Defective truck parts can put both the drivers of these large vehicles and other motorists at serious risk.
Malfunctions may not be apparent to the eye, but even unseen issues can prove dangerous. Knowing what to look for when it comes to truck maintenance could be a matter of life and death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because of defective truck parts, call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 so that we can help you.
As highly skilled and experienced Chicago trucking accident lawyers, you can rest assured that we will handle your case with diligence and dedication.
When truck parts fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Trucks are large, heavy vehicles that need to function at a high standard to ensure safety on the road. Defective parts can lead to severe accidents, causing serious injuries or fatalities.
Understanding the most common defective truck parts can help you stay alert and safe.
While there can be many reasons for truck crashes to happen, defective parts are some of the most concerning.
These problems are not always readily apparent, and besides the physical danger they present, they can create challenges for truck injury lawsuits.
Here are some of the most common defective parts that contribute to truck crashes in Illinois:
Brake failure and misalignment are often at the heart of trucking accidents, especially rear-end crashes that could have been avoided with a proper inspection.
For example, air brake systems in trucks use compressed air to transmit pressure to the service brake, helping the truck stop over short distances.
An inspection of the brake system should ensure the air brake systems are functioning properly and that the brake hoses, brake lines, and drum brakes are free from cracks or overheating.
Regular inspections can prevent many accidents by catching these defects before they cause harm.
Inattention to tires can lead to serious issues, especially if they are improperly inflated. Improperly inflated tires wear out quickly, leading to handling and stability challenges.
Moreover, they are at greater risk for blowouts, which can cause devastating accidents.
Truck tire inspections should include a thorough review of air pressure, tread separation, and tread depth. Inspectors should also check for cracks and cuts and ensure that all tires match.
These steps can prevent a potentially fatal blowout from occurring.
Hydraulic malfunctions can cause completely unexpected problems.
For example, in 2016, a dump truck’s hydraulic system malfunctioned on Interstate 20 in Texas, causing the truck’s bed to rise on its own and fly off the truck, ultimately becoming suspended over an overpass. Incidents like this could be fatal.
Hydraulic systems are complex, and even minor issues can lead to significant safety concerns. Ensuring regular inspection of hydraulic pistons and connections can prevent these dangerous malfunctions.
Defective steering systems can result from worn or damaged ball joints. If these components fail, a driver may be unable to turn the wheels, even when steering, leading to accidents.
Steering defects are particularly dangerous because they prevent drivers from taking swift, necessary actions to avoid collisions.
Regular inspections should include reviewing ball joints to ensure they are in proper working order, preventing a potentially life-threatening situation.
Several parties, including the manufacturer, the trucking company, and maintenance providers, can be responsible for defective truck parts.
In some cases, defects occur due to negligent manufacturing, but inadequate inspections and repairs by the trucking company can also contribute.
Determining liability in a truck accident involving defective parts is complex.
A skilled lawyer will investigate the accident, examine maintenance logs, and identify whether the manufacturer or trucking company is responsible for the failure.
If you’ve been in an accident caused by defective truck parts, there are important steps you should take to protect your rights:
Dealing with defective truck part accidents can be challenging.
An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. They will work with you to build a strong case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common defective truck parts are often the result of a manufacturer’s negligence, inadequate inspection, or a combination of both.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident caused by defective truck parts, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help you recover compensation and put things right.
Contact us today at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free initial consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
