We are likely to share the road with a semi-truck. It’s no surprise the truck accident lawyer must share the road with massive commercial vehicles, as Houston is a significant truck transportation hub. Truck accidents, especially those caused by mechanical difficulties, are a further stress source. Not all mechanical breakdowns are created equal.
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Effects Of A Crash Involving An 18-Wheeler
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration compiles information on accidents from various sources and issues annual reports on the subject. In the most recent statistics, more than 4,200 people lost their lives in truck accidents. That figure has been quite stable for a while now. The data on incidents involving semis and other large vehicles is startling. Trucking businesses need to prioritize safety to reduce accidents.
According to research conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, more than half of the trucks in accidents had at least one technical breakdown.
About 30% of trucks should have been taken off the road due to a mechanical problem. Once a potentially hazardous semi-truck or 18-wheeler has been identified, it must be taken “out-of-service” until the problem is resolved.
Recurring Mechanical Problems With Heavy Trucks
Maintenance on an 18-wheeler is more involved than that of a passenger vehicle. In light of this, truck safety is an issue that must not be ignored. When it comes to mechanical problems, the following are among the most prevalent ones in semis:
- Problems With The Tires
When a truck’s tire blows out on the road, it poses a major risk to the truck and other vehicles in the area, and it’s also a common problem that may be avoided by setting a regular maintenance schedule with your trusted tire shop franchise in your area. Trucks are hard to stop because of their size and weight. The center of gravity of an 18-wheeler changes position as a tire burst. The driver has only a few seconds to regain command of the truck. The truck could crash if the driver lost control of the load.
- Stopping Distance Issues
Braking systems on trucks are sophisticated and should be inspected frequently. Without working brakes, a car can’t be stopped in time to avoid a collision, which could cause a chain reaction of accidents.
- Issues With The Lighting
It might be challenging to see a large truck at night, especially if its lights are broken. When the truck’s lights aren’t functioning properly, other motorists may not see it until it’s too late.
- Faulty Engine
When the truck’s engine dies, the driver must try to get the vehicle to a safe location on the side of the road. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, truckers are required by law to pull over to the side of the road and call for help. To further alert oncoming traffic to the truck’s halted state, they should also set off flares or warning markers in its rear bumper.
- Truck Crash Reconstructions
An investigation of the incident is required to determine what exactly led to a truck collision with major injuries or fatalities. Some facts are often only discovered after a thorough investigation into the tractor and trailer’s condition and evaluation of evidence. To date, every case we’ve taken following a fatal or catastrophic truck accident involving our 18-wheeler investigation team has been a resounding success. Regarding cases involving trucking accidents, we have a perfect 35-year track record.
Final Thoughts
Truck drivers and trucking companies must regularly inspect and repair their vehicles to ensure public safety. They might be negligent if they do. Truck accident attorneys can help if you are hurt by a large truck accident. They’ll fight for your rights and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries. Get in touch with our skilled legal team at the Law Firm to set up a consultation.
