Phoenix Truck Equipment Failure Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix Arizona Since 1996
Truck Defect Accidents & Equipment Failure
As a driver, you know it's important to keep your car in good condition to protect yourself, your children and other motorists. While you may assume that all other car and truck drivers you encounter on the road are following these same responsible practices, that isn't always the case. A large number of truck accidents are due to equipment failures.
Types of Truck Defects
Any truck component or system can break down or be defective, but some types of truck equipment failure are more common than others are. They include:
- Missing or defective lights: This type of equipment failure can refer to dim or faulty headlights, taillights or side safety lights. If warning lights are not used when a truck pulls onto the side of the road or breaks down, this is also considered an equipment failure. Motorists rely on a truck's lighting to avoid collisions. When the proper lighting is not present, accidents can result.
- Missing or defective mirrors: Because of the size of trucks, drivers need special mirrors to view other motorists who may be alongside the truck. Without these, trucks have huge blind spots, which can easily translate into catastrophic accidents.
- Tire failures: These can include blowouts and tire tread separations. Tire failure is often due to the use of retreads and/or not properly inspecting tires.
- Brake failure: This can be due to inadequate maintenance and can result in rear end collisions if the truck is unable to stop or stops suddenly.
Causes of Equipment Failure
Unfortunately, financial considerations are often the root cause of truck equipment failure. As a business, a trucking company wants to make as much money as possible. Some unscrupulous companies may fail to perform the regular maintenance necessary to keep big rigs safe, or they may dispatch trucks that have known mechanical problems. Drivers can also play a role. They may fail to report known mechanical problems if they know informing the company about them will result in delays or cancelled jobs.
Who Should Be Held Accountable for Truck Accidents Involving Equipment Failure?
When equipment failures cause accidents, it is crucial that the driver and/or the company be held accountable, particularly if the failure was due to gross negligence or disregard for standard safety procedures and state or federal laws. When there is an Arizona truck defect accident of this type, the driver and the trucking company will have a team of investigators and legal representatives on their side, and the accident victim should ensure they do, too. Phoenix truck accident attorneys Mark & Alexis Breyer can take the facts in your serious injury case and help determine who was at fault, what level of compensation the accident victim should receive, and whether the circumstances of the case may warrant punitive damages. Contact us today for a free evaluation.
Please visit our Phoenix Truck Accident Website for more information
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