Joliet Improper Truck Maintenance Accident Attorney

Attorneys Assisting With Accidents Caused by Improper Maintenance

When a commercial truck driver is responsible for a motor vehicle accident, the results can be terrible. Passenger cars are not built to withstand a significant impact from such a massive vehicle. Often, the cause of a truck accident is some form of driver negligence, like distracted driving. However, even the most skilled truck driver in the world may not be able to prevent a crash if some component on their truck fails. Losing steering or braking ability can result in a collision as the driver loses control of their truck. It is usually the responsibility of the company the truck driver works for to maintain their fleet in good condition. Failing to do so can be considered negligence on their part, and the company may be liable for accidents that occur as a result of their failure.

Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC has the investigative and legal skills needed to hold these careless trucking companies accountable for the harm they cause. It often takes an intensive investigation to find evidence that a mechanical failure was the cause of an accident. These cases can be quite complex, requiring significant physical evidence to prove what happened. Our attorneys will do everything we can to ensure that the party responsible for your injuries will be forced to pay for your damages - medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. We suggest calling us as soon as possible after a truck accident so that we can begin investigating the scene of the accident while we are still likely to find physical evidence like tire tracks and debris.

How Negligent Maintenance Can Lead to Accidents

There are a few necessary mechanical components that are prone to causing accidents when they fail. Truck companies know that if they do not properly maintain their fleets, accidents are likely to occur, and people may suffer serious or catastrophic injuries. Common malfunctions that can cause serious semi-truck accidents include:

• Brake failure - Brakes must be carefully maintained. When brakes do not work properly, a truck driver may be unable to stop, and they will likely collide with anyone who happens to be ahead of them.
• Tire blowouts - It is critically important for truck companies to ensure that the tires on their trucks are in good condition, with appropriate treads and proper inflation. Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control immediately and abruptly, often causing the truck to jackknife. Pile-ups can occur in these situations.
• Steering column failure - When a truck driver loses the ability to steer, their only option is to brake. Braking may not be enough if the driver was going around a curve. The truck may also uncontrollably drift out of its lane, sideswiping other vehicles.
• Trailer coupling disconnections - It is important to routinely check to make sure that the equipment used to connect the truck to the trailer is in strong working condition. When a trailer disconnects from the truck hauling it, serious accidents can occur.
• Stuck accelerators - A truck driver's gas pedal may become stuck in the depressed position, causing the truck to accelerate out of control, putting everyone ahead of the truck in danger.

If you have been injured in a truck accident in which mechanical failures were a factor, we may be able to help you recover expenses like current and future medical costs, lost wages now and in the future, and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.

Contact a Will County Improper Truck Maintenance Lawyer

If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident that may have been caused by improper maintenance, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC can help. We will strive to prove your case and recover the highest possible amount of compensation. We work on contingency fees, so there is no cost to you unless we recover compensation for you. To begin with a free consultation, please contact us at 815-730-1977.