A semi-truck is a large and heavy vehicle that can cause a significant amount of damage if it is involved in a motor vehicle collision. For this reason, a truck’s parts and components – especially critical features such as the brakes – must be in proper working condition. If a trucking company or truck driver causes brake failure and a collision occurs, the at-fault party can be held accountable through a truck accident claim.
Causes of Brake Failure in Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks use air brake systems rather than the traditional hydraulic brakes found in most passenger cars. Air brakes are necessary because they deliver the greater power needed to stop a large and heavy truck. If the brakes of a truck are not properly maintained or used, it can result in dangerous brake failure. Failing to recognize faulty brakes can lead to potential property damage, the endangerment of other people, and legal issues regarding hiring an Orange County personal injury attorneys and car accident lawyers.
The primary causes of brake failure in semi-trucks are:
- Improper maintenance. Maintenance issues are the main cause of brake failure in large trucks. If all of the components of a truck’s brakes are not properly inspected, repaired, maintained and replaced, a part may break or malfunction. Over time, poorly maintained brakes may lose their ability to stop the truck effectively – or at all.
- Incorrect use of brakes. Correctly using air brakes to bring a big rig to a stop requires special training and experience. If a driver excessively applies the brakes, it can cause them to overheat due to the friction generated from braking. Failing to downshift, for example, can lead to the driver relying too heavily on the brakes and eventual brake failure.
- Imbalanced or overloaded truck. The more a truck weighs, the longer its stopping distance will be. A truck that is carrying over its weight capacity can place undue strain on the brake system, causing premature wear and tear.
- Defective brakes. If the braking system contains a design, manufacturing or marketing defect or a defective part, the brakes may fail unexpectedly even with proper use and maintenance.
Other issues that may result in semi-truck brake failure include wet or slippery roads, dangerous weather conditions, improper brake installation, brake imbalance, and inadequate driver training. An investigation of an accident involving semi-truck brake failure may be necessary to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Who Is Liable for a Brake Failure Truck Accident in California?
Those who own and operate tractor-trailers are legally responsible for their safety and upkeep. The owner of the truck must take due care to keep it properly maintained. This includes scheduling routine brake inspections and repairs. In addition, the driver of the truck must know how to properly bring the vehicle to a stop without damaging or wearing down the brakes.
If a truck accident occurs due to brake failure, a trucking company can often be held responsible or liable. Trucking companies have a duty to maintain their fleets. Poor truck or brake maintenance could place liability for an accident with the company. As employers, trucking companies can also be held vicariously liable for the negligence of their employees, including careless or incompetent truck drivers.
When to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
An injury claim for a truck accident in California can involve a complicated and confusing legal process. Contacting a law firm and hiring an attorney from the beginning of your brake failure case can make things easier. Your Orange County accident attorney can investigate the crash to search for evidence of fault and identify the defendant(s). Then, your lawyer can negotiate for fair financial compensation for the wreck on your behalf.