fee unless we recover for you.
How Brake Malfunctions Cause Crashes in Alabama
Brake failure in motor vehicle accidents can take many forms. The type of malfunction involved often points directly to the party responsible.
Total Brake Failure
Total brake failure happens when a vehicle becomes completely unable to stop. A burst brake line or a sudden loss of hydraulic brake fluid is often the cause.
Brake Fade (Overheating)
Brake fade happens when excessive heat reduces the brakes’ stopping power. Fade can happen when drivers ride their brakes on steep descents instead of downshifting, or when they tow loads beyond their vehicle’s capacity. A poorly designed braking system can also overheat under normal use.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Defects
ABS systems stop the wheels from locking up during hard braking. When the ABS sensors or the computer malfunction, a driver may lose control during emergency braking. Manufacturers have issued numerous ABS-related recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Worn Brake Pads, Rotors, and Calipers
Over time, brake components wear down and need to be replaced. When a maintenance provider or vehicle owner ignores the wear and tear, the risk of a collision rises sharply.
Air Brake Failure on Commercial Trucks
Large trucks rely on air brake systems rather than hydraulic brakes. According to the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, brake problems ranked among the most frequently cited vehicle-related factors in serious truck crashes. A failure in a truck’s air brake system can make it nearly impossible to stop an 80,000-pound vehicle.
Brake Booster and Power Brake Failures
The brake booster amplifies the force a driver applies to the brake pedal. When the booster fails, the driver must press much harder to slow the vehicle, which can catch even an alert driver off guard during an emergency.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Brake-by-Wire Failures
Many newer vehicles use electronic systems rather than mechanical connections to manage braking. Software glitches or hardware defects in these systems can lead to unresponsive braking.
Who Can Be Held Liable When Brakes Fail?
A brake malfunction lawsuit in Huntsville, AL, may involve claims against one or more parties, depending on the cause of the failure. Some examples of potentially liable parties include:
- A vehicle manufacturer or automaker
- A brake component manufacturer
- A mechanic or repair shop that performed faulty brake work
- A trucking company that failed to maintain its fleet
- The driver, if they ignored known brake problems
How Alabama Law Treats Brake Defect Cases
Brake defect cases often raise complex questions about design, manufacturing, and responsibility under Alabama law.
The Alabama Extended Manufacturer’s Liability Doctrine (AEMLD)
Rather than following the approach used in many other states, Alabama applies the AEMLD. This doctrine holds manufacturers liable when they place a defective product into the stream of commerce, and that defect causes injury.
What “Defective” Means Under Alabama Law
Under the AEMLD, a product is “defective” when it is not fit for its intended purpose. The Alabama Supreme Court established this standard in Casrell v. Altec Industries, Inc., 335 So. 2d 128, 133 (Ala. 1976). Courts also require proof that a safer, practical, alternative design existed at the time of manufacture, as the Court held in General Motors Corp. v. Edwards, 482 So. 2d 1176, 1191 (Ala. 1985).
The Three Types of Brake Defects
Brake defects fall into the following three categories:
- Manufacturing defects (errors during production)
- Design defects (flaws in the original design)
- Marketing defects (failures to give consumers adequate warnings or instructions about brake use and maintenance)
Negligence Claims Against Mechanics and Repair Shops
When a mechanic fails to diagnose or repair a dangerous issue during a routine service, they might bear liability for any resulting collision.
How Alabama’s Pure Contributory Negligence Rule Applies
Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule. Under John Cowley & Bros., Inc. v. Brown, 569 So. 2d 375 (Ala. 1990), if a court finds that the injured person shares any fault, even 1 percent, they cannot recover compensation. That makes it essential to build a strong, well-documented case from the start.
The Statute of Limitations in Alabama
Under Ala. Code § 6-2-38, injured individuals must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. Missing the deadline will almost certainly bar you from seeking compensation in court.
Proving Brake Failure Was the Cause of the Crash
Our experienced Huntsville car accident lawyers can work to:
- Preserve the vehicle for expert inspection
- Obtain maintenance and repair records
- Review any available black box or event data recorder information
- Retain accident reconstruction specialists
Read More: What a Car Accident Attorney from Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Does for You
Acting quickly matters because critical evidence can deteriorate or disappear if the vehicle changes hands or undergoes further repairs.
What to Do After a Brake Failure Accident in Huntsville, AL
If you believe failed brakes caused a collision, take these steps to protect yourself and your potential claim:
- Call 911 and tell the responding officer that you suspect brake failure.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine at first.
- Do not drive the vehicle again or allow anyone to repair it.
- Photograph the vehicle and any visible brake components (as well as the accident scene).
- Contact our experienced Huntsville car accident lawyers before speaking with insurance adjusters.
Why Choose Morris, King & Hodge for Your Brake Defect Case
Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. has fought for injured people in North Alabama courtrooms since 1966. Our firm is listed in the Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers and ranks among the Best Law Firms®. Several of our attorneys have repeatedly earned Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers honors.
Brake failure cases often sit at the intersection of product liability, trucking regulations, and personal injury law. Our team can draw on decades of experience across all three areas to build the strongest possible car accident claim for you.
If a brake malfunction caused your injuries, Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
