TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND INCREASED IN SPEED. THE BRAKES DID NOT HOLD. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. HER RIGHT KNEE WAS CRUSHED AND THE LEFT KNEE WAS FRACTURED. SHE RECEIVED LACERATIONS FROM THE SEAT BELT ON HER NECK AND HER RIBS WERE BRUISED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, A PUNCTURED LUNG, INTERNAL BLEEDING, OPTICAL NERVE DAMAGE, A TRACHEOTOMY, AND SPINAL INJURY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE ALMOST 10,000.