Tractor trailers are designed to be driven frequently, for long distances. However, the safe operation of a tractor trailer involves regular checks of all parts of the tractor and the trailer, to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. Many parts must be replaced on a fairly regular basis, and just […]
Trucking accidents
Tractor trailers are designed to be driven frequently, for long distances. However, the safe operation of a tractor trailer involves regular checks of all parts of the tractor and the trailer, to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order. Many parts must be replaced on a fairly regular basis, and just like any other vehicle, there is the potential that any part could wear out and need to be replaced at any given time.
A recent tractor trailer accident blocked traffic for several hours. The truck was on fire after the rear axle failed. Fortunately, the tractor trailer was the only vehicle involved in the accident, and no one was injured. The accident is illustrative of the potential for trucking accidents which are caused by mechanical defects.
When a trailer truck is involved in an accident which may have been caused by a mechanical defect, there are multiple parties who could each be partially or fully responsible for the injuries and damages that were caused by the wreck. Because of the number of parties and the types of vehicles involved in a trucking accident which is thought to have been caused by a mechanical defect, there is often a complicated factual scenario involved. Delays in the claims process following mechanical defect trucking accidents are common, as the defendants often spend a great deal of time trying to blame each other for the accident, in the hopes that they can avoid being held responsible for any portion of the damages.
It is possible that more than one party played a role in allowing the tractor trailer to be out on the road with a dangerous defect. Drivers are often responsible for inspecting their trucks regularly, in order to detect and correct any safety issues as soon as possible. Trucking companies hire mechanics that repair trucks as needed and perform regularly scheduled maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire replacement. Companies that make new trucks assemble their rigs from a variety of pieces that are made by an assortment of manufacturers. The manufacturer of the truck and the manufacturer of the defective part could each be partially responsible for the crash. Replacement truck parts that are used for repairs are also manufactured by companies all over the world.
It is possible that the driver of the truck was unaware of the mechanical defect that caused the accident, either because they failed to inspect the truck like they were supposed to or because the defect arose in between inspections. It is also possible that they were aware of the defect and that they had not addressed it yet. Highway patrol officers regularly check trucks at weigh stations, and issue citations to drivers whose vehicles need repair. The issue of whether one or more parties were aware of the defect which caused the accident that injured you is just one part of the larger fact pattern that describes the total picture of how the accident occurred.
Trucking accidents that involve mechanical defects often involve multiple defendants and complicated fact patterns. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney knows how to navigate the claims process and help you obtain the recovery that you deserve, in a timely manner. If you have been injured or someone that you love has been killed in a trucking collision, it is essential that you contact one of our truck accident attorney right away.
If you or a loved one were harmed in any type of accident, it is essential that you contact one of our personal injury attorneys right away. Call Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for your free case review.
