Truck Maintenance Failures: A Common Cause Of Semi Truck Crashes
While conducting a study on the major causes of semi-truck crashes, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identified three major types of “critical events.” One of these critical events is “loss of control,” which is responsible for about 30% of all semi-truck crashes. Although various issues can cause truckers to lose control, the FMCSA concluded that “vehicle systems failure” is a major contributing factor. The FMCSA also stated that brake problems ranked highly on its list of factors that contribute to semi-truck crashes. With proper truck maintenance, companies can mitigate these hazards and reduce crashes. However, many truck companies fail to carry out proper truck maintenance – and average people often pay the price. Victims who believe that their semi-truck crashes were caused by poor truck maintenance may wish to discuss these suspicions with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Louisiana. To continue this conversation, consider calling Louisiana Law Lady at (504) 470-3511.
Common Types of Truck Maintenance Failures
Trucking companies (and to some extent, drivers) are responsible for keeping their fleet of vehicles in acceptable condition. Truck maintenance failures can occur in many different ways, and these failures often lead to serious injuries.
Brake Failure
One of the most crucial components of a semi-truck is its brake system. Even with the most modern technology, a commercial truck cannot come to a complete stop as fast as a smaller sedan. There is simply too much momentum and weight to contend with. With carbon-ceramic brakes, a modern sports car traveling at 60 miles per hour can reach a complete stop within 100 feet. In contrast, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that it is acceptable for semi-trucks traveling at 60 miles per hour to stop within 280 feet. Even with a functional, properly maintained air-brake system, a trucker may struggle to stop their vehicle in time to avoid impacts. Air brakes are powerful, but there is a considerable “lag” after truckers activate them – unlike the liquid-hydraulic brake systems of smaller vehicles.
A poorly maintained brake system makes these hazards considerably worse. A hundred feet of braking distance could represent the difference between a near-miss and a fatal impact. Often, truckers approach areas of traffic congestion at relatively high speeds. By the time they spot the congestion up ahead, it may be too late to use poorly maintained brakes with any degree of effectiveness. This may cause the semi-truck to slam into the slow-moving traffic, causing “chain-reaction” crashes and mass-casualty events.
Components Falling Off Semi-Trucks
Poor truck maintenance may also cause various components to fall off the vehicles while they are moving. This can be extremely hazardous, especially when semi-trucks are heading down highways at high speeds. In numerous past accidents, tires or entire wheels have detached from semi-trucks while they are in motion. These heavy components can impact smaller vehicles, crushing windshields and causing catastrophic injuries to occupants. That said, even a small component can cause serious damage when it flies off a semi-truck at high speed. For example, a piece of metal the size of a fist can easily cause fatal injuries if it flies through a windshield after detaching from a semi-truck.
Louisiana Law Lady has handled cases in which tires come off trucks while they are on the interstate, and those cases are horrific. The truck is already traveling 60+ mph, and when the tire comes off, it travels faster than the truck was going (because it is no longer carrying the weight of the truck). The tires will frequently travel across the median into oncoming traffic, and they are like missiles. The amount of damage a truck tire can do to a car is astonishing. The picture below is from an old case where the tire fortunately hit the side of the vehicle and deflected away. Had it hit the other side or gone through the windshield, the occupants likely would have been killed.
With proper maintenance, semi-trucks should not fall apart without warning. Loose components indicate that the trucking company has been failing to maintain its fleet. This type of mechanical issue should also be identified by the trucker, who is responsible for conducting regular visual checks of their vehicle.
Semi-Truck Fires
Some of the most hazardous mechanical issues cause semi-trucks to catch on fire. Often, semi-truck fires are caused by poorly maintained engines. These fires may also be caused by a combination of factors. For example, a semi-truck may develop some kind of leak, causing flammable liquids to become exposed. This truck may also develop brake issues that cause sparks to fly into the air. These two mechanical failures could trigger a fire or explosion, affecting numerous nearby motorists. The situation becomes even more serious if the truck is transporting flammable or explosive material, such as fuel, fertilizer, or military equipment.
Semi-truck fires or explosions are capable of causing fatal injuries to everyone within a certain radius. Those who survive may suffer disfiguring burns. These injuries can affect the self-esteem and psychological well-being of the victim, and they may lead to additional compensation for non-economic damages. Speak with Louisiana Law Lady to further discuss the pursuit of non-economic damages after a truck accident.
How Do I Prove Poor Truck Maintenance?
If a victim suspects that their injuries may have been caused by poor truck maintenance, they may be able to gather the necessary evidence to prove this type of negligence. Federal transport authorities require all trucking companies to keep careful maintenance records. Truckers must also use their logbooks to note any mechanical issues they notice during their hauls.
Plaintiffs in truck accident lawsuits can request copies of maintenance records, logbooks, and other relevant documentation during the “discovery” phase before personal injury trials. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims access these records. With careful analysis of the documentation, lawyers may help expose evidence of poor maintenance. Note that some particularly negligent trucking companies create fake maintenance records through forgery and other fraudulent acts. Even if the maintenance records seem legitimate at first glance, further analysis may be necessary to expose negligence.
Hold Trucking Companies Accountable With Louisiana Law Lady
While poor maintenance is a leading cause of semi-truck crashes, there may be many other factors to consider. The FMCSA states that a semi-truck crash is rarely caused by a single factor, and victims may need to consider a combination of potential negligent behaviors when pursuing compensation and accountability. These factors may include human errors, systemic issues in the trucking industry, federal violations, and many others. A victim who suspects their injuries were caused by poor truck maintenance could be correct – but further investigation is likely necessary to uncover the true extent of this negligence. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Louisiana may be able to assist with in-depth analysis as victims pursue justice and accountability. To learn more about this process, consider calling Louisiana Law Lady at (504) 470-3511.