If you suspected your brakes were malfunctioning and you got into an accident, would you still be held at fault?

In this context, the assertion is that you would not automatically be held at fault for an accident even if you suspected your brakes were malfunctioning. This is because the law often takes into consideration the circumstances surrounding the incident. If a driver can demonstrate that they were aware of potential brake issues and took reasonable steps to mitigate the risk—such as refraining from driving the vehicle or seeking repairs—they may have a stronger case in demonstrating that they were not negligent.

Moreover, mechanical failures that occur without negligence on the driver's part can play a significant role in determining fault. If it can be proven that the brakes failed unexpectedly and the driver had no prior reason to believe they would fail during normal operation, liability may shift away from the driver.

The key aspect in these scenarios is the driver's actions before the accident and whether they had done everything reasonably possible to maintain their vehicle. This situation also emphasizes the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and the responsibility of the driver to ensure their vehicle is in safe working condition.