When large trucks cause accidents, establishing a mechanical failure isnre isn’t simply about proving that a part broke; liability is the primary issue. Most trucks involved in accidents are massive, weighing up to 10 times as much as a typical car. Mechanical failures in truck accidents for these complex vehicles often shift or expand the number of dependents in a trucking company case. In addition to the driver, other defendants may include the truck company, maintenance contractors, and manufacturers. Here are various areas an experienced truck accident lawyer, like the attorneys at Curcio Law, focuses on to prove an injury case, and why these measures may prove successful.
Common Mechanical Failures and Legal Implications
The type of mechanical failure can point to liability in different directions. Typical truck mechanical failures include the following:
- Brake systems
- Tire blowouts and tread separation
- Steering and suspension
- Defective fifth wheel or coupling mechanisms
Many of these systems require regular adjustments on large trucks because of their complexity. For example, brakes can fade, overheat, or fail due to worn pads or severed air lines. As one of the most common failures, liability in this area usually falls on the carrier for poor maintenance, and sometimes the driver for failing to notice the issue.
Blowouts often cause drivers of large semis to lose control immediately. Courts will examine why the tire blew, determining whether it was due to a maintenance failure or a road hazard. The latter situation can mitigate liability. If the tire was brand new, the manufacturer may be at fault if a factory defect caused tread separation.
When a steering knuckle breaks or the suspension collapses, large trucks turn into unguided missiles. Manufacturers build these parts to last, so sudden failure often indicates gross maintenance neglect or a severe manufacturing defect.
A fifth wheel is the coupling mechanism that attaches a tractor to the trailer. This issue affects loading companies, especially when a trailer detaches entirely. If a third-party company overloaded the trailer or unevenly distributed the weight, extreme stress can snap the coupling mechanism, making them liable for a crash.
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Critical Evidence in Mechanical Failure Cases
Winning a case based on mechanical failure requires highly technical, preserved evidence. Trucking companies often dispatch teams to the accident site to mitigate liability. Preserving evidence immediately is essential for plaintiffs.
Trucks equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) record data leading up to the crash. This device will reveal exactly when a part, such as steering, suspension, or brakes, failed. ECMs frequently disprove mechanical claims. Your lawyer can subpoena months of digital or paper logs to discover gaps in the truck’s service history.
You can also expect your attorney to send the trucking company a Spoliation Letter. This formal legal notice warns the company not to repair, alter, or destroy the truck until an independent mechanic can inspect it.
Hiring accident reconstruction and forensic engineering experts is key to proving a trucking injury case. Plaintiff attorneys hire these experts to dismantle a failed component under a microscope to determine if it broke before the crash, thereby causing the accident, or during the crash, as a result of the accident.
Proving Negligence
Plaintiffs must prove personal injury or wrongful death in lawsuits involving truck accidents. For mechanical failure cases, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations figure heavily. Under these regulations, trucking companies have a strict legal duty to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles in their fleet. Documentation is critical to proving a case. All drivers must complete a Driver Vehicle Inspect Report (DVIR) at the end of every workday. When a mechanical issue is noted, the carrier must fix it before the truck resumes traveling. This documentation can prove critical, even if an issue initially seemed minor, as breakdowns can increase in severity the longer a truck operates.
If a trucking accident lawyer can prove a transportation company violated FMCSA maintenance regulations that directly resulted in a crash, the court may find the defendant negligent as a matter of law. This finding significantly lowers the burden of proof for the victim.
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Who Will Your Legal Team Sue?
Although the driver is often deemed at fault in trucking cases, your legal team will look beyond that individual to determine liability. Various potential defendants include:
- The trucking company that employed the driver
- Third-party maintenance shops that worked on the truck
- Part manufacturers and distributors
In these cases, the focus is often on the drivers, as they are required to conduct a daily pre-trip inspection. Obvious broken parts, including cracked windshields, leaking fluids, or tires that are completely bald, are considered personally negligent acts if the driver gets back out on the road without fixing the issue.
Liability can fall to the trucking company if it fails to inspect, skips routine maintenance, or operates unsafe vehicles to meet tight deadlines. The deadline issue can also affect drivers who worry about losing their jobs or receiving less money for a shipment that doesn’t arrive on time.
Many trucking companies outsource repairs instead of doing them in-house. If a mechanic at these facilities fails to diagnose a defective part or improperly installs something that leads to a crash, that company can be held liable. If the trucking company employs its own mechanics, the legal doctrine of respondeat superior (vicarious liability) applies. The motor carrier is fully responsible for the negligent work of its employees.
In cases involving a third party, plaintiffs will look for systemic issues, such as the carrier hiring uncertified mechanics or pressuring maintenance staff to keep trucks on the road. A third-party shop can incur shared liability for such issues.
When parts are inherently defective because of their design or manufacture, your lawyer can make a strict product liability claim.
In many cases, multiple entities will receive subpoenas when your lawyer files a trucking accident claim. While not all parties cited may end up with convictions, you can hope that some will. Performing due diligence in all these areas will help promote your chances of a successful claim in court.
