Semi-truck accidents are the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents that occur on roadways. Smaller vehicles are no match to these huge trucks. These accidents can happen due to road conditions, driver error, driver negligence, and issues related to mechanical failure. Investigations are usually performed after truck accidents, and sometimes the results are alarming. Brake-related tractor-trailer may occur and result in serious injuries and fatalities.

When these accidents occur, victims may be entitled to compensation. In fact, insurance companies are known to react swiftly and attempt to contact victims offering the option to settle. Accepting an insurance settlement offer is legally binding, which means that victims who choose this route and get paid will usually have no recourse or option to rescind. The following points identify specific things everyone should know about semi-truck accidents that are related to faulty brakes. 

Determine Liability

The easiest way to understand liability is to determine who is at fault for the commercial vehicle accident. Surprisingly, there might be more than one party that can be sued. The driver can be liable if they neglect to perform brake checks or initiate brakes in an unsafe manner. The trucking company can be held liable if they do not ensure that the brakes on trucks in their fleet get proper brake maintenance. The brake manufacturer could be liable if they produce faulty brakes that result in accidents. This is when trucking insiders might get brake recalls due to several reported problems. If an auto service shop does not perform brake installations correctly, they can also be liable for accidents that occur. Shared responsibility for damages is not uncommon in these cases. 

What Causes Brake-Related Semi-Truck Accidents?

Poor Brake Maintenance

In an effort to save money, some trucking companies and independent drivers skip critical brake maintenance objectives. This is illegal, and if their actions result in an accident, their actions will likely be viewed as negligent by a civil court. Maintenance and brake inspections are part of owning semi-trucks. 

Illegal Brake Alterations 

Many semi-trucks are driven thousands of miles in any given week. The brakes are bound to wear out and need frequent maintenance. Some truck companies and independent drivers may make alterations to their brakes in an attempt to extend the lifespan of the brakes. A common approach is to depower or disconnect the front brakes, which means the back brakes will be fully responsible for stopping the truck.

Overloaded Cargo

Truckers are required to ensure that their cargo is within weight limits and safely secured. Cargo that is improperly loaded with undistributed weight can cause brakes to overheat and malfunction. Overloaded cargo can also put excess stress on brakes, making it more difficult to come to a complete stop.

A semi-truck accident attorney is a good resource to use if you or a loved one gets injured in a trucking accident. They act on behalf of injured individuals and surviving relatives of victims who lose their lives in these tragic accidents.