DOES YOUR FORD VEHICLE HAVE BAD BRAKES?
Posted on Wednesday, January 18th, 2017 at 12:11 am
If you have a 2007 to 2009 Ford Mercury Milan or Ford Fusion, you may have a problem with your brakes. A report in Motor Trend states that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into consumer complaints regarding the brakes in 2007 – 2009 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans. According to the story, 141 owners have filed complaints with the NHTSA reporting problems with the brakes.
Dangerous Situation for Drivers
The NHTSA states that it believes the antilock braking system hydraulic control unit is responsible for the problem with the brakes. Owners report that sometimes when the ABS is engaged, the brake pedal goes “soft” causing the driver to use more force than usual to stop the vehicle. This can cause an unexpected increase in the stopping distance. At least three crashes have been reported that appear to be related to the braking problems.
Drivers who are unaware of the problem may not be able to avoid a collision or may run stop signs or red lights. Because the brake problem does not happen each time, drivers could believe the issue to be an isolated event leaving the driver at risk for a more serious accident in the future.
Dangers of Defective Brakes
Each year, drivers and others are injured in accidents involving defective brakes. Brake systems are intricate and complex systems that include several parts. If just one component fails, it can cause the entire brake system to fail. A problem with the brakes can be caused by poor maintenance, improper installation, or defective products.
Defective brakes can result in several problems including causing the vehicle to jerk, fail to slow down, fail to stop, or pull to one side. Any of these situations can result in a catastrophic accident that causes devastating injuries.
Motor Vehicle Product Liability Claims
When a defective product results in a car crash, a number of parties may be liable for the damages. Defective products can result from flaws in the design, problems during manufacturing, or issues with marketing. Depending on where in the process the flaw arises, one or more parties may be held liable for any damages caused by the defect.
For example, if the brake design is flawed, the company responsible for designing the brake may be sued. However, if the manufacturer changed the design or made a mistake while making the brakes, the manufacturer can be sued. It is important to identify who is responsible for the defect because you must prove the party caused the defect that resulted in the accident that caused your injury. If you can prove a defective product caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional suffering, and physical pain. You may also be entitled to compensation for future damages and permanent disability.
Call A Sacramento Defective Product Attorney
If you believe a defective product caused your accident, we urge you to contact our office for a free case evaluation. Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or contact our office online for more information. We want to help you and your family receive full compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.