Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Failure: Understanding Your Legal Rights
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, you understand the physical and emotional toll it can take. Not only are you facing the prospect of mounting medical bills and lost wages, but you are also likely uncertain about the next steps to take. However, our experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates are here to guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
How Mechanical Issues Can Lead to Accidents
Truck accidents can have serious and long-lasting consequences, and mechanical failures are often a significant contributing factor. These failures can occur in various critical components of a commercial truck, including:
- Brakes
- Steering system
- Tires
- Suspension system
- Transmission system
When these components fail, they can lead to dangerous situations on the road. For example, a brake failure can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over, while a tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. Establishing that a mechanical failure caused or contributed to a truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering.
Determining the Cause of a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, there are several parties that may be held responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
- The mechanic responsible for inspecting or repairing the truck
In addition to these parties, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that all motor carriers regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. This includes ensuring that every part and accessory is always in safe and proper condition. The FMCSA requires that maintaining vehicles in safe operating condition must be part of a regular maintenance system. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in the negligent party being held accountable for any accidents or damages that occur due to improper vehicle maintenance.
Some ways mechanical failure is determined as the cause of an accident are:
- Reviewing maintenance records and inspection reports
- Conducting a thorough examination of the accident scene and the vehicles involved
- Examining the damaged vehicle parts and conducting testing if necessary
- Interviewing witnesses and obtaining expert testimony
Protecting Your Legal Rights and Seeking Compensation
If you have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by mechanical failure, it is important to take steps to protect your legal rights and seek compensation. Some of the measures you can take include:
- Seeking medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible
- Contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer
- Gathering evidence, including photos, witness statements, and medical records
- Not discussing the accident with anyone other than your lawyer or the police
- Avoiding settlement agreements or signing any documents without consulting your lawyer
At Peterson & Associates, we possess the experience and dedication necessary to effectively handle your Kansas City truck accident claim. Our proven results include securing favorable settlements for our clients in various trucking accident cases. Notably, we have achieved successful truck accident settlements of $15 million and $700,000. Our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
If you are injured and looking for legal counsel you can count on, complete our contact form to request a FREE consultation, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your case.
Related Topics:
- Truck Accident Lawyer
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Personal Injury Claims
- Product Liability
- FMCSA Regulations
Originally Post From https://www.petersonlawfirm.com/faqs/truck-accident-mechanical-failure.cfm
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