Keeping a truck properly maintained is a federally mandated requirement.
Brakes in particular need to be inspected regularly and repaired. Faulty brakes are the cause of many truck accidents, and because of the weight of commercial vehicles combined with the high speeds they often travel at, these accidents cause injury that is much more severe than those seen in a passenger car collision.
Understanding a Truck’s Brake System
It can take a fully loaded semi over 300 feet to come to a complete stop. If the trucks brake system is faulty in any way, that amount can increase dramatically. In accidents that involve a truck where brake failure is the suspected cause, you should always consult with a Missouri truck accident attorney first before any conversations with insurance adjustors. Truck accident claims are not the same as a car accident claim. There are many different variables to consider. For instance, laws state that the driver and the trucking company are responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle. So ultimately who is liable for your accident? An attorney can help you make that decision.
Truck Accident Lawsuits
A Kansas City family was hit by a cement truck as the mother drove their van into an intersection. Not only was the driver of the truck speeding, but his brakes were not working properly causing him to not be able to stop in time. In an instance such as this the Missouri truck accident lawyer not only investigated the driver and the condition of his truck, but also the hauling company that had employed him. They found that the company had not looked into the driver’s record or inspected his truck before hiring him. With this information they were able to settle the claim for $444,000 before it went to court.
Thanks to the Federal laws governing commercial vehicles and their drivers, a Missouri truck accident attorney should be able to assess almost immediately whether or not faulty brakes played a role in your collision. Drivers are required to keep a log of all service inspections and repairs to the vehicle and the company that employs them is duty bound to see to it that the law is followed. The log kept by the driver can be presented as evidence that the trucks brake system was not in proper working condition. Absence of a log or record of regular inspection is equally damaging evidence against the defense.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
For the massive weight and size of the vehicles they drive, truck drivers have a responsibility to ensure that they do everything in their power to keep other motorists safe from them. Maintaining a well working brake system is a key component of that. Don’t accept a quick hospital bill reimbursement from an insurance adjustor if you were hit by a semi. Contact an experienced Missouri truck accident attorney instead, and let them review your case first. Chances are you are entitled to much more compensation than they will initially offer you.
If you have been involved in a serious truck accident in Missouri or Illinois, call The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. at (314) 361-4242.