Truck accidents are often severe and cause significant and life-changing injuries, especially for those involved in smaller vehicles. One of the leading causes of these accidents is mechanical failure.
Around 55% of trucks involved in crashes had at least one mechanical violation at the time of the incident. When truck parts stop working properly, it can lead to accidents that affect the truck driver and others on the road.
Mechanical failures in large trucks are dangerous and often preventable if the trucks are properly maintained. But when maintenance is ignored, or parts are defective, accidents happen.
In cases like these, it’s essential to have a Seattle mechanical failure truck accident lawyer on your side to help you figure out what went wrong and hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Bernard Law Group, our team is experienced in helping victims of truck accidents caused by mechanical failures. We are here to guide you through the process, ensure you understand your rights, and help you pursue compensation.
Common Causes of Mechanical Failures in Trucks
Trucks require regular maintenance to keep running safely. They travel long distances while carrying heavy loads, which stresses their parts. If trucks are not inspected and repaired as needed, parts can fail, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
Sometimes, the failure happens because of negligence by the trucking company, mechanic, or manufacturer.
Mechanical failures put everyone at risk. These accidents are often sudden and unexpected, making them difficult to avoid. This is why it’s so important to have a Seattle mechanical failure truck injury attorney help you after a crash caused by a mechanical issue.
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Mechanical Failures That Lead to Truck Accidents
Several types of mechanic failures can cause serious truck accidents. These include:
- Brake Failures: Brake systems are among a truck’s most critical parts. If the brakes fail, especially at high speeds, it can lead to severe accidents. This can happen because of worn-out brake pads, lack of maintenance, or a manufacturing defect.
- Tire Blowouts: Tires wear out quickly, and if they are not replaced or maintained, they can blow out while the truck is moving, causing the driver to lose control. Overloading the truck or not inflating the tires correctly increases the risk of a blowout.
- Steering System Failures: The steering system helps the driver keep the truck on course, but it can swerve unexpectedly if it fails. Issues like hydraulic leaks or worn-out parts can cause the driver to lose control, leading to accidents.
- Transmission Failures: A truck’s transmission is responsible for shifting gears and keeping the truck moving. If the transmission fails, the truck can stall or lose power, causing a dangerous situation on the road.
- Suspension System Failures: The suspension system helps the truck handle bumps and uneven roads. If worn out or damaged, the driver may have trouble controlling the truck, especially on rough roads.
- Engine Failures: Problems with the engine, like overheating or fuel issues, can make the truck suddenly stop running. If this happens while driving, especially in heavy traffic, it can cause a serious accident because other drivers may not have time to react.
- Lighting and Electrical Failures: Trucks rely on their electrical systems for headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. When these fail, it becomes harder for the truck driver to see and for others to know what the truck is doing, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Improperly Secured Loads: If the cargo is not secured correctly, it can shift or fall off, leading to accidents. Mechanical failures related to the securing equipment or trailer hitches can cause this.
- Fuel System Failures: Leaks or ruptures in the fuel system can cause the truck to lose power, making it harder to control. In more serious cases, fuel leaks can spark fires, making the accident even more dangerous and damaging.
- Axle and Wheel Failures: The axles and wheels are essential for keeping the truck balanced and moving. If an axle is damaged or a wheel malfunctions, the truck can tip over or lose control.
Any significant failure on a truck can lead to a severe accident. For this reason, proper maintenance and inspections are essential.
The Importance of Proper Truck Maintenance and Inspections
Trucking companies are required by law to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations that mandate regular checks to ensure the safety of trucks on the road. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good condition before hitting the road.
Unfortunately, accidents caused by mechanical failure often result when trucks are not properly maintained. Negligence in maintaining or inspecting trucks is unacceptable, especially when it leads to accidents that could have been avoided. Our top-rated mechanical failure truck accident lawyer Seattle, understands the importance of these regulations and will investigate to see if any were violated.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you’re involved in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, it’s important to know who is responsible. It could be the truck driver, the trucking company, the mechanic, or the truck part manufacturer. Here’s how liability is determined:
Determining Liability
We will examine the truck’s maintenance records, inspection logs, and any recalls on parts to determine who is responsible for the failure. Multiple parties may be to blame.
Gathering Evidence
Collecting evidence is crucial to proving that the mechanical failure caused the accident. We will work with experts to analyze the truck, gather witness statements, and review any available crash video footage.
Why Working With an Attorney Matters
Having a Seattle mechanical failure truck accident lawyer on your side ensures that you have someone fighting for your rights. Trucking companies and manufacturers often have powerful legal teams, but we will ensure your case is strong and those responsible are held accountable.
Damages You Can Recover
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Medical Expenses: This includes everything from emergency care and surgeries to long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Injuries from truck accidents can be severe, and the medical costs can add up quickly.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost income. If the injuries lead to long-term disability, you may also be compensated for future lost wages.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical injuries, truck accidents can lead to emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the accident can also be included in your claim.
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in a truck accident due to mechanical failure, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional impact of the loss.
What to do After a Truck Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure
If you are involved in a truck accident, acting quickly to protect yourself and your rights is important. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention
Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like internal damage or concussions, might not show up right away, so it’s important to be safe and get medical care.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of everything related to the accident—vehicles, the road, and any damage you notice. Also, collect contact info from witnesses and write down your memory of what happened while it’s still fresh.
File a Police Report
Make sure to contact the police so they can file an official accident report. This report will be important when you must prove what happened and file a claim for any damages or injuries you’ve experienced. It’s an important piece of evidence that can help back up your side of the story.
Contact a Lawyer
Reach out to our no-win, no-fee mechanical failure truck accident lawyer in Seattle as soon as possible. We will investigate your case immediately to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
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Contact Our Seattle Mechanical Failure Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, contact Bernard Law Group today. Our affordable mechanical failure truck accident attorney in Seattle, WA, is here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve for your losses and the pain and suffering you have endured.
With our Seattle mechanical failure truck wreck lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process. Contact Our law firm now to get started with a free consultation.
