Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer BlogIndiana Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failures
Truck transport remains one of the most popular ways to ship goods throughout the country. Despite newer and faster ways of transport, companies continue to use this method, leading to more and more large trucks on major roadways. This increase has inevitably led to more Indiana trucking accidents. In addition to driver error, mechanical defects account for nearly 30% of all truck accidents. This startling number elucidates the preventability of these accidents.
Many trucks outweigh passenger vehicles at a rate of 20 to 1; as such, an accident with a large truck is likely to result in serious injuries. Motorists rely on companies to properly vet and train their employees, drivers to maintain safe driving habits, and both entities to inspect their vehicles for safety. A failure at any of these junctures can lead to liability for the damages that ensure. In terms of mechanical failures, the most common failures include brake, transmission and tire failures.
Brake Failure
Brakes are one of the most important mechanical components of a truck. A brake failure can cause a driver to lose control of their large vehicles and slam into an object, bystander, or vehicle. These failures may arise from worn brake discs, thinning pads, defective lines, or leaking brake fluids.
Transmission Failure
Companies design truck transmissions to withstand significant amounts of weight; however, cumbersome loads can result in a transmission failure. Overloaded cargo or imbalance loading can cause a transmission failure.
Tire Failure
Tire failure is a leading cause of trucking accidents in the country. A tire may blow out or fail because of defective tires. This may occur when a driver or company fails to care for the vehicle’s tires properly. Proper care involves rotating tires, measuring tire treat, replacing balding tires, and monitoring tire pressure.
In some cases, the mechanical issue may not be evident at first glance. For instance, a recent news report described an Indiana trucking accident where one truck experienced an unknown mechanical failure. According to an early investigation, a 2005 Volvo tractor-trailer experiencing the mechanical issue was driving at a slow speed when a Peterbilt driving at average speeds tried to avoid the tractor-trailer but ended up slamming into its rear. The Peterbilt truck ran off the roadway and overturned on its side. A Good Samaritan helped pull the truck driver from the cabin, and emergency responders transported him to the hospital to treat his serious injuries.
Have You Suffered Injuries in an Indiana Truck Accident
If you or someone you love has suffered severe injuries in an accident, contact the Indiana personal injury lawyer at Padove Law. Truck accidents involve the complex interplay of various factors, and our firm can help investigate the claim to determine the failure that led to the accident. In addition to Indiana truck accident lawsuits, our firm handles claims involving premises liability, products liability, bike accidents, motorcycle accidents, and medical malpractice claims. Attorney Padove has significant experience successfully representing clients in their claims for damages. Contact our office at 219-836-2200 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.