How Mechanical Malfunctions Can Cause Truck Accidents and Constitute Negligence

Key Points:

• Mechanical Failures Can Cause Trucking Accidents: When a piece of mechanical equipment fails in an 18-wheeler big rig truck, like when a tire blows out or its air brakes are faulty, it can cause an accident. These malfunctions are significant contributors to semi-truck accidents and can result in severe consequences, often including catastrophic accidents that put lives at risk.
• Importance of Truck Maintenance and Inspection: Making sure routine maintenance is done and regularly inspecting mechanical parts is incredibly important in preventing mechanical failures that can cause accidents. Because preventative maintenance is so important to keeping any vehicle road-safe, trucking companies, especially larger ones, have established procedures for handling routine inspections and maintenance of their vehicles specifically to avoid such failures,
• Liability for Accidents Due to Mechanical Failures: If a mechanical failure directly leads to an accident, the truck’s owner may be held liable if it can be proven that negligence in proper maintenance and inspections contributed to the failure. However, this process requires a thorough investigation and solid evidence to establish fault since liability can be very complex.

Table of Contents

Do Mechanical Failures Cause Semi-Truck Accidents?

Thousands of 18-wheelers traverse the Atlanta metro area’s highway system every day, and these big rigs have to share the road with many other vehicles – including passenger cars. To keep everyone safe, it’s important that every component of these massive trucks function properly. Even a single mechanical malfunction of a semi-truck can be enough to cause an accident with catastrophic consequences including possibly ending someone else’s life.

While some mechanical issues might not result in a worst-case scenario outcome, statistics show the severity of truck accidents isn’t simply an exaggerated scare tactic. If a tire blows out, for example, it could cause the tire to detach from the wheel and force other drivers to swerve out of the way unpredictably – possibly causing an accident in the process. Similarly, if a truck’s air brakes fail, it could lead to a disastrous rear-end collision for the car caught in front of it.

What Role Does Inadequate Maintenance or Malfunction Prevention Play in Semi-Truck Accidents?

Even though not all mechanical failures are preventable, a large number can easily be avoided if the trucking company establishes good general procedures for inspection and maintenance of their 18-wheelers. By regularly checking mechanical parts for wear and tear or signs of stress that could prevent failure, they are ensuring their trucks are kept current and in good condition. Inadequate maintenance or poor malfunction prevention, though, can be viewed as neglect or negligence if the resulting failure can be proven to have contributed to the accident.

Do Trucking Companies Usually Have Maintenance Protocols in Place to Prevent Mechanical Failures that Cause Semi-Truck Accidents?

Because there are so many different types of trucking companies, ranging from large corporations with their own fleets to independent owner-operator truckers who serve small- and mid-sized businesses, there’s a wide variety of management styles in play.

Typically, larger companies have more formal, established procedures for regular inspection procedures with a system to ensure everything is done according to protocol since mechanical failures could result in significant financial losses for the company. However, even the best systems aren’t foolproof and mistakes do occur.

Contrastingly, smaller independent contractors might not have formal procedures in place, but they often deal more closely with their vehicles on a day-to-day basis and meticulously maintain their trucks, since their vehicles are essential to earning a living.

Regardless of the operator’s size, though, thorough inspections and truck maintenance are essential for preventing accidents and saving lives.

What Measures Can a Semi-Truck Company Take to Prevent Accidents?

Trucking companies can ensure the safety of everyone on the road by first making sure their vehicles are safe, too. A series of focused actions including regular inspections, both through daily checks by drivers and periodic reviews by mechanics, focusing on key components like brakes and tires, preventive maintenance, and following manufacturers’ guidelines for services such as oil changes and brake replacements, can help avoid unexpected issues.

For compliance as well as safety, it’s also important that trucking companies follow the legal standards set in place for vehicle maintenance and that they keep detailed records of the service each truck receives. Companies should train their truck drivers to spot and report problems as early as possible, and incorporate technology for real-time vehicle monitoring.

