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Common Truck Defects That Cause Accidents

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Common Truck Defects That Cause Accidents
May 3, 2024

Truck accidents happen in seconds and when they do, it is not always easy to determine what caused a crash. For innocent victims who were just trying to get to their destination safely, it is natural to assume that the truck driver acted negligently. However, this is not always the case. There are times when the liable party is not even at the accident scene, such as when a defective truck part caused a crash. When part of a truck is defective, the vehicle becomes much harder for drivers to control, and an accident can easily ensue.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident caused by defective equipment, you can file a claim against the manufacturer, the trucking company, and perhaps even the truck driver. Below, our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer explains the most common truck defects that cause collisions.

What Defects Commonly Cause Truck Accidents?

Defective trucks and faulty equipment are more common than many people think. It is for this reason legislators have enacted many laws to prevent defective truck parts. Still, not everyone complies with these laws, leading to many defective truck parts on the roads. The most common of these are as follows:

  • Brake systems: Even when the brakes are in proper working condition, trucks take much longer to slow down and stop. When brake fluid is not topped up or brake pads are not replaced when needed, trucks may not be able to stop at all, which can lead to a very serious crash.
  • Faulty tires: Faulty tires are perhaps the most common type of defects on trucks. When tires cannot withstand the heavy weight of a truck, they can fly off the truck and hit nearby vehicles. Tire blowouts usually happen because the trucker or trucking company did not replace tires that were worn and balding, or rotate the tires.
  • Rear guard failure: Commercial trucks have rear guards installed on the rear of the vehicle. Rear guards are metal sheets or bars just below the tailgate. They should align with the front of other vehicles so that if a crash occurs, the smaller vehicle does not become trapped under the truck. These are known as underride accidents and in many cases, they are fatal.
  • Defective lights: A truck’s lights do not only allow truckers to see what is in front of them, but they also help other motorists see the truck, particularly in nighttime conditions. If these lights are not replaced regularly, a tragic truck accident could occur.
  • Missing or defective mirrors: Mirrors are important pieces of equipment on any vehicle, but this is particularly true for commercial trucks. Trucks are large and the mirrors allow drivers to see around the truck and make turns and lane changes safely. Even if the mirrors are only adjusted improperly, it becomes very dangerous.
  • Defective steering systems: One study has shown that defective steering equipment was responsible for 21% of the crashes studied. There are many parts in a truck’s steering system including shock absorbers, wheel alignment, ball joints, and more. Any time something goes wrong with any of these important components, a crash can occur.

It is never easy to determine when a defective truck part caused a crash. A truck accident lawyer can conduct a full investigation to determine if the truck was defective and if that was the reason for your collision.

What are the Maintenance Laws for Trucks?

There are strict maintenance rules that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow. One of the most important of these is found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.

Under Rule 396.3, truck drivers have a legal obligation to inspect, repair, and maintain their equipment and accessories to ensure they are in safe working order. Additionally, this rule also requires trucking companies to keep maintenance records for any vehicle it has owned for more than 30 days.

Any time truck drivers or trucking companies violate these laws, both parties can be held liable for a crash. The majority of personal injury cases rely on the legal theory of negligence, and failing to comply with the laws is negligent behavior.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help With Your Case

If you have been hurt in a crash, our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys can determine the cause so you know who to hold liable for paying the full settlement you deserve. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get more information.

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