When Mechanical Defects Cause Truck Accidents

Tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles are complicated. They have many moving parts, all of which need to be in good condition so that the vehicle does not crash. Unfortunately, regular maintenance is costly, and too many trucking companies cut corners by ignoring defects.

At Hoy Law, we help injured victims when they are hurt by tractor-trailers in accidents. Below, we look at some of the most common mechanical defects and identify who is legally responsible when an accident happens.

Defective Parts Make Trucks Dangerous

A tractor-trailer might crash if any of the following parts are not working as they should:

• Brake failure is catastrophic for a big rig, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded. Brakes often become less effective slowly over time, giving a trucking company enough notice to change them. According to a study by the Transportation Research Board, brake failure was an associated factor in roughly 30% of truck accidents.
• The tires on an 18-wheeler can easily explode if they are worn out, overinflated, or underinflated. Some trucking companies use old tires, which are more prone to cracking and failing. When the tires blow, a truck can swerve into a different lane and crash into an innocent motorist.
• Steering systems. The failure of steering systems is a major danger on the road. A trucker cannot avoid a crash or might even run over vehicles in adjoining lanes.
• Headlights and windshield wipers. The lights can blow on a big rig, which makes driving at night dangerous. The same is true of windshield wipers, which could fail in rainy or snowy weather, reducing the trucker’s visibility.
• Ties and restraints. The cargo in the back of the truck is usually tied down so that it does not shift while in motion. If the restraints snap or otherwise fail, then a tractor-trailer is more likely to jackknife or roll over as the cargo moves around.

These are only some of the systems which can fail on a big rig. Our clients often have no idea whether a defect is to blame or whether the trucker was simply careless.

Who is responsible when a defective part causes an accident? Typically, the truck’s owner is liable when they put a dangerous vehicle on the highway. They should ensure that the truck is safe to drive before putting it on the road. Furthermore, trucks should be maintained on a schedule, with transportation companies keeping detailed records. If a trucker notices a problem or defect, they should refuse to take the rig out that day.

In a tough economic climate, however, some trucking companies are delaying repairs. They face intense financial stress, and the easiest way to save money is to skip on maintenance.

Call Our Office to Discuss Your Accident

A mechanical part could malfunction, making the rig impossible to drive safely. We can ask to inspect the vehicle or question the trucker about what happened. We can then hold the trucking company liable for a crash. Contact our office to speak with a Sioux Falls truck accident lawyer about your accident.

Source:

onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec146.pdf