Equipment Failure

Trucking companies have much to lose in resulting injuries to motorists from a tractor-trailer accident or other commercial trucking incident. Truck collisions with other motorists on the Illinois highways and roadways can cause serious injuries to motorists and passengers. Most times trucking companies summon an experienced team of investigators to the scene of the truck crash to determine whether or not there has been any equipment failure on the semi tractor-trailer, tractor or other vehicles involved. It is the goal of the team of truck company investigators to survey the accident scene by photography, videography and to gather evidence in support of the trucker and the truck company. The investigators would try to lessen the truck company’s financial exposure by obtaining evidence that may tend to exonerate the trucking company or try to obtain witness statements.

Because truck accidents are often times caused by equipment failures or some other defective truck part, it is imperative that persons injured in these crashes contact experienced truck accident attorneys.

When equipment failure in a truck crash results in an injury to others, it is important to determine what exactly the cause of the crash was. Because commercial trucks are very large and heavy, it can make the task of determining the source of the equipment failure extremely challenging. That means that all moving parts and fixed parts of the truck and trailer must be reviewed and examined. That would include a careful examination of the tractor itself and the interior cab, the trailer and all of the connecting parts. That would also include the tandem between the tractor and the trailer. Tractors usually contain the “little black box” which can be extremely important to determine speed, braking distances and travel directions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that large truck crashes caused 12% of all deaths in truck crashes even though commercial trucks accounted for just 4% of all registered vehicles on the highways. One of the leading causes of truck collisions crashes and serious injuries and deaths are truck equipment failures.

A truck and its trailer (semi-trailer) have many moving and stationary parts. Any piece of equipment on a large truck like those seen on Illinois highways can malfunction. The truck equipment failures or defects include:

  • Tire blowouts and tread separations;
  • Brake failure;
  • Tie downs that cause unsecured loads to shift or fall off a moving flatbed trailer;
  • Defective tandem or coupling with the tractor to the trailer;
  • Broken or missing side mirrors;
  • Broken hydraulic hoses;
  • Defective braking systems;
  • Defective steering device;
  • Defective trailer hitches;
  • Faulty windshield wipers;
  • Burned out headlights or taillights.

There are several federal and Illinois state laws that must be complied with in order for a commercial truck to venture out on Illinois highways. Trucks must be thoroughly inspected before use. Trucks and trailers must be maintained to attempt to eliminate any possibility of equipment failure or malfunction that would cause highway crashes.

If a truck accident is caused by an equipment failure, there are many possible parties that could be responsible. It could be that a trucker chose not to take care of the required maintenance check. It may be possible that the trucking company was negligent in sidestepping needed repair work for the tractor or trailer. Because the possibilities are unlimited, it is important to consult with attorneys who are experienced in truck accident cases.

If you or someone you know or love has been injured as a result of a defective truck equipment accident in Illinois, please call us for an immediate free consultation. Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois trucking accident cases for more than 40 years.

Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas and successfully resolved cases for severely injured clients for over these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling defective truck equipment accident cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case, assessment of your damages such as lost income, lost wages, medical and hospital bills, past and future pain and suffering, loss of normal life and wrongful death.

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