Common Causes Of 18 Wheeler Truck Accidents: Equipment Failure

A fully loaded 18 wheeler will often weigh in at around 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons. These vehicles commonly stretch 70 to 80 feet in length and about 13.6 feet high. Eighteen wheelers have a total of five axles and 12 different gears. These complex vehicles use specialized braking systems that will require 40 percent more time to stop than the average car.

Commercial truck accidents claim the lives of some 5,000 individuals a year and injury many more. Driver error is the number one cause of all truck accidents, but a close second is equipment failure.

Equipment failure can include manufacturing mistakes, such as defective tires or brakes, or design errors, including failure to install object detection systems or backing warnings. Most mechanical causes of truck accidents are due to the failure to properly maintain the equipment.

Poor maintenance can lead to the following dangerous events:

tire blowouts due to wear
defective steering
removing or depowering the front brakes, which can cause jackknifing
improper trailer attachment
brake failure due to inadequate adjustments
transmission failure
defective side or rear lighting

DEFECTIVE BRAKES CAUSE NEARLY 30 PERCENT OF ALL TRUCK CRASHES

A recent study by the Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that nearly 30 percent of all truck accidents involve brake related issues, including brake failure and brakes out of adjustment. If you have been injured in a truck accident, learning the common causes of brake failure may help you to determine who was responsible for your accident and injuries.

John (Jack) Zinda

Founder / CEO

Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

WHO IS TO BLAME FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES?

When the brakes on a commercial truck malfunction, the blame may be placed on one or more parties, including:

the driver
the party responsible for maintaining the brakes, commonly the owner-operator
the company that loaded the truck
the manufacturer of the brakes

When a truck accident involving brake failure occurs, the trucking, hauling, and leasing company will often be left arguing over whose insurance will cover the accident. The trucking company may claim the accident was caused by defective brakes, while the brake company will counter the accident stemmed from the failure to maintain the brakes in working order.

Equipment failure truck accidents will generally result in complex lawsuits with multiple defendants joined. It is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney who will be able to handle such a massive suit, including performing all proper investigations so as to uncover the root cause of the accident.

Through skill and proper preparation, injured accident victims can obtain a full recovery for their damages incurred as a result of the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.

Neil Solomon

Partner

Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.

Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation

ZINDA LAW GROUP: SEEKING JUSTICE FOR TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Truck accidents that involve equipment issues or failure can result in serious injuries. These cases are complex and generally include multiple defendants. The Texas Truck Accident Attorneys at Zinda Law Group have the experience you need to successfully bring even the most complex truck accident case.

Our skilled and knowledgeable truck accident attorneys offer award winning representation for truck accident victim across the state. We understand the serious consequences of any truck accident and will zealously seek compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call Zinda Law Group today at 888-345-9407 for a free consultation with one of our nationwide truck accident lawyers. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.