Today’s commercial buses, trucks, and other large vehicles utilize brake systems that are highly complex. While most cars have hydraulic brake systems, heavy vehicles use air brakes that are capable of successfully slowing them and bringing them to a complete stop. These braking systems require specialized skill and knowledge to maintain. Given the significant amount of weight that these vehicles often carry, serious issues can arise when their brakes have not been properly maintained. The end result can be serious injury and death to the driver of the vehicle and others who are sharing the road.
The statistics regarding truck brake failure crashes make it clear that this is one of the most common causes of accidents caused by large trucks and other heavy vehicles. According to the FMCSA, brake problems play a key role in around 29% of all heavy vehicle accidents that occur on South Carolina’s roadways. This represents the single largest cause percentage of any leading factor related to large truck crashes.
If you have been injured in an accident that resulted from the failure of a heavy vehicle’s brakes, help is available. Our experienced Myrtle Beach truck brake failure accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm have years of experience litigating these types of cases. You can count on us to work hard to get you the compensation that you deserve for the injuries and monetary damages that you have sustained.
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Brake Failure?
The fact that large trucks and other heavy vehicles utilize complex air brake systems means that they require specialized personnel who can maintain them and keep them working at a peak level of performance. When truck air brake systems are improperly maintained and neglected by any party who is responsible for the vehicle’s performance, the end result is often a devastating accident.
There are many reasons why truck brakes may stop working adequately or fail entirely. They will often begin to degrade for months and even years before they actually fail. When these heavy truck brake systems do fail, the most common causes generally include:
- Inadequate brake system maintenance
- Improper maintenance
- Brake overheating
- Defective design
- Defective manufacturing
- Brake system overuse/misuse
- Brakes that are poorly adjusted
- Brake components that have become worn down
- Incorrect air pressure
- Pressurization system failures
Common Injuries Experienced as a Result of Brake Failure
Truck accidents that result from brake failures can result in devastating injuries and death. This is particularly the case in accidents where the truck was moving at a high speed. With this said, the most common injuries that lead to individuals seeking the services of our experienced Myrtle Beach truck brake failure accident lawyers at Jebaily Law Firm include:
- Bone fractures
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of a limb
- Severe burns
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
Types of Truck Accidents Associated With Brake Failures
When brakes fail on heavy trucks and other large vehicles, there is a higher likelihood of certain types of accidents occurring. The most common types of accidents that can be caused by truck brake failure include:
Speeding Collisions – Speeding collisions often occur when brakes fail and prevent a truck driver from being able to reduce their vehicle’s speed to within the posted limit.
Rear-End Accidents – These types of collisions often occur when a truck’s brakes fail and the driver cannot bring the vehicle to a complete stop before running into the rear of the vehicle that is in front of them.
Collisions in Intersections – Collisions in intersections often happen when a heavy truck’s brakes fail as the vehicle is approaching an upcoming intersection that they need to stop at.
Available Compensation For Semi-Truck Brake Failure Accidents
If you have been hurt in an accident that was the result of truck brake failure, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and monetary losses. The types of losses that you might be entitled to be compensated for include:
- Medical Expenses: These can include your hospital bills as well as things such as prescription and physical therapy costs, among others.
- Pain and Suffering: This can include any emotional and mental distress that you have suffered that has reduced your quality of life.
- Lost Earnings: It is common for those injured in truck brake accidents to suffer lost earnings due to being unable to return to work afterward.
- Property Damage: You may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of any personal property that was damaged in the truck brake accident.
Seeking the compensation that you are due because of injuries that were caused by a truck accident can often present a greater challenge than in cases where only another passenger vehicle was involved. Truck brake failure cases are often complicated because of the various types of evidence that must be submitted. This generally includes maintenance logs and other forms of documentation. Factors such as the seriousness of the injuries and the fact that multiple parties may be liable can further complicate the case. This is yet another compelling reason to avail of the services of our Myrtle Beach truck brake failure accident lawyers here at Jebaily Law Firm if you have been hurt.
How Our Myrtle Beach Truck Brake Failure Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Jebaily Law Firm, you can count on the knowledge and experience of our Myrtle Beach truck brake failure accident lawyers to come to your aid if you have been hurt due to the brake failure of a heavy truck. We have the dedication and resources required to independently investigate your accident, determine liability, and calculate the damages that you should be compensated for. Our team will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and will make use of every legal tool available to us to assist you in getting the total amount of compensation that you are due.
Contact our Myrtle Beach offices today to arrange your initial consultation. We look forward to making a difference for you in your legal case.
