Worn Out Brakes Can Cause Serious Commercial Accidents
Truckers and trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicle is well-maintained and roadworthy. An unsafe truck puts innocent people at serious risks. Notably, worn-out brakes are one of the most common truck defects. Within this article, our West Palm Beach tractor trailer accident attorney discusses the dangers of worn out brakes.
Large Commercial Trucks Require Additional Stopping Distance
A commercial truck in Florida can weigh up to 40 tons. They dwarf the size of passenger vehicles. Given their size, large commercial trucks require far more distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles. Indeed, a fully loaded eighteen-wheeler traveling at highway speeds can need up to 200 yards—or more—to safely stop. If the brakes are worn out or poorly maintained, that stopping distance increases even more. That puts everyone on the road at risk. Trucks may be unable to avoid collisions in time—especially in an emergency. Even a few extra feet of stopping distance could be the difference between a safe stop and a catastrophic wreck.
Trucking Companies Can Be Held Liable for Crashes Caused By Poor Maintenance
Trucking companies have a legal duty to maintain their fleet. They must ensure that their truck is in a safe operating condition. Among other things, that includes performing routine brake inspections and conducting any necessary repairs. When they neglect that core responsibility, they can be held liable for a resulting wreck. A key point to note is that federal regulations require commercial vehicles to meet strict safety standards. Noncompliance may be considered negligence. If a crash occurs and worn-out brakes are found to be a contributing factor, victims may have a strong legal claim against the trucking company.
Note: Florida is a no-fault state for truck accidents. Your initial claim is through your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy even if the truck company is responsible for the crash. However, if you suffered a serious injury in the crash, you can bring a fault-based claim.
Truck Accident Victims in Florida Have the Right to Seek Financial Compensation
Hurt in a semi-truck accident in Florida? You may have a fault-based claim if you suffered a serious injury in the collision. If that crash was caused, at least in part, by the trucking company’s failure to conduct adequate brake maintenance, you may be able to hold them liable for the full extent of your damages. Along with other types of compensation, victims may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning potential;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Disability of physical disfigurement;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Schedule a Free Case Review With a Top West Palm Beach Truck Accident Attorney
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach, FL truck accident lawyers are standing by, ready to fight for your rights and your interests. If you or your family member was hurt in a crash caused by a truck’s worn out brakes, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. We represent truck accident victims in West Palm Beach and all across South Florida.
