Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
Posted on: October 31, 2023
Although most truck accidents are caused by driver error, some are caused by mechanical failure. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 10 percent of all truck accidents are due to the trucks, not the drivers. One category for this is mechanical failures, which can cause these large vehicles to swerve into other ones.
Common truck-related mechanical failures include:
- Brake failure: Large commercial vehicles have complicated brake systems that mandate more maintenance than other truck parts. This is the most common kind of truck mechanical failure. It can be caused by faulty brake lines, leaking fluid, thin brake pads, and many other causes.
- Damaged windshield wipers: Worn-out or defective windshield wipers impact visibility on large truck windshields.
- Rearguard failure: Located at the backs of tractor-trailers, rearguards are in place to prevent dangerous underride accidents.
- Tire blowouts: Tires on large trucks support great amounts of weight and pressure. Even a small tear or puncture can cause the driver to lose control.
- Trailer detachment: Trailers not properly secured to truck cabs can detach partly or fully, causing jackknife crashes.
- Transmission and steering problems: Overloaded cargo can lead to truck transmission failure over time.
What Causes Mechanical Failures in Trucks?
Truck drivers and trucking companies can both be responsible for mechanical failures. Depending on who owns the vehicle, someone is responsible for maintaining and inspecting it. This means that problems need to be addressed in a timely manner instead of waiting for an accident to occur.
Mechanical failures can also happen when technicians make mistakes or do not perform maintenance tasks on schedule. During an accident investigation, looking into all the subcontractors involved in the truck’s upkeep is essential.
Truck and parts manufacturers might also be held responsible for mechanical failures. These companies produce and market vehicles and components and are sometimes found to be negligent. That can happen when they withhold public information about defects and safety issues.
Liability for a Truck Accident
Determining liability in a truck accident can be challenging. Experienced truck accident lawyers look at cases from every angle to see if there was negligence. The truck driver and company may be investigated, and third parties might be culpable. Lawyers recognize the importance of vehicle maintenance records, federal and state trucking laws, and other potential sources of evidence. This is why working with one familiar with truck mechanical failure accident cases is essential.
Our Freehold Truck Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Are Experienced With Truck Mechanical Failure Accidents
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, our skilled Freehold truck accident lawyers at Ellis Law can help. Call us at 732-308-0200 or complete our online form for a free consultation. Located in Freehold, New Jersey, we serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.
