Tractor trailers not only look different from other vehicles on the road,
they are made differently, too. The big rigs that you see traveling the
highways are designed for the long haul, and they are made from components
that are built to withstand heavy loads, long distance driving, and frequent
operation. The way that tractor trailers are designed and built helps
to ensure their safe operation, but good design on its own is not always
enough to ensure the safety of truckers and those who share the road with them.
The Responsibility of Trucking Companies
Tractor trailers require regular inspections, to check for parts that are damaged or worn out. There are also parts which must be replaced at regular intervals in order to ensure safe operation. Trucking companies and truck drivers do these types of inspections and maintenance as part of their work. Unfortunately, sometimes inspections do not always happen according to company policies and routine maintenance may fall by the wayside if drivers' schedules do not provide for enough down time for it to occur. These things can cause worn or broken parts to go unnoticed and, along with unforeseeable events like sudden failure of a part, can cause accidents.
Types of Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure
The types of accidents which can be caused by mechanical failures are numerous. There are accidents where parts of a truck which are intended to secure cargo malfunction, allowing the truck's load to fall off and hit other vehicles. Tires that blow out because they were not replaced soon enough can strike other vehicles, or they can cause the truck to swerve into nearby vehicles. Brake failure can result in a deadly wreck, as can the sudden failure of an axle.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Mechanical defect accident cases can be quite complicated. There are often multiple parties who could each be held partially or fully responsible for the victims' injuries and damages. From the truck driver and the trucking company to contracted maintenance providers, truck manufacturers, and component part manufacturers, there are often a few parties whose actions prior to the accident must be assessed in order to determine whether they played a role in the occurrence of the crash. As you might imagine, the defendants in these cases often try to assign as much blame as they can to each other, in efforts to minimize or avoid responsibility. Unfortunately for accident victims, all of that finger pointing can cause delays in working with the parties' insurance companies to settle the victims' claims for damages.
Hire an Attorney to Represent You!
Trucking accidents that involve mechanical failures often involve multiple defendants and complex fact patterns. Trucking accident victims deserve prompt compensation for their injuries and damages, and an experienced Kentucky Trucking Accident Attorney can cut through the confusion to get you the results that you need. If you were involved in a Kentucky trucking accident, the attorneys at Goeing Goeing and McQuinn PLLC would like to offer you a free consultation. Call us today or visit our website to learn more.