Heavy trucks are a vital part of the American economy. However, their sheer size puts them at great risk of causing significant harm in the event of a collision. For that reason, it is extremely important for truck drivers and trucking companies to ensure that their vehicles are well-maintained. Negligent maintenance can lead to trucking mechanical errors that put everyone on the road at risk.
Brake malfunctions are one of the most dangerous types of mechanical errors. Failing brakes can cause a truck to careen out of control, striking whatever lies in its path. Truck drivers who try to maneuver around obstacles can lose control of their vehicles, resulting in jackknifes, rollover accidents and spilled cargo.
Truck brakes can malfunction for a number of reasons, most of which are related to maintenance oversights or driving errors. Some of the most common causes of brake malfunctions include:
Of course, brake malfunctions aren't the only type of errors that can result in serious truck accidents. According to researchers at the University of Kansas, approximately 73 percent of truck crashes have contributing causes that can be traced back to the truck driver. In addition to brake malfunctions, many truck drivers and trucking companies are cited for the following safety violations:
All truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to keep their vehicles in reasonably safe condition. When they fail to uphold this duty and an accident is caused by negligent truck maintenance, injured victims have a right to seek financial compensation for their losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the attorneys at Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC can help you understand your options.