Ohio Truck Accident Help

A Division of Ohio Truck Accident

Truck Accidents Caused by Defective Parts in Ohio

Ohio Truck Accidents Due to Brake Failure

Brake failure is a serious issue in commercial trucking and one of the leading causes of devastating accidents on Ohio’s roads. The massive size and weight of semi-trucks make reliable brakes essential for avoiding catastrophic collisions. When brake failure occurs, it can result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and fatalities.

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, we understand the complexities involved in brake failure truck accidents. Our experienced Ohio truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding all responsible parties accountable—whether it’s the driver, trucking company, or brake manufacturer. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.

Ohio Truck Accidents Due to Brake Failure

Brake failure occurs when a truck’s braking system malfunctions or becomes ineffective, rendering the driver unable to stop or control the vehicle safely. According to the FMCSA, brake-related problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, making them one of the most common mechanical causes of truck accidents.

Brake failure often results from negligence, including inadequate maintenance, improper inspections, overloaded trucks, or defective components. When trucking companies or drivers neglect their responsibility to ensure fully functional brakes, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases significantly, endangering everyone on the road.

Common Causes of Brake Failure

Brake failure in trucks is usually the result of mechanical issues, human error, or improper maintenance. Below are the most common causes:

  • Worn-Out Brake Pads: Brake pads wear down over time and, if not replaced, can lead to reduced braking power or complete failure.
  • Hydraulic System Failure: A leak or malfunction in the hydraulic braking system can prevent the brakes from working effectively.
  • Overheated Brakes: Prolonged or improper use, such as during steep downhill driving, can cause brake overheating, leading to reduced performance or total failure.
  • Improper Maintenance: Failure to conduct regular inspections and repairs can lead to undetected issues, such as worn brake lines or inadequate brake fluid levels.
  • Defective Parts: Manufacturing defects in brake components, such as faulty calipers or rotors, can cause sudden and catastrophic failure.
  • Overloaded Trucks: Carrying loads that exceed the truck’s weight limit increases strain on the braking system, making failure more likely.

The Dangers of Brake Failure on Trucks

When a truck’s brakes fail, the sheer size and weight of the vehicle make it nearly impossible to stop safely, resulting in devastating consequences. Some of the most common and dangerous outcomes of brake failure include:

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks with failing brakes often cannot slow down or stop in time, especially in high-traffic areas or at intersections. This can result in the truck slamming into vehicles ahead, causing severe damage and life-threatening injuries to occupants in smaller vehicles.

Runaway Trucks

Brake failure can transform a semi-truck into a runaway vehicle on steep downhill roads. Without functional brakes to control its descent, the truck gains speed rapidly, posing a hazard to other drivers, pedestrians, and roadside structures. This is particularly dangerous in Ohio’s hilly regions or stretches of highways with steep inclines.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes

A truck that loses braking ability often becomes a catalyst for chain-reaction accidents. The inability to stop can cause the truck to collide with multiple vehicles, creating a domino effect. These crashes frequently lead to severe injuries for many drivers and passengers and create chaos on busy highways like I-70 or I-75.

Truck Rollovers

When a truck driver attempts to compensate for brake failure by making sudden maneuvers, the uneven weight distribution of the vehicle can cause it to tip over. Rollovers are especially hazardous, as they can block multiple lanes of traffic, crush smaller vehicles, and create widespread destruction.

Loss of Cargo Control

In addition to collisions and rollovers, brake failure may result in the truck losing control of its cargo. Unsecured or shifting loads can spill onto the roadway, creating additional hazards for other drivers and causing secondary accidents.

The dangers of brake failure accidents are compounded by the fact that they are often preventable. Proper maintenance, adherence to safety regulations, and thorough pre-trip inspections can significantly reduce the likelihood of these catastrophic events. When negligence leads to brake failure, those responsible must be held accountable.

Who Is Liable for a Brake Failure Truck Accident?

Brake failure truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Determining liability is critical for securing fair compensation.

