Semi-Truck Brake Failure Causing Truck Accident
When Faulty Brakes Lead to Truck Accidents
Bad brakes in a large commercial truck present an immediate danger to all others on the road. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident caused by faulty brakes, the Nashville truck accident lawyers at Kinnard Law are here to stand up for your rights. We have more than 150 years of collective experience handling truck injury cases throughout Tennessee, and a proven record of success winning favorable settlements and jury awards for our clients.
Call us at (615) 933-2893 to schedule a free case review with our experienced brakeattorneys in Tennessee.
Determining the Cause of a Truck Accident
Bad brakes can significantly increase the stopping distance of a semi-truck, making it impossible for the trucker to stop in time to avoid accidents. Uneven brakes can cause trucks to overturn or jackknife, as one side of the truck stops more suddenly than the other. The braking systems in trucks are complex and require routine maintenance. Air brakes require sealed lines; a leak could result in failure.
Truck drivers are required to do a pre-trip inspection during which they inspect their truck for defects. When drivers fail to perform this inspection, brake defects can go unnoticed. In some cases, drivers will notice brake problems, but decide to go forth with the trip anyway to save money or time.
We have access to experts in truck brake maintenance we can call upon to inspect the brakes of a truck after an accident. We can also investigate the accident scene, looking at skid marks to determine whether or not uneven braking caused the truck to rollover or jackknife. Our seasoned truck accident attorneys in Nashville, TN will do everything in their power to help you build a successful case.
FMCSA Inspection, Repair & Maintenance Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s guidelines for inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are outlined in § 396.3. It requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under its control. It also dictates that truck parts and accessories, like brakes, must be in safe and proper operating condition at all times. Trucking companies not only have to do this, but must also keep a record of it for at least one year.
Not only do the brakes have to be maintained and inspected regularly, but the brakes also must be evaluated by a qualified brake inspector, per § 396.25. Semi truck accidents caused by brake failure where the carrier failed to adhere to these regulations could place liability for the crash on the trucking company.
Call Our Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you are interested in discussing your options with Kinnard Law, please contact our office today. Initial consultations are free and confidential, so you would have nothing to lose by seeking our help after a serious trucking accident. Having tried hundreds of cases, our firm has already recovered millions of dollars for injuries victims in Tennessee.
Request your free consultation by calling (615) 933-2893.
Verdicts & Settlements
Unmatched Dedication Has Led to Record-Setting Victories-
Personal Injury - Erin Andrews Lawsuit Against Hotel $55 Million
-
Medical Malpractice - 62 Year Old Woman $22.2 Million
-
Medical Malpractice - Largest Verdict in Weakley County History $15.2 Million
-
Medical Malpractice - Davidson County $6.5 Million
-
Wrongful Death of 22 Month Old $5 Million
-
Golf Cart Accident $4.4 Million
-
Medical Malpractice - 24 Year Old College Student $4 Million
-
Wrongful Death - Tractor-Trailer Wreck $3.25 Million
-
Wrongful Death - 16 Year Old Boy $3 Million
-
Auto Accident - Rutherford County $3 Million
Client Testimonials
Helping the Injured Obtain Justice
-
Integrity, above and beyond
“From a choice in the Yellow Pages to Success. This Law Firm has proven itself as absolutely professional, goal oriented, kind and compassionate in the past several years during my case. Mutual trust ...”
- H.W. -
In the hardest two years of my life, you provided the utmost trust, comfort, and support.
“Thank you Randy, Jennifer, and Cynthia so much for not only helping me get through what has been the hardest time of my life, but for always providing grace, trust, and a sense of comfort for what ...”
- T.H. -
We are very grateful.
“Our case was not easy. Many law firms would not be willing to get involved with a case this complicated and time-consuming. What Kinnard Law achieved on account of conquering numerous hurdles was ...”
- E.I. -
Great staff.
“I had the pleasure of working with a few different Kinnard Law lawyers after a personal injury. The process in its entirety took a couple years - which is longer than I anticipated, but also news to ...”
- J. -
100% Best Lawyers Around
“You have all been so kind and loving to our family! We appreciate all the hard work and dedication you all put in for our case.”
- J.S.
Awards & Accolades
Highly Respected in the Legal Community-
The Inner Circle of Advocates
Randall Kinnard is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious invite-only group comprised of the top 100 plaintiffs’ trial lawyers in the United States.
-
Best Lawyers
Randall Kinnard (since 1993),
Mary Ellen Morris (since 2017),
and Jennifer Eberle (since 2022)
have all been recognized for their legal skill and achievements. -
Best Law Firms
The firm has received the prestigious “Best Law Firms” rating in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, Product Liability Litigation and Health Care Litigation.
-
American Board of Trial Advocates
Attorney Randall Kinnard is a member of ABOTA, a nationwide organization of lawyers who care passionately about the trial system in the United States.
-
American College of Trial Lawyers
Randall Kinnard is an inducted member of the ACTL, one of North America’s premier trial organizations comprised of less than 1% of all lawyers in each state.
-
International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Randall Kinnard is a member of the invitation-only International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is limited to 500 trial lawyers in the United States.
-
Litigation Counsel of America
Randall Kinnard is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invite-only honorary society comprised of less than .5% of all U.S. lawyers.
-
Randall Kinnard - Product Liability
Attorney Randall Kinnard was named the 2019 Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Nashville, TN.
-
Super Laywers
Randall Kinnard has been voted to TN Super Lawyers®. This organization recognizes the top 5% of attorneys in their practice area.
-
AV Preeminent Rating
Randall Kinnard and Mary Ellen Morris have received the highest rating for legal excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
-
40 Under 40
Our attorneys have been voted by their peers to the "Top 40 under 40" Trial Lawyers list, as awarded by The National Trial Lawyers organization.
-
Best 150 Lawyers
Our firm’s trial attorneys have been recognized among the state’s leading legal minds, and named by Business TN Magazine to its coveted “150 Best Lawyers in Tennessee” list.
-
Best of the Bar 2023
Our attorneys have been named as 2023 “Best of the Bar” by Nashville Business Journal.
