Michigan Brake Failure Accidents

Motor vehicles in the Sturgeon Bay area were recently stopped on Michigan Street Bridge for longer than usual as a result of an accident.

The Sturgeon Bay Police Department reports that a vehicle was traveling east while the bridge was ascending. The vehicle’s brake lines went out and the driver ended up colliding with the bridge’s drop down arm and a guard rail. Fortunately, no injuries are reported as a result of the accident.

Besides seat belts, there are a number of important safety features that have been introduced in motor vehicles over the years. For example, air bags are responsible for preventing a number of serious injuries and fatalities each year.

Another important safety feature of a vehicle is the brake system. If a car is unable to stop or its brakes stop working suddenly, it can present a substantial danger to everyone else on the road.

How to Handle Sudden Brake Failure

If you are a motor vehicle driver whose car’s brakes suddenly stop working, you are undeniably in a frightening situation. It can help to remember the following important safety precautions:

• Remain cautious of sudden brake failure. “Riding the brakes” has the potential to result in substantial brake damage. By remaining cautious of signs that brakes might be worn can help a car driver remain cautious of this potential problem. Some of the most common signs of brake pad difficulty include grinding, popping, and squeaking of brakes.
• Avoid panic. If your brakes stop working while you are driving, you must remember to remain calm. By remaining calm, it is possible to keep your vehicle under control and avoid being involved in a serious accident.
• Slow down. Even if your brakes are not working, you should remember to take your foot off the gas and to shift into a lower gear to slow down. After gradually moving onto the shoulder of the road (if at all possible), you should place the vehicle in neutral and apply the handbrake until the vehicle comes to a stop.

The Sudden Emergency Doctrine and Brake Failure

In addition to brake wear and tear, there are a number of factors that can result in a vehicle’s brake pads no longer working. When brake failure occurs in Michigan and the driver is not to blame, it is common to raise the “sudden emergency” doctrine, which involves arguing that a driver was presented with an unusual or sudden emergency and no longer capable of safely operating a vehicle.

In addition to brake failure, this defense is also commonly raised in situations involving sudden blinding sun, sudden storms, oil slicks, children who run out in front of vehicles, and animals that suddenly dart across the road.

For this defense to be successful, a person must establish that ordinary care was used in the movements leading up to the sudden emergency.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by brake failure, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced Clare car accident attorney. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates, PC today to schedule a free initial case evaluation.

No Upfront Fees. Ph: 9892546113

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