Trucking accidents are often caused by a mechanical failure in the truck – a study done by the Department of Transportation found that nearly 30 percent of commercial truck accidents were caused by a failure in the truck’s brakes and tires. There are a number of regulations truck drivers are required to adhere to, but unfortunately some truck drivers fail to perform routine mechanical checks to ensure their truck is safe enough to be on the road.
Failure to Maintain Tires
Poorly maintained tires can cause some of the most serious trucking accidents. Federal law mandates that commercial truck drivers have tire pressure monitor systems to detect and determine air pressure. Tire blowouts on a normal passenger vehicle can lead to a serious accident. On an 18-wheeler, however, a tire blowout can be catastrophic.
Failure to Maintain Brakes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, whose main priority is to reduce the number and severity of 18-wheeler accidents, found that 19% of inspected commercial trucks had some type of brake defect. Failing to maintain a truck’s braking system can affect its ability to stop and operate, which can put others on the road at risk.
Failure to Maintain Trailers
Semi-trucks are required, by law, to ensure that their tractor trailer is safely secured and there is no sign of misalignment. A trailer that is not aligned properly can heavily impact the truck’s tires – due to the increase in pressure, the tires will wear quickly, and the driver can have difficulty controlling the steering of the truck.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may have a right to pursue compensation to relieve you of the costs associated with your injuries. At Ben Bronston & Associates, our Laredo truck accident attorney understands that compensation is about more than just money – it’s about seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable.
We are proud to stand by your side in the aftermath of an accident. Call (956) 434-4000 or contact us online to request a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we recover the full compensation you deserve!
