What Are Common Problems with Large Trucks?
Commercial trucks simply are not the same as their smaller counterparts. They are more dangerous, more complex, and more difficult to operate. It, therefore, is not surprising to learn that these trucks also have different failures that are common to them. In the Trucks Involved in Fatal Accidents Factbook, it was stated that an average of over 5,000 trucks are involved in a fatal crash every single year—remaining fairly stable from year to year.
So what are the most common large truck failures?
- Brake failures
- Lighting systems
- Tire failures
- Engine problems
Studies Looking into Large Truck Mechanical Failures
In an effort to look into the relationship between mechanical failures and the risk for accidents, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute conducted a study. What did they find? Almost 55% had at least one mechanical violation. 30% had a condition that was considered to be out-of-service had it been caught early.
Tire Problems
One common issue big rigs encounter include tire troubles. With so much riding on them, it is vital that tires are always performing. If there are flaws in design, if they are not maintained properly, or if they are not inspected, they could be the cause of tire blowouts and serious accidents. Tire problems are often attributed to negligence.
Brake Failure
The biggest violations found dealt with the brakes and lighting systems. In fact, according to the Department of Transportation, almost 30% of all accidents had to do with brake failure. This means that they somehow did not meet the federal regulations on braking systems (they did not give the proper braking force, did not decelerate at a rate proportionate to the truck's size, or did not meet the requirements regarding automatic brake adjustment systems). Brake failures include incidents of negligence from both manufacturers and designers.
What Are the Common Causes of Brake Failure?
The brakes on commercial truck are complex with many different components. When all of these parts are not regularly examined and maintained, there is a chance the brakes could fail and cause a devastating accident.
Some of the most common causes of brake failure include:
- Worn tires
- Poor air pressure
- Worn brake components
- Condensation
- Overheating
- Out of adjustment
Federal law mandates that truck companies and drivers stay current on the condition of their brakes. If anything is awry, it is their responsibility to have the brakes fixed quickly. Since improper maintenance is the cause of most brake accidents, showing the driver was negligent in the care of their brakes is crucial in holding them liable.
Need Help? Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today!
Your accident may have been due to manufacturer, mechanic, or truck driver negligence. Our firm can review your case and help you determine the specific causes involved and the parties that may be liable. With years of legal experience and billions of dollars recovered for injury victims, the team at Arnold & Itkin knows how to help.
Let our truck accident attorneys provide the counsel and guidance you need during this trying time! Call us now or fill out a free case evaluation form so that we can review your accident.