Truck Accidents and Bad Braking

Truck accidents are frequently caused by defective or poorly maintained brakes. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 29.4 percent of all large truck collisions involved brake failure, brakes out of adjustment, or other brake-related problems.

Faulty Brakes May Cause Collisions

When a brake-related collision occurs, a number of individuals and entities may be responsible, including:

  • The driver. Drivers are required to perform daily inspections of their tractor and trailer, including checking for loose brake components; listening for air leaks in the brake system; and checking the condition of the brake shoes.
  • The brake manufacturer. Under federal regulations, a truck must be able to meet the automatic brake adjustment system requirements, develop a certain braking force, and decelerate to a stop at a minimum predetermined rate. If truck brakes fail to meet these minimum standards, the manufacturer may be held responsible for failing to design the brakes properly or for overlooking a defect in the manufacturing process.
  • The company that loaded the truck. If the load is distributed unevenly, the brakes may overheat and malfunction. This can lead to a catastrophic collision, and the company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
  • The owner-operator. Commercial operators are required to maintain truck brakes properly, and they must keep maintenance records showing that truck maintenance has been performed on a regular schedule. The owner may also be at fault if the manufacturer notified him that the brakes were defective, and if he did nothing to correct the problem.

Truck Collision Injuries

If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, you deserve compensation for the harm you have suffered. Establishing liability requires knowledge of the industry and accident reconstruction experience. Determining fault for the devastating injuries caused by brake failures on large trucks can be complicated, and these accidents often require careful investigation by an experienced truck accident attorney. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

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