Steering and brake failures can cause devastating accidents with little warning. When a vehicle suddenly becomes impossible to control or unable to stop safely, the results are often severe, particularly on busy Walnut Creek roads and highways. If you were injured in a crash caused by steering or brake failure in Walnut Creek or elsewhere in Contra Costa County, you may be able to pursue compensation from a manufacturer, repair facility, fleet operator, or another responsible party.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we represent people injured in complex vehicle defect and mechanical failure cases throughout Northern California. We investigate what caused the failure, preserve critical evidence, and work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Why Choose Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook?
People throughout Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County trust us with complex injury cases because we offer:
- More than four decades of experience handling serious injury litigation
- Over $375 million recovered for injured clients
- More than 50 verdicts and settlements exceeding $1 million
- A network of expert witnesses in accident reconstruction, automotive engineering, and vehicle defects
- Trial-ready representation when insurers refuse fair settlements
- Direct communication and personal attention throughout your case
- Free case evaluations and no fee unless there is a recovery
What Causes Steering and Brake Failures?
Steering and brake failures may result from defective vehicle components, improper repairs, poor maintenance, or a combination of factors. In some cases, the problem develops gradually. In others, the failure happens suddenly and without warning.
Common causes of these accidents include:
- Defective brake pads, calipers, or rotors
- Brake fluid leaks or hydraulic system failures
- Malfunctioning anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
- Power steering pump or fluid failures
- Faulty tie rods or rack-and-pinion steering systems
- Defective steering columns or suspension components
- Improper repair or maintenance work
- Defective aftermarket replacement parts
Sometimes a recall has already been issued for the failed component. In other situations, the manufacturer, dealership, or repair facility may have known about the issue but failed to correct it properly.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Steering or Brake Failure Accident?
Determining liability in a mechanical failure case is often more complicated than in a standard car accident claim. Several parties may share responsibility depending on how the failure occurred.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Auto parts manufacturers
- Mechanics or repair facilities
- Vehicle dealerships
- Commercial fleet operators
- Maintenance companies
- Distributors or retailers of defective parts
California product liability law may allow an injured person to pursue compensation even if the manufacturer did not act negligently.
How We Build a Steering or Brake Failure Injury Case
Mechanical failure claims require detailed investigation and technical analysis. We work quickly to preserve evidence and determine what caused the failure before critical information disappears.
Our investigation may include reviewing:
- Vehicle maintenance and repair records
- Manufacturer recall notices and service bulletins
- Crash scene evidence and photographs
- Event data recorder information
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Expert analysis from automotive engineers and accident reconstruction professionals
Preserving the vehicle itself is often extremely important. Repairs, salvage disposal, or destruction of damaged components can make it harder to prove what caused the failure.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Mechanical Failure Crash?
Steering and brake failure accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries because drivers often have little or no ability to avoid impact once the system fails. Victims may face long recovery periods, permanent impairments, and substantial financial losses.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term disability-related losses
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the evidence linking the mechanical failure to the crash.
Contact a Walnut Creek Steering and Brake Failure Attorney
If you were injured in an accident caused by steering failure, brake defects, or another vehicle malfunction, obtaining legal guidance early can help protect your claim and preserve important evidence. We represent injured clients throughout Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, and the Bay Area in complex vehicle defect and personal injury cases.
Contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today for a free case evaluation. We are prepared to investigate what caused the failure, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQ
Does a vehicle recall affect my injury claim?
Yes. A recall involving the same component connected to the accident may help establish that the manufacturer or dealership knew about a dangerous defect.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation, although your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What if the repair shop says the brakes or steering system were functioning properly?
Repair facilities may deny responsibility after a crash. Maintenance records, inspections, and expert analysis can help determine whether negligent repair work contributed to the failure.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in California?
California law generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, although some exceptions may apply depending on the facts of the case.