There are countless factors that can lead to a devastating motor vehicle collision. From inexperienced drivers to drunk drivers to distracted drivers, vehicle crashes seem to happen almost constantly. Depending on the types of vehicles involved, the wrecks can result in catastrophic injuries.
Fortunately, more and more vehicles come standard with advanced safety technology and physical safety gear designed to minimize the danger or prevent these accidents altogether. What happens when this safety equipment fails?
Truckers may be professional drivers, but an equipment failure can quickly result in a catastrophic accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Fatal Causation Study found that in 55% of injury truck accidents, the truck had suffered at least one equipment failure. Common types of equipment failures noted in the study include:
- Faulty or poorly maintained brakes
- Worn tires
- Improperly inflated tires
- Missing or defective underride rails
- Faulty lights
- Unbalanced cargo
- Transmission failure
Trucks are required to undergo regular maintenance and truck drivers must maintain a professional license. Unfortunately, even with rules and regulations in place, 18-wheelers and commercial trucks can cause devastating, deadly accidents on highways and city streets. These motor vehicle collisions can lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, multiple fractures and amputation. Depending on several factors, a truck collision might result in fatalities.
If you were injured or you have lost a loved one, it is important that you discuss your case with an experienced truck accident attorney. A lawyer can answer your questions regarding your legal options and provide the representation you need.
