Truck accident in Kansas City: Mechanical failure

Our Kansas City truck accident lawyers explain the role of mechanical failure in truck accidents

If you were involved in a truck accident caused by a mechanical failure, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone. Many people find themselves in this difficult situation, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Peterson & Associates in Kansas City are here to help you figure out what may have caused the accident, who may have been responsible, and how you can take steps to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

How mechanical failures contribute to truck accidents

Truck accidents can have long-term consequences, and mechanical failures are often a major factor. These failures can occur in various critical components of a commercial vehicle and lead to dangerous situations on the road. Here are some ways mechanical problems can lead to accidents:

• Brake failure. The braking system is crucial on large and heavy vehicles such as trucks. If the brakes malfunction, drivers may not be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid collisions. This is especially dangerous on highways or in areas with heavy traffic.
• Malfunctions of the steering system. A truck’s steering system is critical to maintaining control, and if it fails, the driver may not be able to maneuver the vehicle properly, which could cause it to veer into other lanes or go off the road entirely.
• tire blowout. Sudden tire blowouts can cause a truck to swerve unpredictably or even skid. This poses a significant danger to nearby vehicles and can lead to pile-ups.
• Engine failures. Although engine failures are rare, they can cause the truck to stop unexpectedly, creating dangerous situations on busy roads or highways.
• Transmission problems. Problems with a truck’s transmission can cause sudden loss of power or unexpected acceleration, which can lead to accidents.
• Defective lights or signals. A malfunction of the lights or indicators can make it difficult for other drivers to predict a truck’s movements, especially at night or in bad weather conditions.

Evidence of mechanical failure in a truck accident

Determining whether a mechanical failure caused or contributed to a truck accident requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering. Mechanical failures can be caused by things like:

• Document the accident scene, including skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle positions.
• Examination of the truck by qualified experts to uncover mechanical problems that may have contributed to the accident.
• Check the truck’s maintenance history to uncover neglected repairs or inadequate maintenance.
• Collecting black box data to obtain information about truck operations prior to the accident.
• Obtain statements from other drivers or bystanders to confirm any mechanical problems observed before or during the accident.

Which parties could be held liable for mechanical failures?

In truck accidents involving mechanical failures, several parties may be held responsible. These include:

• carrier if they have not properly maintained the vehicle or ignored known mechanical problems.
• Truck driver if they failed to report mechanical problems or perform required pre-trip inspections.
• Maintenance service provider if they have carried out inadequate repairs or failed to identify critical problems during inspections.
• Parts manufacturer whether a defective part contributed to the mechanical failure.
• Truck manufacturer in cases where design errors have led to the mechanical problem.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all motor carriers to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. This includes ensuring that all parts and accessories are always in safe and proper working order. The FMCSA requires that maintaining vehicles in safe operating condition must be part of a regular maintenance regimen. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the negligent party being held liable for accidents or damage that occur due to improper vehicle maintenance.

Steps after a truck accident

If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a mechanical failure, consider taking the following steps to protect your rights and seek compensation:

• Seek medical attention and make your health your top priority. Seeking medical attention promptly will document your injuries and can be used to support your claim for compensation.
• If possible, document the accident scene with photos and videos, including vehicle damage, skid marks, other vehicles, and road conditions. You should also collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
• Call 911 and report the accident to authorities. File a police report and obtain a copy for your records to use as evidence.
• Avoid statements that could be interpreted as an admission of responsibility for the accident.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible. A truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and gather evidence, including testimony from expert witnesses. They can help you file claims with insurance companies, and if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can help you file a lawsuit for compensation.

At Peterson & Associates, we have the experience and dedication needed to effectively handle your Kansas City truck accident compensation claim. Our proven track record includes obtaining favorable settlements for our clients in a variety of truck accident cases. Specifically, we have obtained successful truck accident settlements in the $15 million and $700,000 range. Our team is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve and will ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Our clients can attest to our commitment to maximizing the value of their claims and obtaining the best possible settlement for their cases. Our client Blaine says, “Peterson & Associates is a top-notch law firm. I was seriously injured in a car accident and my attorney, Kevin Young, was with me from the moment I contacted them until my case was settled. He is the most professional attorney I have ever had. He stayed in touch throughout my entire case and kept me updated on its progress. I am so grateful for his hard work and the result he obtained for me exceeded my expectations.”