Protecting the Rights of People Injured in Dallas Faulty Brake Truck Accidents
Brake system failure is a leading cause of commercial truck accidents in the U.S. The sheer weight and size of tractor-trailers makes them more difficult to slow down or stop than other vehicles. Faulty brakes can lead to deadly collisions when truck drivers are not able to stop big rigs. In the Large Truck Crash Causation Study Analysis Brief, brake problems were reported to be the leading factor associated with large trucks in fatal and injury crashes, as stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How Major Is the Role Brake Failure Plays in Truck Accidents?
Truck braking problems have been such a major factor in truck accidents that the federal motor vehicle safety standard on air brake systems has been amended, as reported by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The purpose of the amendment is to improve stopping distance performance of truck tractors. For most new heavy truck tractors, the new rule requires a 30% reduction in stopping distance over previous requirements. Trucks must be able to stop in 250 feet, fully loaded and traveling at 60 mph.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Truck Brake Failure?
Truck wrecks often involve multiple potentially liable parties. When truck brake failure causes serious injuries to others, the responsible parties may include:
- Truck driver
- Truck mechanic
- Company responsible for loading the truck
- Truck owner
- Truck operator
- Truck or parts manufacturer
How Is Liability Determined After a Brake Failure Truck Accident?
When a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, a thorough investigation is required. To establish liability, you may need a crash site investigator and certified truck inspector to examine the accident scene. Inspection can reveal what caused the collision and who is responsible. If the truck’s brakes are found to have failed, more review is necessary to determine when the truck was last inspected and by whom, whether the driver conducted an inspection before the trip, and when the owner of the truck last had the brakes serviced or repaired.
What Compensation Are Victims Entitled to Claim for a Truck Crash Caused by Negligence?
Victims of truck accidents caused by negligence have a right to seek compensation for their losses from responsible parties. Recoverable amounts may include economic and noneconomic damages.
- Economic damages are easily calculated in dollars and cents. They may include past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, and loss of household services (when injured family members who normally perform household duties are unable to do so because of their injuries).
- Noneconomic damages are the types of losses that do not have a set price tag. For example, these damages may include physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and emotional distress.
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Accident and Injuries Caused by Faulty Truck Brakes?
Truck accidents are complex cases, involving state and federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers ready to fight your claim. Your best chance of recovering full compensation for your losses is to have experienced Dallas truck accident attorneys on your side.
Our Dallas truck accident lawyers at The Lenahan Law Firm have what it takes to win your case. We are insanely focused on our cases and deliver big results. Approximately one-third of the clients we accept have been severely injured in truck accidents. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements and awards for our clients. If you have been seriously injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler with faulty brakes, call us at (214) 295-1008 to find out how we can help.
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