Every year, thousands of people suffer serious injuries and die in large truck accidents. In 2023, 5,375 fatal accidents in the U.S. involved heavy trucks. Identifying the most common problems with commercial trucks can help prevent these tragedies from occurring.Â
If the issue that caused your truck accident in San Antonio was preventable, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Speak to a truck accident lawyer in San Antonio about your legal options.
Brake Failure
Large trucks use special compressed air brake systems to bring these heavy vehicles to a stop. The brakes of a large truck take a lot of wear and tear due to the weight and pressure they are under. Common brake issues in trucking include damaged or worn-out brake pads, misaligned brake linings, and debris or water getting into the brake system.
Every aspect of a truck’s brakes must be regularly inspected to ensure they are in proper working condition before a drive. If a truck’s brakes are allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, or if the brakes are defective, this could result in dangerous truck brake failure.
Tire Blowouts
An 18-wheeler depends on its tires for safe and effective transport. A truck’s tires must stand up to thousands of miles of use. They require regular inspections, servicing and replacement to maintain proper tire pressure and avoid a tire blowout. If a trucking company does not maintain its tires and exchange old, worn-out tires for new ones, a truck could experience a tire blowout in the middle of a drive. This is when a tire pops or explodes suddenly, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control.
Electrical Malfunctions
A semi-truck could encounter electrical issues during a drive, especially if it is not inspected or maintained properly. Electrical issues can affect the truck’s battery, starter and alternator, impacting its performance. Electric system failures could also result in dangerous lighting and signal malfunctions.
Steering System Failure
Large trucks can experience steering system failures that lead to trouble steering and a total loss of truck control. Regular maintenance of the steering system, including fluid checks and repairs, can help prevent these incidents. Steering system failure can come from fluid leaks, low fluid levels, worn-out components, power steering pump issues, a loose or damaged serpentine belt, or a truck that is out of alignment.
Engine Problems
The engine of a commercial truck is a powerhouse. If it is not properly maintained, however, it can have problems that lead to engine stalls or failures. Common engine issues in heavy-duty trucks include overheating, cooling system failures, fuel system clogs, exhaust malfunctions, turbocharger problems, engine block cracks and misfires.
Suspension Wear
Semi-trucks can experience suspension problems that impact the quality and safety of a drive. A properly working suspension system should absorb bumps and vibrations, allowing the driver to remain in safe control of the big rig. A high level of suspension wear could result in uneven tire wear patterns, fluid leaks, excessive truck bouncing or swaying, and trouble steering the truck.
When to Contact an Attorney After a Truck Accident
If a part failure or equipment breakdown contributed to your truck accident in Texas, you could qualify for financial compensation from the trucking company or maintenance company. If the part contained a defect, the product’s manufacturer or distributor could also be held liable (financially responsible) for the wreck.
Discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney in San Antonio to understand your legal rights and options. A lawyer can investigate the truck accident, determine the cause of the part failure and help you seek maximum compensation using tailored legal strategies. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free case review.