Truck Equipment Failure
Trucking accidents can be devastating given the sheer size and weight of these huge vehicles that can wreak havoc on a highway if it jackknifes, loses control or dumps its cargo on the roadway in front of oncoming traffic. If the load contains hazardous material, it can result in fires, toxic spills and other environmental dangers to motorists and neighbors.
A common cause of truck accidents is equipment failure. By law, truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to numerous federal and state regulations regarding the safe operation of their vehicles. This requires them to regularly inspect their trucks, to test equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation, to keep loads secured and within weight restrictions and to drive a limited number of hours per day and week. In the winter, a truck driver has to take extra precautions to avoid truck accidents in the snow and ice by not traveling too fast for the road conditions and by ensuring that tires are sound and brakes are working efficiently.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, contact The Law Office of Burns & Jain, an experienced Massachusetts truck crash lawyer who has handled accidents caused by truck equipment failure and other factors.
Common Truck Equipment Failure
- Tire failure and blowouts–Tires need to be checked often and changed on a regular basis given the tremendous loads and stress.
- Defective brakes–Brake failure is a common cause of accidents.
- Defective head or taillights or side safety lights–Truck drivers depend on lighting at night to warn other motorists and to avoid road debris or other hazardous road conditions.
- Defective steering–Obviously, being unable to steer can lead to an out-of-control truck leading to a possible jackknife or collision with other motorists or road barriers.
- Overloaded cargo–Unsecured or loads that violate weight restrictions can cause a hazardous spill.
- Missing mirrors–An inability to see other motorists can lead to improper lane changes.
- Separation of trailer from the truck.
Truck drivers can be negligent in how they use or operate their equipment. In Massachusetts for example, truck accidents on ice may be caused by an ill-trained or panicked driver who rides the brakes too hard or fails to take proper measures to keep the truck under control in a skid.
Call The Law Office of Burns & Jain for a free consultation if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck equipment failure accident or any other type of truck accident.