Truck Accidents Caused By Brake Failure

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.