Large commercial trucks are only as safe as their parts and equipment. If a trucking company or owner/operator does not take proper care of a big rig, it can experience many problems and dangerous mechanical failures that may ultimately lead to a collision and subsequent Denver truck accident lawsuit. In this situation, the party responsible for the malfunctioning part can be held accountable.
A semi-truck contains thousands of moving parts that must all work properly for the truck to function safely and correctly. If any part of an 18-wheeler is permitted to fall into a state of disrepair, either from normal wear and tear or product defects, this could cause a truck accident.
Common types of truck mechanical failures involved in collisions are:
Mechanical failures contribute to a large number of traffic accidents in Colorado each year. Brake issues are the most common. Negligence, or someone’s failure to act with proper care, is often behind mechanical failure truck accidents.
The individual or entity that owns a large truck is responsible for truck maintenance. There are federal laws in place that impose truck maintenance standards and requirements that must be met by the owner. According to federal law, a motor carrier must “systematically inspect, repair and maintain all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) under its control.”
If a motor carrier fails to ensure that all truck parts and accessories are in safe and proper operating conditions at all times, this entity can be held liable, or legally and financially responsible, for a related truck accident in Colorado. Negligent truck maintenance may arise at a company that cuts corners to save time or money on truck inspections, maintenance or repairs.
It is also possible for a third party to face liability for a mechanical failure leading to a truck accident. For example, a Denver product liability lawsuit could be brought against the manufacturer of a defective truck part. If bad brakes or a defective tire caused the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the item could be held liable for design, production or marketing defects.
Proving that a mechanical failure caused your truck accident in Denver takes convincing evidence. Evidence may come in the form of documents, records, photographs or physical proof.
Common examples include:
Any proof of overdue repairs, skipped truck inspections, inadequate maintenance or part defects could serve as evidence to support a truck accident claim.
Handling a large truck accident case in Colorado that involves a suspected mechanical failure or part breakdown is easier and more effective with help from an experienced attorney. Hiring the right truck accident lawyer can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on healing from your injuries.
Meanwhile, your lawyer can investigate the crash, hire mechanical experts and gather strong evidence to prove liability based on a mechanical malfunction. Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your financial recovery. To learn more about a specific truck accident case in Denver, contact Fang Accident Lawyers for a free consultation.