When Can Truck Accidents Be Caused by Defective Equipment?

 Posted on October 24, 2022 in Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions of all types can be very dangerous, and they can lead to severe or fatal injuries for victims. However, commercial truck accidents can be especially devastating, and the large size and massive weight of 18-wheelers and similar vehicles may result in life-changing injuries and other types of damages. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of issues, but one contributing factor that can sometimes be overlooked is defective equipment. Faulty parts or equipment that has not been properly maintained may cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle and collide with others. In these situations, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturers of defective parts, a company that did not perform proper maintenance, or other liable parties.

Common Equipment and Maintenance Issues on Commercial Trucks

Multiple types of equipment and components of large trucks may fail to function correctly, leading to dangerous accidents. Defective or faulty parts may include:

• Tires - A truck's tires are crucial to ensure that a driver can maintain control. Tires that are worn, that were installed incorrectly, or that were otherwise defective can cause blowouts, which can lead to a significant loss of control, no matter the truck's speed. However, blowouts that occur when a truck is traveling at highway speeds can have catastrophic results. 

• Brakes - Unlike cars, trucks rely on air brakes, which means that there are more parts that can fail. If a brake system is not properly maintained, a truck driver may be unable to slow down or stop when necessary, and this can lead to dangerous accidents. 

• Steering - Faulty steering systems can have a drastic effect on a truck driver's ability to maintain control, and they are likely to lead to accidents and injuries. 

• Trailer couplings - A truck's trailer should be properly attached to the cab, but defects in these components can cause a trailer to become detached and collide with other vehicles. Because of the heavy weight of truck cargo, a trailer that collides with other vehicles is likely to inflict serious injuries.

• Cargo securement - Parts used to secure cargo on a truck, such as straps or chains, may fail. This may cause items to fall from a truck and strike other vehicles, resulting in serious or fatal injuries for drivers or passengers. 

Trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks' tires, brakes, and other components on a regular basis and service or replace parts when necessary. If it can be shown that the company knew or should have known about mechanical issues but failed to take action, they may again be held liable for any accidents or injuries that occur as a result. 

Contact Our DuPage County Truck Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, it is important to speak to an experienced attorney who can help investigate the cause of the accident. There are many factors that can contribute to truck accidents, and it may be necessary to work with accident reconstruction experts or other experts who have knowledge of the equipment used on large trucks and the common points of failure. At Kaiser Hafezi Law, our Elmhurst truck accident lawyers will be able to help you investigate whether defective equipment played a role in causing your accident, and we will work to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable for your injuries and damages. Contact us today at 630-233-9946 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.iihs.org/topics/large-trucks#defective-equipment

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-396#396.3