Most of us will agree that large commercial vehicles must install brakes that can stop them within reasonable distances. Unfortunately, the results of the 2017 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety Day indicate critical brake violations in a significant percentage of trucks on the road, putting motorists at risk. Specifically, brake-related violations placed 14 percent of the 7,698 inspected vehicles out of service on Brake Safety Day.
Truckers and Trucking Companies Have a Duty to Maintain their Vehicles
The parties that operate large commercial vehicles have a duty to maintain them in safe, operable conditions. Unfortunately, they all too frequently fail in this duty, and as a result, every year they injure thousands of people in accidents. Brakes, of course, are not the only truck parts whose failure could result in serious accidents. Other components necessary for safe truck operations include:
- Coupling devices
- Headlights and taillights
- Trailer lights
- Windshield wipers
- Tires
- Steering mechanisms
- Cruise control systems
- Turn signals
You May Hold Manufacturers Liable for Accidents Caused by Faulty Truck Equipment
While truckers and trucking companies have a duty to maintain their vehicles in good working order, in some instances the equipment itself was designed, manufactured, or marketed in such a way as to make it inherently dangerous. In these cases, victims may hold the truck or truck equipment manufacturer liable for their losses.
Identifying Faulty Brakes or Other Equipment Can Require Significant Investigation
Accident victims don’t always have the experience to know when faulty brakes or other vehicle defects resulted in their accidents. For this reason, every truck accident victim should review the case with an attorney. A lawyer will analyze the way in which the accident took place, determine whether to conduct an additional investigation and compel the production of evidence through a legal process known as discovery. Evidence that may prove relevant to truck accident cases includes:
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Onboard computer data
- Eyewitness accounts of vehicle maintenance practices
- The opinion of accident reconstruction experts
Speak With an Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney Today
Accidents involving commercial trucks like 18-wheelers, semis, and tanker trucks can leave victims with extremely serious injuries, many of which could damage their lives for months or even years. At the Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC, we work hard to help truck accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and are not afraid to stand up to large trucking insurance companies. For a free case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, call our office today at (317) 636-0808 or send us an email through our online contact form.