Losing a loved one in a truck accident is a devastating experience. While nothing can undo this tragedy, families deserve answers about what went wrong. Sometimes, mechanical defects are the root cause of deadly truck accidents. Commercial trucking safety regulations are meant to keep you safe, but there are some companies that fail to comply with such regulations.
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we have the skills and resources to uncover the truth of which parties are liable for your injuries. Truck defects are a common cause of fatal accidents in Nashville and throughout Tennessee. With our help, grieving families can hold trucking companies accountable for negligent maintenance practices and get the support they need to move forward.
Defective Braking Systems
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck brake problems are one of the most common vehicle-related factors in fatal crashes.
Truck braking systems are complex, with air lines, hoses, and other components that companies must inspect and maintain regularly. Common brake defects include:
- Brake fade. When brakes overheat from prolonged use, such as on long downgrades, they can lose effectiveness or fail altogether.
- Brake imbalance. If brakes are not adjusted properly, some will work harder than others, leading to uneven wear and potential failure.
- Air leaks. Trucks rely on compressed air to operate their brakes. Even a small leak in the air lines can significantly reduce braking power.
When brakes fail, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can take football fields to stop—often with devastating consequences. Trucking companies must ensure their fleet's braking systems are regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired by qualified technicians. Failing to do so puts lives at risk.
Defective Tires
Tire blowouts are another leading cause of fatal truck accidents. Tires are a truck's only point of contact with the road, making proper maintenance critical to ensure tires provide adequate friction for effective vehicle control. Common tire defects that can lead to blowouts include:
- Tread separation. When a tire's tread peels away from the casing, often due to manufacturing defects or improper repairs.
- Underinflation. Driving on underinflated tires causes excessive heat build-up, increasing the risk of failure.
- Overloading. Exceeding a tire's weight rating puts added strain on the rubber, leading to potentially deadly blowouts.
Even the most skilled truck driver can lose control when a tire fails at highway speeds. The resulting collisions are often catastrophic, especially for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Regular tire inspections and prompt replacement of worn or damaged tires are essential for preventing these devastating crashes.
Steering Defects
Imagine driving down I-40 when suddenly a tractor-trailer veers over the median and barrels straight toward you. Unfortunately, vehicles with steering defects may do just that.
Trucks rely on complex steering systems to maintain control, especially at highway speeds. Common steering defects include:
- Worn ball joints. As ball joints wear out, they can cause the steering to feel loose or fail completely.
- Power steering fluid leaks. A sudden loss of power steering fluid can make it nearly impossible to control a truck.
- Defective steering gears. Manufacturing defects or improper installation can cause steering gear malfunction.
Even a momentary loss of control can prove deadly. Trucking companies must conduct regular inspections for steering defects and repair any issues immediately. Failing to do so endangers everyone on the road.
Nashville Truck Accident Attorney Pete Olson Fights for Justice When Truck Defects Turn Deadly
If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, Pete Olson Injury Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to investigate even the most complex crash cases and uncover whether a trucking company failed to address a dangerous truck defect that caused your accident. We’ll help you determine who is really responsible for the truck crash that caused your injuries.
Our law firm has successfully resolved thousands of cases for injured Tennesseans and their families. We've recovered multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements that have made a real difference for people who are struggling to rebuild their lives.
There's no risk in contacting us after a tragedy. We handle cases on a contingent fee basis, so you won't owe us anything unless we secure compensation for you. Turn to us so we can fight to get your family the accountability and support you deserve.