A brake failure truck accident occurs when a commercial truck’s brakes do not stop or work as effectively as they should, causing the truck driver to collide with another vehicle or an object, harming occupants in other vehicles. In these types of accidents, personal injury victims may be able to seek compensation from the party responsible for their injuries through a truck accident claim in San Antonio.
Common Causes of Truck Brake Failure
Many truck accidents involve commercial vehicles that have inoperative or defective brakes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has reported to Congress that brake failure is the most common vehicle factor in truck crashes in which vehicle issues played a part.
Some factors that can contribute to truck brake failure include the following:
- Negligent maintenance: Large trucks use an air-powered pressure system linking the vehicle’s multiple braking units. The pressure required to slow and stop a large truck’s wheels creates heat that causes the materials in brake components to deteriorate. For this reason, regular brake inspections and maintenance are critical. Some truck owners and trucking companies cut corners when it comes to safety, prioritizing completing trucks over completing necessary maintenance.
- Brake imbalance: Trucks have multiple braking systems, so if some brakes are applied harder than others, it can create an imbalance that can cause the truck driver to lose control. Imbalance can occur due to mismatched brake components or issues with the pneumatic system.
- Brake overheating: Truck brakes can overheat when they go downhill. A truck driver can lose control of the truck during these times.
- Overloading: Overloaded trucks can increase the distance necessary for the truck to come to a complete stop. Overloading also causes excessive wear and tear on the truck and its braking system.
Who Is Responsible for Brake Failure Crashes in San Antonio?
Truck owners and operators are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure that their vehicles are safe to operate on the nation’s roads. If trucks are not properly inspected, maintained, or repaired, they can cause crashes. Brake failure accidents can be due to the negligence of various parties, including the following:
- Truck drivers: Truckers can be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence, such as speeding, slamming on their brakes, or failed to adjust the brakes as necessary.
- Truck companies: Trucking companies can be held responsible for the negligence of their drivers, as well as for their own negligence, such as delaying necessary inspections or maintenance. If the trucking company failed to inspect or repair brake problems, it could be responsible.
- Truck owners: When the trucking company or driver leases the truck from a separate owner, the owner may be responsible for maintenance-related accidents.
- Maintenance providers: Third parties responsible for maintaining the commercial truck might be held liable for shoddy repairs or maintenance.
- Truck manufacturers: Truck or auto part manufacturers can be held responsible when a product defect or design contributed to the accident.
Contact an Experienced Brake Failure Accident Attorney in San Antonio
At George Salinas Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience investigating and proving truck accident claims based on brake failure and other forms of negligence. Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.