These Common Mechanical Failures Are Leading to Truck Accidents

Injured in Truck Accident Due to Improper Maintenance

Big rigs are one of the main ways of transporting necessary goods across Texas and the United States. These 18-wheelers do a lot of heavy lifting, but a lack of proper care and maintenance can lead to costly mistakes. 

There are three major causes of truck wrecks — one of which is mechanical failure. Read below to learn about common mechanical issues leading to crashes and what to do if you’re the victim of one.

Semi-Truck Maintenance Issues 

There are several types of issues commercial semi-trucks can have that lead to dangerous accidents. Knowing what they are can help you in the long run. 

• Broken Head Lights, Brake Lights, and Turn Signals: Generally, light defects are less common, mostly because they’re easy to spot. However, they still crop up and can lead to fatal accidents. A burnt-out or broken headlight dramatically reduces a driver’s visibility, so upkeep on this is essential. Brake lights and tail lights help the trucker signal to other drivers on the road what a big truck is doing. If the driver is driving with shattered or burnt-out lights, it can be difficult for others on the road to anticipate what a semi-driver intends to do next.
• Tire Issues: Defects with big rigs’ tires are the most common cause of accidents, accounting for 30% of them. Tires need routine rotation, with the tread measured and air pressure checked. If any of the 18 wheels has a fault, it can lead to disaster. Regular maintenance is vital, and overly worn tires need replacing.
• Faults with Steering and Suspension: Steering and suspension components of large trucks don’t typically require regular upkeep; they tend to have good life-spans. However, it doesn’t mean these parts can’t have issues overall. Maintenance for a truck’s suspension system keeps the heavy vehicles in balance and ensures they can handle the heavy loads they transport.
• Hitch Failure: The hitch (also known as the fifth wheel) connects the commercial truck with the trailer. Industry experts recommend this part gets serviced every 30,000 miles. The fifth wheel needs lubrication and examination for any damage. Failing to do so can result in the trailer detaching from the truck, leading to catastrophic truck crashes on the roadways.

If you’ve been in a collision with a big rig, and the driver blames it on mechanical failure, you need a lawyer to help you sort out this tricky situation. Don’t hesitate to contact one of the best vehicle wreck lawyers in West Houston.

West Houston Truck Accident Attorney in West Houston

Call an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers in West Houston

No matter the cause, a West Houston big rig collision lawyer can help. Collisions with semi-trucks are a harrowing experience. It can lead to extensive medical bills and irreversible vehicle damage. The insurance companies that operate with trucking agencies don’t always pay out what they should, and that’s why we’re here to help. 

If you’ve found yourself injured at the hands of an 18-wheelers mechanical failure, or you have lost a family member, contact an experienced West Houston wrongful death lawyers, we’re here to ensure you get compensated fairly and fully. Don’t handle this on your own; let us help you. We’re available 24/7, ready to assist you with your case. Give us a call at 281-623-1701.