Is the owner of a car responsible if he sold me a car whose brakes are faulty in Texas?

The brakes went out on a car I bought 2 days ago and it resulted into me running into a car. Airbags did not deploy. I know what he did is wrong and even down-right evil, what if someone died? But under Texas law is he culpable in anyway? Can I take him to small claims court, or what should I do? The used car I bought it totaled and the car I hit is messed up pretty badly. Is there any recourse for me? Please help :(