Consistently implementing these strategies can help trucking companies of all sizes reduce the risk of unnecessary accidents caused by mechanical failures and help keep the roads safer for everyone!

If a Semi-Truck Accident is Caused by Mechanical Failure, Is the Trucking Company Responsible and at Fault?

The objective of establishing fault is to pinpoint the specific negligence that led to the accident. If it’s obvious that a mechanical failure directly caused the accident, then the truck’s owner does hold liability. Simply put, mechanical failures do not leave room for excuses; if the truck’s owner (whether that’s a company or an individual) had conducted the proper inspections and performed the maintenance, it’s possible that the failure could have been prevented.

However, for situations where a car initiates contact with the truck and that impact causes a mechanical failure that leads to a secondary accident, it’s the car (and its owner/driver) that may be considered at fault instead. In these complicated cases, there has to be concrete evidence to establish liability and the determination of fault hinges on a thorough investigation in addition to the presentation of clear proof.

Mechanical Malfunctions

Brake Failures

Big, heavy vehicles like semi-trucks depend on their brakes being able to bring them to a stop quickly and safely. Brake failures can lead to either reduced ability, or the complete inability, to stop or slow down in time, and that can cause dangerous rear-end collisions or runaway truck scenarios.

Brake failures in big rig trucks can be caused by overheating, wear and tear, worn-out brake pads, leaks in the brake system’s lines, or inadequate maintenance – it’s imperative that the truck’s entire brake system be regularly inspected and checked so worn parts can be replaced before there’s a problem.

How to Prove that a Brake Failure Caused the Truck Accident

If the accident involved a failure of the truck’s brakes, it was most likely a rear-end collision, which generally simplifies the process of proving liability. Your truck accident attorney can have a mechanic inspect the truck’s brakes and determine their remaining lifespan—or lack thereof—as long as they haven’t been replaced since the accident. If it’s discovered that they have been recently replaced, it can strongly indicate that the previous brakes were faulty or excessively worn and that the owner knew, supporting the case for liability.

Tire Blowouts

Having to haul heavy loads over long distances puts considerable stress on semi-truck tires. Blowouts are common and usually occur due to poor maintenance, overloading, under-inflation, general wear and tear, or a defect in the tire manufacturing process.

A sudden blowout or tire delamination, especially at high speeds, can cause the truck driver to lose control, veer off the road, jackknife, or overturn completely. The debris, too, whether it’s the tire itself or pieces of it, can also prompt other drivers to have to suddenly swerve out of the way.

Fortunately, routine tire inspections for tread wear and damage, combined with being careful to maintain proper tire pressure and adhere to weight limits, can prevent most blowouts.

How to Prove a Tire Blowout Caused the Truck Accident

In order to prove that a tire blowout caused a truck accident, you should collect evidence like tire pieces, take photos of skid marks, review maintenance records for neglect, and try to consult a vehicle expert to analyze the tire’s condition before the accident. All of this evidence can prove whether the blowout was preventable and that it directly led to the accident.

Steering System Failures

Failures in a truck’s steering system and mechanisms can result from hydraulic fluid leaks, worn or faulty components, or mechanical defects, all of which can lead to the driver losing control or the critical ability to safely steer and maneuver the vehicle.

Through regular inspections and by performing necessary maintenance of the steering components, including checking fluids and linkages, truck owners can ensure proper (and safe) steering functionality!

How to Prove a Steering System Failure Caused a Truck Accident

To prove that it was a steering system failure that caused the truck accident, first gather the truck’s maintenance records, then have an expert inspect the steering components for faults, and use accident reconstruction techniques to show how exactly the failure led to the accident. Collecting this evidence demonstrates that the steering system’s malfunction was the accident’s direct cause, and it can help you prove your case.

Transmission Failures

A truck’s transmission lets it change gears and maintain its speed. Transmission failures can lead to sudden losses of power, unexpected shifting, or it being impossible to change speed or even use certain gears. Any of these scenarios can disrupt the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and move out of harm’s way.

