Truck Accidents Caused by Brake Failure in Greeneville

The term “18-wheeler” is not figurative – that is indeed how many wheels most tractor-trailers have. When the brakes on even one of those 18 wheels fail, the result can be a catastrophic accident. If you were injured in an accident involving any kind of commercial truck with faulty brakes, you could be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. You should not bear the burden of someone else’s negligence.

At The Terry Law Firm, our legal team is dedicated to seeking justice for injury victims in Greeneville and throughout East Tennessee. Since 1960, our law firm has advocated for the rights of people harmed in accidents, and we’ve helped them pursue the compensation they deserve.

Contact our brake failure truck accident lawyers in Greeneville today to discuss your situation in a free consultation.

Why Do Truck Brakes Fail?

The brakes in commercial trucks can fail for numerous reasons, as they are made up of many component parts, each of which must function correctly for the system to work. If any part of the system fails, an accident could occur.

The most common causes of brake failure include the following:

Inadequate maintenance – Truck owners and operators must maintain the braking systems of their vehicles through regular inspections and maintenance. Inadequate maintenance can lead to faulty or worn-out brakes.
Imbalanced brakes – The brakes on tractor-trailers must work in concert to bring the truck and its cargo to a complete stop. If the brakes on a trailer don’t function with the tractor brakes, the truck driver can lose control of the vehicle and crash.
Overloaded cargo – Commercial trucks must not exceed weights designated by federal and state laws. Loading too much cargo on a trailer puts stress on the braking system that can lead to brake fade or failure.
Defects – Manufacturers must design and assemble brakes to meet federal quality and safety standards. Defective brakes might fail suddenly while a truck is on the road, leading to an accident.
Improper braking – Inexperienced truckers might not know how to brake correctly. Stopping or slowing down a commercial truck isn’t the same as stopping or slowing down a passenger car. Brakes are less effective if they are not used correctly.
Overheating brakes – Slamming on the brakes or applying too much pressure causes significant wear and tear. Brakes can overheat quickly from overapplication and repeated use.

Common Types of Crashes Due to Brake Failure

Multiple types of truck accidents can result from brake failure. Some of the most common include:

Override accidents – An override accident occurs when the front of a truck crashes into the back of a smaller vehicle and runs over the top of it. Failing brakes often contribute to this type of crash, particularly if a truck driver tailgates the traffic ahead of the tractor-trailer.
Rear-end collisions – Tailgating can also lead to rear-end collisions if drivers cannot stop in time. Furthermore, safe following distances increase dramatically when the brakes are not operating as they should.
Jackknife accidents – A truck jackknifes when the tractor and trailer swing toward each other as the tires slide along the road. Slamming on the brakes can lead to jackknife accidents due to the sudden change in momentum between the truck’s component parts.
T-bone accidents – Failing brakes may prevent a truck driver from stopping at an intersection when necessary. Their truck might slam into a car already in the intersection, causing wreckage in the shape of a T-bone steak.
Rollover accidents – When the brakes on a large truck fail, oversteering or overcorrecting to avoid an accident can cause the truck to tip onto its side.

Who Is Liable for Crashes Due to Truck Brake Failure?

The truck driver is not the only party who can be responsible for a crash due to brake failure. Several parties might be at fault if their actions contributed to the brake failure, including the following:

Truck driver
Cargo loading company
Brake manufacturer
Owner of the tractor or trailer
Maintenance and repair shops
Motor carriers

Truck Brake Regulations in Tennessee

State law requires every trailer and semitrailer with a gross weight of at least 3,000 pounds operating on a highway to have adequate brakes allowing the driver to control or stop and hold the truck. The design and connection of the brakes must also allow the automatic application of the brakes if a towed vehicle breaks away accidentally.

According to federal regulations, every commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must have adequate brakes to stop and hold the truck. The brakes must act on every wheel on the CMV. Every applicable truck must also meet parking, service, and emergency brake systems requirements.

How Our Lawyers Help Victims of Truck Crashes Related to Brake Problems

A Greeneville brake failure accident lawyer from The Terry Law Firm can help if you were injured in a truck crash related to brake problems. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle even the most complex cases.

We can investigate the truck accident to determine the cause of the brake failure and who is responsible for it, so we can hold that party accountable. Our team can also identify all possible sources of compensation to help you pursue the full financial relief you need. We are prepared to complete every step of the process on your behalf while you focus on treating your injuries and rebuilding your life.

Contact Our Greeneville Truck Accident Lawyers

The consequences of sudden truck brake failure can be devastating, causing serious crashes, severe injuries, and even fatalities. If you were hurt in a brake failure truck accident in Greeneville or elsewhere in East Tennessee, you could be entitled to significant compensation. The Terry Law Firm wants to help you demand it.

We are ready to provide you with the compassionate representation and personalized service you deserve during this difficult time. We strongly believe you should not be left to pay for the consequences of someone else’s mistake.

Contact our Greeneville truck accident lawyers today to get started with a free initial case review.

Truck Accidents

How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?

When you file a truck accident claim, you may be able to recover compensation for various expenses and losses you incurred due to the crash. Your case may provide you with financial recovery for your:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Lost income
Lost future earning potential and job benefits
Pain and suffering
Lost enjoyment or quality of life
Vehicle repairs or reimbursement of your car’s value

Should I Call the Police After My Truck Accident?

Yes, it’s crucial to call the police at the scene of a truck accident. The police can investigate the crash scene, gather information from the truck driver and other motorists and eyewitnesses, and prepare an accident report. Police crash reports often provide critical information for truck accident claims.

What Else Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

Other steps you should take at the crash scene include:

Check on everyone involved in the accident to see if anyone requires immediate medical attention.
Move your vehicle out of the path of traffic if possible, or walk to the side of the road if your car has been disabled.
Get the truck driver’s employer and insurance information and insurance information from any other drivers involved in the crash.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, visible injuries you suffered, skid marks on the road, and traffic controls at the scene.
Talk to eyewitnesses to obtain a brief statement of what they saw and their contact information.

Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident?

In most cases, the insurer of the at-fault truck driver or the trucking company that employed the driver will pay you compensation for your truck accident claim if they are found liable. Other parties may also have liability for the accident, including:

The truck’s owner
The cargo company
The truck and trailer manufacturer
Manufacturers of parts used on the truck
Third-party auto shops that serviced the truck

Do I Need a Lawyer to Help After a Truck Accident?

You should contact a truck accident attorney immediately after a truck accident. A lawyer will know what it takes to thoroughly investigate the accident and prepare a compelling, persuasive legal claim. A lawyer can also document your injuries and losses and estimate future expenses to ensure you seek total compensation. Your attorney can also deal with trucking company representatives, insurance adjusters, defense lawyers, or bill collectors on your behalf so you can focus on healing.

Are There Special Laws That Apply in Truck Accident Cases?

Although liability for the truck accident is determined under traditional state negligence laws, other laws – such as state and federal trucking industry regulations – may affect the outcome of your case. For example, a truck driver’s violation of the federal or state hours-of-service regulations may serve as evidence that they were too tired to drive safely. Speak with your attorney to learn more about the laws that apply in your case.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complex?

Here are some factors that make truck accident cases more complicated than other kinds of auto accident claims:

Truck accident victims often suffer more severe injuries that require longer, more expensive medical care.
Truck accidents can injure more people than other types of crashes.
Truck accidents may have multiple liable parties who will fight with each other to shift financial responsibility among themselves.
Truck accident claims may involve lots of complex evidence.
Trucking companies may have complicated corporate structures or layered insurance policies that make it difficult to determine the extent of financial assets available to the company.