Large commercial trucks are complex machines that travel thousands of miles across Texas every day. While many people attribute crashes to driver error, mechanical failures are often a silent and significant contributor.
A fully-loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under standard legal limits. When a single part fails on high-speed highways such as Interstate 10 or I-35, the consequences are often catastrophic.
According to federal data, equipment failures contribute to thousands of accidents every year. Wrecks caused by defective parts are more common than most motorists realize.
Degraded braking capability
In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 5,472 people died nationwide in crashes involving large trucks.
Brake-related issues are the most frequent mechanical factor in truck crashes. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) research indicates that brake-related issues were a contributing factor in 29% of large-truck accidents resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. Common defects include:
- Out-of-adjustment brakes
- Worn brake pads
- Overheated drums
Even minor wear can significantly increase the stopping distance of these 40-ton vehicles, making it nearly impossible, in some cases, for a driver to avoid a collision in heavy traffic.
Tire and wheel failure risks
Tires are the second most common type of equipment failure in crash investigations. A blowout at highway speeds can cause a truck driver to lose control. Common causes of these failures include:
- Under-inflation, causing heat buildup in the tire
- Retread separations
- Lack of routine safety inspections
Federal law requires truck drivers to perform a daily pre-trip inspection to ensure that parts, including tires, are in safe operating condition. Skipping these basic steps puts every driver on the road at risk.
Displaced cargo can create additional risks
A truck’s load can pose a physical danger if it is not properly secured. Cargo shifts are a significant mechanical hazard, after brake and tire issues. If a load moves suddenly, the truck’s center of gravity changes instantly, causing:
- Sudden jackknife accidents
- Rollovers during turns
- Loss of steering balance
An improperly secured load acts as a functional equipment failure, even if the truck’s engine is operating normally. These shifts often happen during sudden maneuvers or sharp curves.
Identifying liability in defective part crashes
Determining whether a crash resulted from a manufacturing defect or poor maintenance is complex. These cases often involve many liable parties, including trucking companies, cargo loaders and parts manufacturers.
Having skilled legal representation is essential to uncovering the truth, whether all parties adhered to rigid safety standards. Experienced truck accident attorneys are crucial for determining liability, accurately calculating fair compensation, and taking on deep-pocketed trucking companies and their expensive lawyers.