Trucks may seem to be invincible giants of the road. But they are actually just machines running on a complex web of machinery, and just like any machine, things can go wrong.
The consequences of these malfunctions are often disastrous. Truck accident victims have an increased probability of suffering catastrophic injuries. Some even lose their lives.
If you’ve also become a victim, you can contact the truck accident attorneys at William Mattar, P.C. and other top law firms to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
The Mechanical Issues That Can Cause A Truck Accident
Tire Blowouts
Trucks carry a lot of weight, and their tires take a beating. Blowouts happen when a tire loses air pressure suddenly, usually from a tear or hole.
Even if the blowout doesn’t rip the tire completely off, a flat tire creates a dragging effect. This can make the truck harder to steer and slow down, thereby increasing the risk of a collision.
Also, in the event of a collision, a blowout can cause the tire to shred and scatter pieces of rubber across the road. This debris can cause other vehicles to swerve or get flat tires themselves. This is typically what causes pile-up accidents.
Air Brake Failures
When air brakes fail, the truck relies on its engine brakes alone. These are not as powerful as air brakes, so it takes much longer for the truck to come to a stop. This can be disastrous on busy highways or when approaching an intersection.
In some cases, air brake failure can be devastating. The driver has no way to slow down the truck at all. This can lead to catastrophic accidents at high speeds.
If the brakes fail on the trailer while the tractor’s (front part) brakes are still working, the trailer can push against the tractor. This can cause the trailer to swing out at a sharp angle, looking like a folding knife. Jackknife accidents are incredibly dangerous and can involve multiple vehicles.
Engine and Transmission Problems
Engine issues like stalling or a sudden drop in power can leave a truck stranded in traffic or unable to maintain speed on hills. This can make it a sitting duck for rear-end collisions, especially when other drivers don’t anticipate the reduced speed.
In some cases, engine or transmission problems can make it difficult or even impossible for the truck to slow down. This can be particularly dangerous on downhill stretches or when approaching a red light.
Headlight or Taillight Issues
For a truck, good visibility is very essential for safe driving, both for the driver themself and for other drivers on the road. Without properly functioning headlights at night, drivers have a limited view of the road ahead. This can make it difficult to spot hazards like pedestrians, animals, or upcoming turns, especially on dark roads.
Unseen danger is also a cause for concern during the day. Faulty taillights make it harder for drivers behind the truck to see its brake lights or turn signals. This can lead to rear-end collisions, especially during bad weather.
Aside from these, headlights help other drivers judge the size and distance of the truck. If the headlights are malfunctioning, it can be difficult to tell how far away the truck is or how fast it’s moving. With this, the risks of miscalculated maneuvers have increased significantly.
Faulty wiring
The electrical system is the nervous system of a truck, keeping everything from the lights to the engine running smoothly. When the wiring malfunctions, seemingly minor issues can snowball into major accidents, which can be deadly.
For starters, the lights may flicker or shut off entirely, essential parts like the speedometer might malfunction, and in severe cases, the entire electrical system could fail, leaving the driver with no control.
Most modern air brake systems are electronically controlled. Faulty wiring can disrupt these controls, leading to partial or complete brake failure.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Truck Accident Caused by Mechanical Issues?
When a mechanical issue causes a truck accident, determining who’s liable can get complicated. The truck driver might be responsible if they knew about the problem and drove anyway, or if they failed to properly inspect the vehicle before hitting the road.
Trucking companies can also be held liable if they neglect basic maintenance or fail to address known mechanical problems. In some cases, the fault lies with the manufacturer of a defective truck part.
A lawyer can be a powerful asset in navigating this complex situation. They can investigate the cause of the accident, identify the liable party, and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
