Most large, commercial truck accidents are a result of driver error, but some crashes are caused by mechanical failure and maintenance problems. Brake failure is one of the causes of truck accidents that can be a result of faulty maintenance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces the federal regulations that govern the operation of commercial vehicles, requires truck drivers and trucking companies to maintain and inspect truck brakes, and to keep records of those inspections. The FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) report shows that about 29% of the truck accidents included in the study had brake problems, which includes anything from brakes being out of adjustment to a brake failure.
Truck brakes do not just fail on their own
When you consider the fact that the braking systems on large, commercial trucks must be able to stop a massive truck, they are designed to be rigorous and withstand a lot of abuse. However, they do require regular maintenance and inspections to keep them in top working order. Some of the common causes that might contribute to a truck brake failure accident include:
- Overweight truck
- Neglecting to conduct proper brake maintenance and repair
- Manufacturing error
- Design defect
- Defective brake materials
Filing a claim after a brake failure truck accident
Determining the cause of a truck wreck can be complicated, and require thorough investigation; but when the cause can be traced to faulty brake maintenance, failure to inspect the brakes and make timely repairs, it can be considered negligence. When you or a loved one has been injured or perished in a truck accident, you or the family members of the deceased can file an injury claim against the negligent party, which might include the truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance contractor, truck mechanic or parts manufacturer for negligence, wrongful death or product liability.
A brake failure truck accident can be a harrowing experience for those involved in the crash and those who are looking on. Depending on the road and weather conditions, the truck could cause a chain reaction crash, the truck could jackknife and even lose its load, which can cause even more damage and destruction to other vehicles in the area.
Injuries from a truck collision can involve traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burns, broken bones and lacerations. If you have suffered a serious injury in a truck wreck, you might benefit from having a consultation with an experienced Oklahoma truck accident attorney from the Stipe Law Firm in McAlester.
When you have suffered a serious injury in a truck accident. you can trust Stipe Law Firm’s experienced Oklahoma truck accident attorneys to help you get the compensation you deserve. You are welcome to call (918) 505-7741 or contact us to make an appointment for a free consultation at our firm in McAlester, where we serve clients throughout the state of Oklahoma.