Truck accidents make good television. Everyone has seen TV accident footage of an 18-wheeler that was involved in an accident on a highway, causing multiple car crashes and creating miles of traffic tie-ups. The sad truth is that in an accident involving a truck and a car, the truck ‘wins’.
The average car weighs less than 4,000 pounds. Compare that to a fully-loaded 18-wheeler which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Talk about David and Goliath! Even without the trailer, the tractor alone weighs 15-20,000 pounds. It would be nice to have roads for cars and roads for trucks, but that seldom happens.
There are a number of reasons for truck accidents. Truck driver errors, safety violations and poor maintenance are the most common reasons. According to a study by the Department of Transportation, brake failure was involved in almost 30% of all commercial truck accidents. A fully-loaded truck cannot come to a full stop as quickly as a car, especially if poorly maintained brakes fail or lock up. The importance of brakes has caused Federal trucking laws to mandate that truck drivers should, at all times, be aware of the condition of their brakes. However, pressure to make deliveries on time can put brake maintenance on the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list.
Common problems that can be responsible for brake failure are:
- Brakes that have overheated;
- Brakes that are saturated with grease or oil;
- Brake pads that have become too thin;
- Worn tires.
If the brakes fail, who is responsible? A Truck Accident Lawyer in Nashville TN may find that more than one party shares the blame, including:
- The driver of the truck;
- The mechanic;
- The owner or operator;
- The truck loading company;
- The manufacturer of the brakes.
While brakes are a major factor affecting how long it takes a truck to stop, other factors may also be involved. Speed, of course, is crucial. Road conditions, traffic, the condition of the tires and whether or not the truck is fully-loaded all play a part. In hilly or mountainous terrain (which Tennessee has plenty of), the truck’s brakes are mission critical.
Michael D. Ponce & Associates are very experienced in representing those who have been injured in accidents involving a truck. This Truck Accident Lawyer in Nashville TN has been representing injured victims throughout Tennessee for over 20 years. He is dedicated to helping injured people obtain the compensation that is due them.
