Mechanical failure is often the reason accidents occur involving big trucks. In fact, the Department of Transportation’s figures estimate that almost 30 percent of all big truck accidents were directly related to braking issues, whether it was brake failure, improperly adjusted or aligned brakes, or other braking issues. Learn what happens when a truck accident is caused by brake failure and how an Oklahoma truck accident lawyer can help.
Determining Fault
The biggest issue in getting compensation for any car accident is determining who’s at fault for the damages suffered. In a regular car accident, it’s usually one or the other driver, but trucking accidents tend to be far more complicated. This is because in addition to the driver, the trucking company, the cargo company, the parts manufacturers and a number of other parties could be all or partly responsible.
It gets worse. Because of this, the brake manufacturers could foster responsibility off onto the maintenance crew, who might insist that they did what the truck’s owner required. The owner of the trucking company might then claim that improper cargo loading was at fault. What can you possibly do?
Getting to the Bottom
The trick is to cut through the individual parties and insurance companies arguing over who is responsible, find out what actually caused the accident, and seek proper compensation. If, for example, the truck was not able to brake according to federal standards based on percentage of weight, the brake manufacturer could be held responsible for defects in the parts.
If the brakes were designed right, but depowered to save money or improperly adjusted based on maintenance records, or lack thereof, the trucking company could be at fault. Finally, if the load in the truck was not evenly distributed, the cargo company could be held responsible. All of this assumes that the failure wasn’t the result of driver error.
Conducting an Investigation
Discovering who holds responsibility in a trucking accident caused by brake failure can often require investigation and uncovering hidden truths. Everyone involved is going to do their best to avoid responsibility and even may try to strong arm you into signing papers that give away your right to compensation. You need someone in your corner who knows how to cut through the tape and get to the bottom of the issue.
Oklahoma Truck Accident Lawyer
If you find yourself facing injury from a truck accident where brake failure was the culprit, an Oklahoma truck accident lawyer is your best ally in the fight for compensation. Qualified accident attorneys know how to challenge the pass-the-buck and bullying tactics of insurance companies, and get you the full compensation to which you are entitled under the law.
Medical bills and recovery from a truck accident in Oklahoma can be expensive and stressful, and a qualified attorney will make sure that all of your rights are protected every step of the way. If you are in this situation, don’t wait. Call Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation and help today.
