Truck Accidents Caused by Defective Equipment

Truck accidents are not always caused by negligent driving. Poorly maintained trucks alone cause serious and deadly accidents every day. In fact, the Department of Transportation estimates that nearly 30% of all accidents are caused by problems with the truck's brakes.

If you have been injured in an accident, or if you have lost a loved one to a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation. A poorly maintained truck could be the reason for your accident.

In 2010, the Department of Transportation instituted a new Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program in order to further ensure the safety of large trucks on our nation's highways. All trucks must be CSA compliant, and a big part of that compliance is ensuring that trucks are properly maintained.

Braking, lighting, and tires should be three major components of a truck's maintenance schedule. Failed brakes, an unlit or poorly lit truck, or a busted tire could all cause accidents.

The new CSA program expects drivers to routinely check these major components before operating a truck. If a truck's CSA scores indicate recurrent problems with brakes, lights, or tires, someone could be held liable for negligence in the case of an accident that causes serious injury or death.

But who is held liable? The liability could lie with several parties:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver was responsible for routinely inspecting their rig but was negligent in doing so, then they may be responsible for your injuries.

• The trucking company: If the truck driver reported a problem to their trucking company but the trucking company didn't fix it, or if the trucking company was responsible for inspection and maintenance of a truck, then they may be liable for any accidents.

• The manufacturer of the parts: If brakes or other parts were properly maintained and inspected but failed because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be liable.

Chronic back problems, traumatic brain injury, serious disabilities are all long term problems that often occur in victims who are fortunate enough to survive collisions with large trucks. Physical and emotional maladies resulting from an accident deserve compensation for medical bills, lifestyle changes, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured by an accident with a truck, you should contact an attorney specializing in truck accidents as soon as possible in order to help you ensure adequate compensation for your injuries.