Ohio Truck Accident Help
A Division of Ohio Truck Accident
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Ohio
Tire blowouts, brake failure, and other truck accidents caused by defective truck parts are common on Ohio’s roadways. However, defective parts and the crashes they cause can be avoided with proper manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a truck with defective equipment is twice as likely to be in a crash than one without defects. When a collision does occur, it’s essential to determine if faulty equipment was involved so the correct parties can be held accountable.
Ohio Truck Accident Help can identify the cause, liable parties, and recover compensation for your losses. Call (855) 721-2737 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-risk consultation with an Ohio truck accident attorney.
Truck parts may be defective or fail due to improper manufacturing, poor design, or incorrect installation. Sometimes, the truck driver or trucking company may not have adequately maintained or inspected the parts.
Determining why truck parts fail in tort cases, and insurance claims is important. Doing so can target all the at-fault parties and ensure they are named in your claim or lawsuit.
Most big rigs have similar parts and often fail in predictable ways. It could potentially point to negligence by the driver, trucking company, or manufacturer when parts are defective.
A semi-truck takes significantly longer to stop than a standard passenger vehicle. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require an effective braking system to stop. If there is a defect in the brakes of a large truck, then a catastrophic collision can result.
Many big trucks have up to 18 wheels to hold and control their heavy loads. Tires must be properly maintained and replaced frequently because of the distance these vehicles travel. The driver may lose control if a tire blows while the truck moves.
Large trucks carry heavy loads that require a solid suspension system to keep them gently riding on the roadway. If the suspension system of a truck fails, it could lose its load and cause a serious accident for surrounding motor vehicles.
The steering components of a big truck control the trajectory of the rig. If the steering or related components fail, the driver may lose control. Such a truck accident can cause severe injuries to everyone involved.
Big trucks must have certain lights and signals to warn those around them. Without those notifications, other drivers will not know where the truck is going or when it is stopping. This can confuse drivers and ultimately lead to a serious accident.
If there is severe damage to the transmission or engine components, the truck may malfunction and cease to operate correctly. This can cause a devastating accident if it is on the freeway when the defect arises.
Big trucks carry tens of thousands of pounds and must maintain the attachment through traffic on rough roadways. If there is a defect in the hitch or trailer connectors, the truck’s load may become compromised and spill onto the roadway.
A jackknife accident may even occur when the truck and trailer cab form an “L” shape due to a hitch or trailer connector defect. This blocks the roadway and can cause serious accidents.
Multiple parties may be responsible for a defective equipment truck accident. In some cases, more than one party may also be financially liable.
It’s essential to include all responsible parties in your initial lawsuit. If you leave anyone out, you may forfeit your right to recover all the compensation you deserve. A truck defect lawyer can ensure you don’t miss any parties involved.
In defective truck equipment cases, the responsibility almost always falls on the manufacturer. They may have produced defective parts by using low-quality materials or skipping steps in the production process.
Your truck defect attorney will review the manufacturer’s actions with the help of a mechanical engineer. Using independent experts can ensure you have accurate information to support your claims.
Trucking companies are required to maintain and inspect trucks regularly. If they do not, then they may be responsible for equipment failure.
For example, if a trucking company does not replace a truck’s tires when they are bald, the trucking company may be responsible for any accidents caused when the tires blow. Poor maintenance is a common cause of truck accidents.
Truck drivers are also responsible for ensuring their vehicle is as safe as possible. They must understand and report potential defects to their employers and refuse to drive any truck that is not maintained.
If a truck driver knows that the hitch is not locking properly and drives anyway, they may be partially responsible for the failure of that part and any accident caused.
Your truck defect lawyers will investigate the crash and determine if a defective part was involved. That requires several steps, including:
Once the liable parties are identified, you can seek compensation for damages and losses. Some examples of damages related to truck accidents caused by defective parts are:
You may file a truck accident lawsuit when seeking compensation for your damages. This will likely involve various insurance companies. They may contact you and get you to settle your case quickly. You should never accept an initial insurance settlement offer without consulting a lawyer.
Instead, let your truck defect lawyers investigate the potential truck defect and determine what your case is worth.
After figuring out the value of your case, your attorneys can negotiate a fair and full truck accident settlement.
Defective truck parts may also result in a product liability claim. This is a legal claim where fault lies with the manufacturer for making unsafe parts that led to a truck accident.
The unfortunate reality is that many significant truck accidents are fatal. Knowing that the deceased’s family and loved ones have rights is important.
You may be able to file a survival action or personal injury claim to get money that your loved one would have been able to recover had they lived. You may also get compensation to pay for the following:
Faulty truck parts result in too many truck crashes and fatalities on America’s highways. When that happens, it’s essential to investigate what caused the wreck and determine who should be held accountable.
If you were injured or your loved one died in a defective truck accident, the truck defect lawyers at Ohio Truck Accident Help are here. Call (855) 721-2737 to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.