Semi-Truck Defects That Can Cause Accidents

Semi-Truck Defects That Can Cause Accidents

Equipment Issues Can Cause Semi-Truck Accidents

Commercial tractor trailers or semi-trucks as they are more commonly known, are possibly the largest vehicles that a driver will encounter on the road. These heavy duty vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and span the lengths of several cars. Because of this, semi-trucks utilize unique types of equipment and specially made equipment to assist in the handling of such a large vehicle. Should certain components of this vehicle fail due to a defect or lack of maintenance then a semi-truck accident could occur.

Semi-Truck Accident Claims

People that become involved in these truck accidents can suffer severe injuries that put them in the hospital for long periods of time. These truck accident victims have to contend with massive medical expense for treatment and recovery that makes them miss work and possible wages. On top of that, these injuries are typically very painful ordeals that can often result in permanent damage that causes symptoms and possible complication long into their lives. Luckily, victims of a semi-truck accident can seek compensation for these injuries with a truck accident claim. Those injured in semi-truck accidents caused by negligent drivers or other similarly liable parties can use a semi-truck accident claim to ensure that those responsible for the damages they sustained are held accountable. Consider Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA as your representation when filing your semi-truck accident claim. Matt Dolman and the rest of the Dolman law team will fight for your right to compensation. Your case will get big law firm results with small firm personal attention.

Dangerous Truck Malfunctions That Cause Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck companies and their drivers the responsibility of ensuring the safe operation of their vehicles to the best of their abilities. When they fail to act in a responsible way when operating such dangerous vehicles as commercial tractor trailers, they open up the possibility of a truck accident lawsuit. In addition to these liable parties, other parties such as parts manufacturers and maintenance providers have a responsibility as well to ensure they keep the trucks they provide service and parts to are as safe as reasonably possible. Unfortunately, defective parts and poor maintenance slips through the cracks and cause terrible semi-truck accidents.

Brake Malfunctions Cause Semi-Truck Accidents

The ability to stop and slow down the sometimes 80,000 pounds carried by a semi-truck is a pretty invaluable feature when it comes to semi-trucks. When something happens to a semi-truck's brakes and they fail to engage, partially engage, or even engage too much a truck can lose control and cause an accident. Semi-trucks have to brake much differently than other vehicles on account of their significantly greater weight and size. Should a truck's brakes fail, much like any other vehicle with no brakes they will continue to travel until they either hit something or run out of momentum, of which a truck has loads more than a car due to its massive weight. This momentum means that semi-trucks have to brake much earlier and harder than a regular car's in order to compensate for all the weight. Should a trucks brake's lockup then all kinds of issues can arise. These issues mostly center around the fact that a truck's trailer will be carrying a lot of weight that can make it difficult to control. If a truck brakes incorrectly a trailer could flip, roll over, or jackknife.

Semi-Truck Accidents Caused by Tire Malfunctions

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA enforces many regulations in regard to the quality and conditions of commercial tractor-trailer tires. This regulation is founded on the immense danger posed by semi-trucks on the road with tires that can wear out and blow. The tires used by semi-trucks, especially the two front two steering tires, have to meet requirements that demand the tires have deep quality treads to provide good traction and that the tires have a certain amount of wear before they are rotated. Should a front steering tire blow because the tire was defective then the truck can swerve and lose control. Naturally, this can cause a pretty serious accident should a car be in the wrong time next to the tire that blew out.

Cargo Shifting Due to Equipment Malfunction

Commercial tractor-trailers haul a massive amount of material ranging from boxes of produce to thousands of gallons of flammable chemicals. The cargo a truck hauls is painstakingly secured to avoid an incident where the contents of a trailer spill out and become debris or shift inside of the trailer. Should the contents of a trailer come loose and shift due to negligent cargo loading practices or malfunctioning equipment, then the trailer becomes dangerously unstable and difficult to control. When the inner contents of a trailer shift around they cause a lot of weight to be displaced in ways that can cause a trailer to tip precariously. Should a semi-truck driver take a turn while the cargo is loose then the momentum of the loose cargo can cause a trailer to flip and roll. In other cases, unsecured cargo can actually make its way out of the trailer and spill out into the road. More often than not, the truck will not be hauling pillows and marshmallows but likely something that can cause a lot of damage as debris to following vehicles.

Contact an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered from personal injuries as the result of a truck accident in inclement weather, you are entitled to compensation for your suffering. Take advantage for your no-risk, free consultation with the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, your premier personal injury and truck accident lawyers in the greater Tampa Bay area. They are here to fight for your right to operate your vehicle in safety, and they can advise you as to whether you have a claim for personal injuries under Florida law. Contact them today online or at (727) 451-6900. Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA 800 North Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-451-6900 https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/truck-accident-attorneys/