What Are the Hidden Dangers of Mechanical Failures in Truck Accidents?

When a large commercial truck suffers a mechanical problem on the highway, the results can cause serious truck accidents, catastrophic car damage, and devastating injuries for any victims. These breakdowns are far more dangerous than they might seem. And if you suffered an injury because of them, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

What Makes Brake Failure the Deadliest Mechanical Issue?

When the brakes on a fully loaded tractor-trailer stop working properly, that error can quickly turn a truck weighing up to 40 tons into an unstoppable, moving hazard. If an out-of-control truck crashes into another vehicle, it can cause chain-reaction crashes, rollovers, or severe rear-end collisions.

Brake problems occur due to overused systems, worn parts, leaking air lines, or defective components. And because large trucks already need much more distance to stop than smaller vehicles do, even a minor reduction in braking ability can devastate any victims.

How Do Tire Blowouts Create Deadly Highway Scenarios?

A tire blowout on a commercial truck can cause the driver to lose control in an instant, causing the truck to swerve sharply, jackknife, or even roll over. Additionally, a blowout can send heavy chunks of tire scattering across the road, striking other cars, or making it difficult for other drivers to see and react in time.

Tire failures often happen because of underinflation, an overloaded truck carriage, poor maintenance, hazardous road conditions, or high speeds that generate too much heat and friction.

Why Are Steering System Failures Often Catastrophic?

If a truck’s steering system fails, there is little the driver can do to regain control. Steering problems can appear without warning and may be caused by pump breakdowns, leaking fluids, blocked hoses, contaminated steering fluid, or worn belts. When steering fails, a truck can drift into oncoming traffic, run off the road, or cause multi-vehicle collisions.

What Role Do Lighting System Failures Play in Truck Accidents?

If a truck’s headlights, taillights, brake lights, or turn signals do not work, other drivers cannot predict what the truck will do next—and on dark or poorly lit roads, a lighting failure can make the vehicle nearly invisible. Even one burned-out bulb can contribute to an accident because it affects both the truck driver’s visibility and the ability of others to see them.

How Do Transmission Failures Lead to Loss of Vehicle Control?

A failed transmission in a large truck can cause sudden loss of power, strange gear shifts, or total breakdown in the middle of traffic. Since these vehicles are designed to carry very heavy loads, overloading or skipping maintenance can push the transmission beyond its limits.

Why Are Coupling Device Failures Among the Most Dangerous Mechanical Issues?

When the coupling system that connects the truck to its trailer fails, a trailer that separates at highway speeds becomes an uncontrolled hazard, potentially barreling into traffic and causing extreme damage. These failures can happen because of too much weight, improper attachment, worn parts, or skipping regular inspections.

Contact the Experienced Swansea Truck Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm if You Are Seeking Compensation for Your Truck Crash-Related Injuries

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident caused by mechanical failure, get in touch with the Swansea truck accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm today. For a free consultation, call 618-277-3644 or contact us online. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we proudly serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.