Our Kansas City Truck Accident Lawyers Explain The Role of Mechanical Failure In Truck Crashes
If you've been involved in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, you're likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. You're not alone. Many people find themselves in this challenging situation, facing medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Our experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates are here to help you understand what may have caused the accident, who might be responsible, and how you can take steps to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
How Mechanical Failure Contributes to a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can have long-lasting consequences, and mechanical failures are often a significant contributing factor. These failures can occur in various critical components of a commercial truck, leading to dangerous situations on the road. Here are some ways that mechanical issues can lead to accidents:
- Brake failures. The braking system is crucial for a large and heavy vehicle like a commercial truck. When brakes malfunction, drivers may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid collisions. This is particularly dangerous on highways or in areas with heavy traffic.
- Steering system malfunctions. A truck's steering system is essential for maintaining control. If it fails, the driver may lose the ability to maneuver the vehicle properly, potentially causing it to veer into other lanes or off the road entirely.
- Tire blowouts. Sudden tire failures can cause a truck to swerve unpredictably or even jackknife. This presents a significant danger to nearby vehicles and can lead to multi-car pileups.
- Engine failures. While less common, engine failures can cause trucks to stall unexpectedly, creating hazardous situations on busy roads or highways.
- Transmission issues. Problems with a truck's transmission can cause sudden loss of power or unexpected acceleration, both of which can result in accidents.
- Faulty lights or signals. Malfunctioning lights or turn signals can make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate a truck's movements, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.
Proving Mechanical Failure in a Truck Accident
Establishing that a mechanical failure caused or contributed to a truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Some ways mechanical failure is determined as the cause of an accident are:
- Documenting the accident scene, including skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle positions.
- Examination of the truck by qualified experts to reveal mechanical issues that may have contributed to the accident.
- Reviewing the truck's maintenance history to uncover neglected repairs or inadequate upkeep.
- Obtaining black box data to provide information about the truck's operation leading up to the accident.
- Securing accounts from other drivers or bystanders to corroborate mechanical issues observed before or during the accident.
What Parties Could Be Liable for Mechanical Failure
In truck accident cases involving mechanical failures, there are several parties that may be held responsible. These include:
- Trucking company if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle or ignored known mechanical issues.
- Truck drivers if they neglected to report mechanical problems or perform required pre-trip inspections.
- Maintenance providers if they performed inadequate repairs or failed to identify critical issues during inspections.
- Parts manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the mechanical failure.
- Truck manufacturer in cases where design flaws led to the mechanical issue.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all motor carriers regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. This includes ensuring that every part and accessory is always in safe and proper condition. The FMCSA requires that maintaining vehicles in safe operating condition must be part of a regular maintenance system. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in the negligent party being held accountable for any accidents or damages that occur due to improper vehicle maintenance.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you've been injured in a truck accident that was caused by mechanical failure, consider these steps to protect your rights and seek compensation:
- Seek medical attention and keep your health your top priority. Seeking prompt medical care also creates documentation of your injuries, and this can be used to support your injury claim.
- If possible, document the accident scene with photos and videos, including vehicle damage, skid marks, other vehicles, and road conditions. You should also gather contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.
- Call 911 and report the accident to law enforcement. File a police report and obtain a copy for your records to use as evidence.
- Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility for the accident.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and gather evidence, including testimony from expert witnesses. They can assist in filing claims with the insurance companies, and if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can assist in filing a lawsuit to seek compensation.
At Peterson & Associates, we possess the experience and dedication necessary to effectively handle your Kansas City truck accident claim. Our proven results include securing favorable settlements for our clients in various trucking accident cases. Notably, we have achieved successful truck accident settlements of $15 million and $700,000. Our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Our clients can testify that we are committed to maximizing the value of their claims and securing the best possible settlement for their cases. According to our client, Blaine, “Peterson & Associates is a top-notch law firm; I was severely injured in a car accident, and my attorney Kevin Young was with me from the moment I contacted them until my case settled. He is the most professional attorney I have ever had, he always kept in touch throughout my case, keeping me in the loop on how it was going. I am so thankful for his hard work and the outcome he got for me was beyond my expectations.”