It’s important that truck owners check their transmission system regularly and perform any routine maintenance as needed, including checking fluids and components, to detect and prevent dangerous failures.

How to Prove a Transmission Failure Caused a Truck Accident

To prove transmission failure caused a truck accident, collect the truck’s service history, get an expert to inspect the transmission for faults, and use accident reconstruction to connect the failure to the accident. This strategy uses evidence, expert insight, and technical analysis to show the failure’s direct impact.

Engine Overheating

When an engine overheats, often due to coolant leaks or a low coolant level, damaged or blocked radiators, prolonged use under heavy loads, or malfunctioning thermostats, it can lead to catastrophic failure or even fires. For large semi-trucks, an overheated engine can actually cause the truck to stall unexpectedly and that creates major hazards, especially on busy highways.

By performing regular checks and maintenance of the truck’s cooling system, along with monitoring engine temperatures and avoiding overloading while driving, most major overheating issues can be prevented.

How to Prove an Overheating Engine Caused a Truck Accident

To be able to prove that the overheating engine caused a truck accident, you will have to gather the truck’s maintenance history, have an expert assess the engine for evidence of overheating, and employ an accident reconstruction specialist to show how the overheating caused the accident. By using records, expert analysis, and technical proof collectively, you can prove that the overheating caused the crash.

Electrical System Failures

Modern trucks rely heavily on electrical systems for navigation, lighting, and even internal mechanics and basic engine operation. When there’s a short, fault, or failure in the truck’s electrical system, it can lead to a dangerous loss of lighting, instrument panel outages, brake system failures, loss of other critical controls, or even electrical fires.

Issues such as short circuits or dead batteries can lead to malfunctions or loss of vehicle control, too, but consistent inspections of the truck’s electrical system, including its batteries, wiring, and connections, can help identify and fix potential issues before they lead to failures.

How to Prove That an Electrical System Failure Caused a Truck Accident

By gathering documentation showing the truck’s repair history, getting an electrical expert to inspect the truck’s wiring for malfunctions, and using accident reconstruction analysis techniques to link the failure to the accident, you can prove that an electric system failure directly caused a truck accident.

Trailer Attachment Failures

Whether they’re hauling a small shipment, a massive metal shipping container, or an oversized load, the connection between the truck and its trailer is essential for stability and safety.

If the trailer isn’t properly attached or if the hitch mechanism itself fails due to wear and tear or a defect, the trailer can detach from the truck and become an uncontrolled hazard on the road that causes accidents with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Trucking companies and owners should make sure that their drivers receive proper training on attaching trailers, and ensure regular inspections of attachment mechanisms are performed to prevent dangerous detachment incidents.

How to Prove a Trailer Attachment Failure Caused a Truck Accident

By utilizing several types of evidence, such as collecting the truck’s maintenance and service history, having an expert check the hitch attachment for faults, and using accident reconstruction to show how the failure led to the accident, you can prove that the trailer attachment failure caused the truck accident and demonstrate the failure’s impact on the crash.

Load Securing Issues

Overloading or improperly securing a load can dramatically affect the truck’s stability and handling. When a load shifts during transit, it causes detrimental imbalances (or sometimes falling debris) that can lead to a loss of control, a road hazard for other vehicles, or even a life-threatening rollover.

Truck drivers should be properly trained on correct load securing techniques, and should also perform regular inspections of the load both before and during transport trips. Additionally, drivers must adhere to safe weight distribution guidelines during loading to prevent accidents.

How to Prove that a Load Securing Issue Caused a Truck Accident

If you need to prove that an issue with securing a load caused a truck accident, you’ll need to review the truck’s loading records for safety adherence. Additionally, it’s wise to have an expert in cargo-securing techniques inspect the truck for securing failures, and also to use accident reconstruction to link the issue to the accident. These methods put records, expert insight, and analysis together to show how the securing problem led to the crash.