  • Truck Drivers: Drivers are responsible for conducting pre-trip inspections, which include checking the brakes. Neglecting this duty can make them liable.
  • Trucking Companies: Companies are responsible for ensuring their fleets are well-maintained and compliant with safety standards. Negligence in maintaining vehicles can make them accountable.
  • Brake Manufacturers: If defective brake parts caused the failure, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws.
  • Maintenance Providers: Third-party mechanics or maintenance companies may be liable if they fail to inspect or repair the truck’s brakes properly.
  • Loaders/Shippers: If overloading contributed to brake failure, the party responsible for loading the truck could share liability.

Investigating Brake Failure Truck Crashes

Timely action is critical after a brake failure truck accident. Trucking companies often control maintenance logs, black box data, and driver records, which could be lost or intentionally destroyed. An experienced truck accident lawyer can secure this evidence through legal motions, ensuring a thorough investigation begins immediately.

Evidence in Brake Failure Cases

Evidence in cases where braking systems allegedly failed include maintenance records that reveal if inspections or repairs were neglected, black box data showing speed and braking patterns before the crash, and detailed brake system inspections that can identify wear, damage, or defects.

Additionally, recalls or safety warnings tied to the truck’s brake components may point to manufacturer negligence, while driver logs can show noncompliance.

Truck Braking Regulations & Industry Standards

Trucking regulations, such as those enforced by the FMCSA, require routine maintenance and inspections to ensure safe operation. Failing to comply with these standards, like ignoring worn brake pads or failing to address known defects, can establish liability for trucking companies, drivers, or maintenance providers.

Violations of these regulations are strong indicators of negligence.

Truck Accidents Experts to Build Your Case

Brake failure investigations often require experts like accident reconstructionists and mechanical engineers. These professionals analyze physical evidence, such as brake components, skid marks, and crash dynamics, to determine the cause of the failure.

With their insights and the evidence preserved, your attorney can build a compelling case to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Legal Options after Truck Braking Failure

If a truck accident due to brake failure injures you or a loved one, an attorney can file a claim against the at-fault parties. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney will negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

A truck accident lawsuit may be necessary if a fair truck accident settlement cannot be reached. This process involves presenting key evidence, such as maintenance records, black box data, and expert testimony, to establish negligence and advocate for your rightful compensation.

Compensation for Brake Failure Related Truck Accidents

Victims of truck collisions caused by faulty brakes often face significant financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Compensation in these cases is designed to help victims recover from their losses and rebuild their lives. Depending on the circumstances, victims may be eligible for:

  • Medical Bills
  • Future Medical Expenses
  • Lost Income
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Mental Anguish
  • Property Damage
  • Loss of Consortium
  • Punitive Damages.

At Ohio Truck Accident Help, our dedicated attorneys are here to handle the complexities of your case while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Ohio Truck Accident FAQs: Brake Failure  

Can I Sue a Trucking Company for Brake Failure?

Trucking companies can be held liable if negligent practices, such as failing to inspect or maintain their vehicles properly, contributed to the brake failure. Employers are responsible for ensuring their trucks meet safety standards, and their failure to do so can lead to legal accountability.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim after a Brake Failure Accident?

Under Ohio law, you generally have to file a personal injury claim two years from the accident date. Acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and ensure compliance with the statute of limitations.

How Can Liability Be Proven in Brake Failure Cases?

Liability is established by investigating maintenance logs, black box data, brake inspections, and manufacturer records. This evidence can help determine whether the failure resulted from negligence by the driver, trucking company, or third-party maintenance provider.

What Are the Signs of Failing Brakes in Trucks?

Warning signs of brake failure in trucks include squealing or grinding noises, a burning smell, reduced stopping power, braking vibrations, or warning lights on the dashboard. Drivers are required to address these issues immediately to ensure road safety.

What Ohio Laws Regulate Truck Brake Maintenance?

Ohio laws, alongside FMCSA regulations, mandate regular brake system inspections and maintenance. Trucks must meet minimum performance standards, and drivers must perform pre-trip inspections to identify and address potential issues.

Hurt by a Truck? Get Ohio Truck Accident Help

Brake failure in a truck can result in devastating, life-altering crashes. Many of these accidents could be avoided through proper brake maintenance, timely inspections, and adherence to safety regulations. Whether the failure occurred due to worn components, improper repairs, or manufacturer defects, those responsible for ensuring safe operation should be held accountable.

You are not alone if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by brake failure. The dedicated truck accident lawyers at Ohio Truck Accident Help are ready to investigate, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.