Commercial trucks transport a wide range of goods across the country every day. As such, they play a vital role in the economy. However, when a large truck is involved in a truck accident with a passenger vehicle, it can cause extensive property damage, as well as life-threatening injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately, due to the massive size and weight of a fully loaded truck, it is often the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident that suffer the most devastating injuries if they survive the crash.
While some types of driver negligence cause most truck accidents, mechanical failure can also cause serious ones, particularly if a blown tire or defective brakes cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck. If you or a loved one suffered a life-threatening injury in a truck accident that was caused by mechanical failure, do not hesitate to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.
What Are Examples of Mechanical Failures That Lead to Truck Accidents?
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That requires truck drivers to follow the rules of the road, get enough sleep, and avoid distractions. In addition, to prevent mechanical issues that can dramatically increase the risk of a severe truck accident, the truck must be properly maintained regularly, and any necessary repairs must be made before the truck should be back on the road. Failure to do this can result in the following problems:
- Faulty brakes: Large trucks require significantly more road space to slow down and come to a complete stop, even if the brakes are working correctly. If the brakes are defective or malfunctioning, and the truck driver cannot slow down or stop in time to avoid crashing into another vehicle, this can cause a devastating, multi-vehicle accident involving catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, brake issues are the most common mechanical failure associated with fatal truck accidents.
- Defective or worn tires: If the truck’s tires become worn, over, or underinflated, there is an increased risk of a sudden tire blowout. When this happens, it can be difficult for the truck driver to maintain control. It can also cause the cargo in the trailer to shift or come loose, which can cause the truck to skid or even roll over. If there are other vehicles in the vicinity, that can have devastating consequences.
- Broken windshield wipers: When inclement weather like rain, sleet, or snow causes visibility issues, the windshield wipers must work properly. If they are defective or damaged and suddenly stop working, the truck driver may have trouble seeing where they are going and other vehicles on the road.
- Defective lighting: All commercial trucks must adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules regarding lamps and reflective devices. Truck drivers often drive at night, so defective lighting increases the risk of a serious truck accident.
- Rearguard failure: Rearguards are meant to prevent underride accidents when a passenger vehicle crashes into a truck and slides underneath the truck. This often results in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, which are more likely if the rearguard is missing or defective.
What Types of Injuries Are Caused by Mechanical Failure?
Any time a large commercial truck is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the passenger vehicle tend to suffer the most severe injuries. In contrast, the truck driver may walk away with only minor scrapes and bruises. The following are examples of some of the most common types of injuries associated with truck accidents caused by mechanical failure:
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damages
- Damage to internal organs
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe burns
- Loss of limbs
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Coma
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Caused by Mechanical Issues?
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, brake failure, or some other mechanical issue, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. However, truck accidents tend to be much more complicated than a car accident involving two passenger vehicles because there may be multiple parties that are liable, including the following:
- Truck driver: All commercial truck drivers must stop at weigh stations and inspect the truck to ensure it is in good working order. A failure to do so can result in a severe mechanical issue being overlooked.
- Truck company: Truck companies must inspect and maintain their fleets regularly and make any necessary repairs. If the truck company fails to do so to save time or money, and the truck is involved in a serious accident, the truck company may be liable.
- Truck manufacturer: The company that manufactured the truck may be liable if a design or manufacturing issue caused a defective product. Once they become aware of a safety issue, they are responsible for warning the public and stopping manufacturing the product.
- Mechanic: If the mechanic inspecting the truck and making the necessary repairs fails to inspect the vehicle thoroughly or does not properly repair the issue, they may be liable for any resulting accidents.
- Cargo loading company: If the cargo is not loaded correctly or secured by the loading company, this can cause the cargo to shift or come loose. When this happens, it can be difficult for the truck driver to maintain control. The cargo loading company may be liable if this causes a serious truck accident.
Our Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, where we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.