The sound of screeching brakes. A heavy thud. Then silence. For those involved, a truck accident happens in seconds—but the consequences can last a lifetime. While most people assume driver error is to blame, what if the cause lies deeper beneath the surface—hidden in the machinery itself?
Mechanical failures, from faulty brakes to tire blowouts, are a silent but deadly factor in many truck accidents. And when they strike, determining who’s at fault isn’t always straightforward. In such cases, uncovering the truth—and holding the right party accountable—can feel like navigating a maze.
That’s where a trusted truck accident lawyer at DFW Injury Lawyers becomes essential. With their expertise, victims can uncover what really went wrong and pursue the justice they deserve. Read on to learn how liability is determined when mechanical errors play a role in devastating truck accidents—and what you need to know if you or a loved one has been affected.
What Mechanical Errors Commonly Cause Truck Accidents?
Trucks are complex machines that demand regular maintenance and inspection. When a mechanical component fails, the consequences can be catastrophic due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Some of the most common mechanical failures that lead to accidents include:
- Brake failures: Trucks rely on a specialized air brake system, and any defect—whether from wear, improper maintenance, or manufacturing flaws—can reduce stopping power and lead to high-speed collisions.
- Tire blowouts: Worn or underinflated tires are especially dangerous on large trucks. A sudden blowout at highway speeds can cause the driver to lose control.
- Steering system malfunctions: Faulty steering can prevent a driver from maneuvering the truck, especially when trying to avoid obstacles or navigate curves.
- Lighting and signal failures: Broken tail lights or turn signals can prevent other drivers from anticipating a truck’s movements, raising the risk of rear-end and lane-change accidents.
- Transmission and engine issues: If a truck stalls in traffic due to engine failure or gear malfunction, it can become a deadly obstacle, especially on fast-moving roads.
Each of these issues may point to different responsible parties, which brings us to the heart of the matter—liability.
Who Is Liable When a Mechanical Failure Causes a Truck Accident?
When an accident is caused by mechanical failure, determining liability isn’t always cut and dry. Several parties may be held responsible depending on the nature of the defect, including:
1. The Trucking Company
Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), specifically 49 CFR § 396, commercial vehicle carriers are required to perform routine inspections, maintenance, and repairs. If a trucking company fails to follow these guidelines and a mechanical issue contributes to an accident, the company may be found liable for negligence.
For example, if maintenance records show that brake pads were worn beyond safe limits but no action was taken, the company can be held accountable for knowingly allowing an unsafe vehicle on the road.
2. The Truck Driver
Drivers are required to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects found during operation. If a driver ignores warning signs—such as reduced braking power or odd tire vibrations—and continues to operate the vehicle, they may share in the liability.
In some cases, failure to report or address an issue could even rise to the level of gross negligence, especially if the issue was obvious and easily preventable.
3. The Maintenance Contractor
If a third-party contractor was hired to inspect or repair the truck and failed to identify or fix a dangerous defect, they could be held liable for professional negligence. This is especially true if the issue in question—say, worn brake lines—was missed despite clear signs during a routine inspection.
4. The Manufacturer
Sometimes, mechanical failure can be traced back to a defect in the manufacturing process. This could involve defective parts such as tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms. In these cases, the vehicle or part manufacturer could be held liable under product liability law.
Product liability claims can be based on:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Failure to warn (marketing defects)
These claims often require expert analysis and extensive documentation to prove that the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control.
Why Liability Matters in These Cases
Assigning liability in truck accidents involving mechanical failure is not just about pointing fingers—it’s crucial for securing compensation. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, property damage, and long-term emotional trauma. Knowing who’s responsible ensures that the right insurance policies and legal avenues are pursued.
Moreover, truck accident cases often involve multiple insurance carriers and high policy limits. This complexity increases the likelihood of securing a meaningful settlement or court award if the case is handled correctly.
Final Thoughts
Mechanical errors in trucks often happen behind the scenes—unseen by drivers and unnoticed by other motorists until it’s too late. But with the help of experienced professionals and a clear understanding of the laws at play, the truth can come to light, and justice can be pursued.
Understanding how and why these failures occur is the first step toward prevention—and recovery.
