The braking systems on commercial trucks play a critical role in keeping these large vehicles operating as safely as possible. Truck drivers rely on their brakes to slow down or bring their vehicles to a stop, and sometimes, they need to brake very suddenly to avoid a hazard or prevent a collision.
Unfortunately, large trucks’ braking systems sometimes fail. When truck brake failure occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries or even fatalities – especially for occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash.
If you were hurt in an accident resulting from a truck’s brake failure, contact a truck accident attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer today to discuss your legal options in a free consultation. We have the Kentucky Courage needed to take on trucking companies and their insurers.
The Dangers of Truck Brake Failures
Truck brakes are complex systems, with many commercial trucks using air brakes instead of the hydraulic brakes found on passenger vehicles. Air brakes use compressed air to generate the force needed to stop the truck. However, various factors can lead to truck brake failure, including:
- Faulty parts – Defective brake components, such as air lines, brake chambers, or slack adjusters, can cause brake failure.
- Improper maintenance – Neglecting regular brake inspections and maintenance can lead to excessive wear and tear on components and potentially cause brake system failures.
- Overloading – Exceeding a truck’s weight limits puts excessive strain on the braking system, increasing the risk of failure.
- Driver error – Drivers can contribute to brake failure by neglecting to inspect their brakes and secure needed repairs or maintenance. Allowing the brakes to overheat by failing to gear down on steep grades can also lead to brake failure.
A truck with brake failure can become a runaway vehicle, leading to devastating consequences like:
- Loss of control and jack-knifing
- Collisions with multiple vehicles
- Severe injuries and fatalities
Who Could Be at Fault for a Truck Brake Failure Accident?
One of the most critical steps in a successful truck accident claim is identifying the responsible parties as soon as possible. To do so, a claimant must prove that an individual, business, or other entity was responsible for the collision in order to recover compensation.
Truck brake failure accidents could have multiple parties responsible for the resulting collision. Our Kentucky truck accident attorneys are ready to thoroughly investigate the crash to identify all the parties who are liable for your injuries.
Examples of potentially liable parties may include:
- Trucking company – The trucking company is responsible for ensuring its vehicles are properly maintained and safe to operate. Failure to adhere to maintenance schedules can contribute to brake failure accidents.
- Truck manufacturer – If a defect in the truck’s braking system contributed to the failure, the manufacturer could be liable.
- Third-party maintenance companies – If a mechanic or maintenance company improperly repaired or serviced the brakes, they could be held responsible for the accident.
- Truck driver – The truck driver may be responsible if their actions contributed to the brake failure, such as failing to conduct pre-trip inspections or driving aggressively.
Kentucky Laws on Commercial Vehicle Safety and Your Rights
Kentucky has specific laws and regulations governing commercial vehicle safety, including requirements that:
- Trucks must undergo regular inspections to meet safety standards
- Commercial truck drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Drivers must meet specific physical and training requirements
- Drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive to prevent fatigue-related accidents
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Kentucky, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel familiar with relevant state and federal laws. An experienced attorney at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer can help you understand your rights and guide you through your truck accident claim in Kentucky.
Compensation You Could Receive in a Truck Brake Failure Accident Claim
After truck brake failure causes an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost income due to your inability to work
- Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident
- Wrongful death compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other losses resulting from fatal collisions
Calculating compensation in a truck accident lawsuit can be complex and requires a thorough assessment of your injuries and losses. Our experienced Kentucky truck collision attorneys have the knowledge and resources to calculate your damages and fight for maximum compensation.
How Our Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Brake Failure Crash
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we have a proven track record of successfully handling truck accident cases in Kentucky. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and helping them obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experienced trial lawyers – The attorneys you see in our ads are the same ones who will handle your case. We are real lawyers who advertise, not advertisers who happen to have a law degree.
- Comprehensive legal services – We handle injury claims from all angles, including those involving workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability.
- Prompt service – We encourage you to speak with our lawyers early on in your case to protect your rights and help you make informed decisions.
- 24/7 availability – We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support.
- Free consultations – We offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Our team has a long and successful track record of recovering compensation for injured clients, including a $3.675 million award for a truck accident injury victim. We’re committed to client service and satisfaction. As one satisfied former client wrote:
“I have known Dan Yeast for 15 years now and he is my go to lawyer for any legal advice and representation! After being hit by a drunk driver, I found myself in a stressful legal battle. Thankfully with this law firm, I had a top notch lawyer that did the fighting for me. Dan goes above and beyond for his clients. He has a passion for helping and fighting for the rights of others, and it shows in his work. Dan is the best bull dog lawyer with a huge heart I have ever met. I highly recommend this law firm!” – Rosy World
Contact Us Now for a Free Consultation with Our Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck brake failure accident in Kentucky, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer now to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer at our firm. We stand ready to review your case, answer your questions, help you understand your legal options, and fight for the justice you deserve.
