You're driving down I-70 in St. Louis when a semi-truck suddenly veers into your lane. You hear a loud pop and see the truck's tire tread flying through the air. The truck driver loses control, slamming into your vehicle and sending you careening off the road.
As you process the event, you wonder how this could have happened. Trucking companies are supposed to maintain their vehicles properly, so what happens when they fail and cause serious accidents?
At Finney Injury Law, our St. Louis truck accident lawyers understand the devastating consequences of mechanical failures in large commercial vehicles. We're here to help you understand your legal rights and options after you become injured in a truck accident.
Brake Failures: A Leading Cause of Truck Accidents
Brake failures are among the most common mechanical issues leading to truck accidents. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and they require a system of air brakes, discs, and other components to stop safely. When any part of this system malfunctions, the results can be catastrophic.
- Inadequate brake maintenance. Federal regulations require trucking companies to inspect and maintain their vehicles' braking systems regularly. However, some companies cut corners to save time and money, allowing trucks with worn-out brake pads, leaking brake lines, or other defects to stay on the road.
- Overloaded or imbalanced trucks. Even well-maintained brakes can fail if a truck is overloaded or the cargo is improperly distributed. Excess weight stresses the braking system, which increases stopping distance and the risk of brake fade or failure.
Tire Blowouts: A Frightening and Dangerous Mechanical Failure
While commercial truck tires are designed to withstand heavy loads and long distances, they don't last forever. Tires with insufficient tread depth, sidewall damage, or improper inflation are more likely to experience dangerous blowouts.
- Lack of proper tire maintenance. Trucking companies must regularly inspect and replace worn or damaged tires. Failing to do so puts everyone on the road at risk. Drivers are also responsible for checking tire pressure and condition before each trip.
- Manufacturing and design defects. Sometimes, a tire may be prone to blowouts due to flaws in its design or manufacturing process. Tread separation, weak spots, and other defects can cause tires to fail even when they appear in good condition.
Steering and Suspension Malfunctions
A semi-truck's steering and suspension systems are under immense stress daily. Over time, ball joints, tie rods, shock absorbers, and other components can wear out, making the truck more difficult to control and more prone to rollover accidents.
- Inadequate maintenance and inspections. Trucking companies are responsible for regularly inspecting and replacing worn steering and suspension parts. Failing to do so can lead to a catastrophic loss of control, especially at highway speeds.
- Manufacturing defects. In rare cases, a steering or suspension component may fail due to a manufacturing defect, even if the part is relatively new. These defects can be challenging to detect without expert analysis after an accident.
Lighting System Failures: A Hidden Danger
Proper lighting is essential for safe trucking operations, especially at night or in inclement weather. When headlights, taillights, or turn signals fail, other drivers may not see the truck in time to avoid a collision.
- Inadequate maintenance and inspections. Trucking companies are required to inspect and maintain their vehicles' lighting systems regularly. Burned-out bulbs, faulty wiring, and damaged lenses must be promptly repaired or replaced.
- Electrical system malfunctions. Sometimes, a truck's entire electrical system may malfunction, causing multiple lights to fail simultaneously. This can be particularly dangerous if it occurs while the truck is in motion.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures
Determining liability may become complicated when a mechanical failure causes a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share responsibility.
- Trucking company. Failure to properly maintain the truck and its components
- Parts manufacturer. Design or production defects
- Repair shop. Improper installation or service of parts
- Loading company. Exceeding weight limits or improperly securing cargo
- Truck driver. Failure to inspect all truck areas or report known issues
Determining liability in any of these scenarios requires a thorough investigation by an experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer. They can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Experienced St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you've been injured in a truck accident caused by a mechanical failure, you may be facing expensive medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. The dedicated legal team at Finney Injury Law is here to fight for the compensation you deserve. We have the resources and experience to investigate your accident thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyers will handle all communication with the trucking company and their insurance provider, allowing you to focus on healing.