FAQs Regarding Mechanical Failures That Cause Truck Accidents

What are the regulations regarding semi-truck maintenance for preventing mechanical failures?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations that mandate strict maintenance and inspection protocols for semi-trucks in order to prevent mechanical failures. To ensure road safety, these include compulsory routine inspections—pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip by the truck driver, and at least annual checks by qualified professionals.

Trucking companies must also maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repairs for every truck in their fleet, including dates, inspector details, findings, repair descriptions, and more. The FMCSA also requires a systematic preventive maintenance program, based on either the manufacturer’s recommendations or industry best practices, which covers essential components like brakes, tires, and lights.

Additionally, the FMCSA requires truck drivers to be trained in conducting thorough inspections prior to starting their trip or getting on the road, and to be able to recognize signs of potential mechanical issues, along with knowing how to report these problems. Adherence to the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations is essential, with specific attention to the brake system and cargo securement standards to prevent accidents.

Non-compliance with FMCSA regulations can lead to significant penalties, including fines and operational bans, all of which emphasize the importance of these measures in promoting the safety and reliability of semi-truck operations.

How do cargo load issues related to mechanical failures contribute to semi-truck accidents?

When combined with mechanical failures, cargo load issues can significantly contribute to semi-truck accidents. Whether the trailer is overloaded or the cargo isn’t properly secured, it can lead to increased stress on the truck’s mechanical systems, such as the brakes and tires, and this can lead to premature wear or even total failure.

For example, since an overloaded truck requires a longer distance to stop, it puts excessive strain on the brake system more than what the brakes were designed to handle. Additionally, unevenly distributed or imbalanced loads can cause imbalanced tire wear, and that can increase the chances of having a tire blowout.

Cargo load issues not only compromise the truck’s handling and stability, but also elevate the risk of catastrophic accidents on the road… so, it’s important to adhere to strict cargo loading regulations and perform regular vehicle maintenance.

How does the age of a semi-truck impact the chances of a mechanical failure causing an accident?

A semi-truck’s age does significantly affect its risk of mechanical failures that could lead to accidents, since older trucks experience more wear and tear that affects critical components like brakes and engines. Additionally, old trucks might not be equipped with advanced safety technologies found in newer models.

Although regular maintenance is crucial for older trucks to mitigate these risks, the likelihood of unexpected mechanical issues does still increase with age and makes older trucks undeniably more prone to accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Can a Truck Driver Sue His Company if the Mechanical Failure Caused an Accident That Injured Them?

If the truck’s mechanical failure caused an accident that resulted in the driver being injured, then yes, under certain circumstances, the truck driver can potentially sue their employer.

If it can be proven that the trucking company failed to adhere to maintenance protocols, ignored safety regulations, didn’t perform necessary maintenance, or was somehow otherwise negligent in ensuring the truck’s safe operation, the driver be able to file a lawsuit.

The key to these types of legal claims is being able to prove that the company’s negligence directly contributed to the accident and also to the driver’s injuries as a result. Laws and regulations governing these situations can vary by location and jurisdiction, so it’s advisable for drivers to consult with legal professionals who specialize in labor and personal injury law in order to fully explore their options and understand their rights.

Can Weather Cause Mechanical Failures on Big Rig Semi-Trucks?

Surprisingly, yes. Weather can sometimes cause mechanical failures on big-rig semi-trucks, since extreme temperatures – either too hot or too cold – can put excessive stress on a truck’s mechanical system and components.

In cold weather, for example, the risk of battery failure increases since fluids can thicken, and that can lead to transmission and engine issues, while ice can negatively impact the braking system’s effectiveness. Additionally, wet or icy conditions can exacerbate wear on both brakes and tires.

Similarly, in hot weather, overheated engines become more likely, tires blow out due to increased air pressure, and important hoses and belts can degrade.

While weather-specific precautions and regular maintenance can mitigate the risk of a mechanical failure, the impact of severe weather on a truck’s mechanical systems ultimately does significantly increase the likelihood of failures that could lead to accidents.