Braking Ability

Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Victims and Families in Wheaton and Schaumburg

Truck drivers and trucking companies have an obligation to ensure that their trucks are properly maintained and that the parts, such as the brakes, are in working order. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident caused by inadequate braking ability, such as an override crash, you should consider reaching out to our Wheaton and Schaumburg truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. At Therman Law Offices, we will make sure that your case receives the time and attention that it deserves. You can rest assured that we will make every effort to get you the compensation that you deserve for your harm.

Inadequate Braking Ability Causes Major Crashes

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has found that brake problems were a contributing factor in about 30 percent of truck accidents. Brake problems can arise from a variety of issues, including brakes being out of adjustment, poor air pressure, overheated brakes, condensation, and worn-out brakes. Common indicators of brake problems include screeching, grinding, squealing, rubbing, and other types of noises upon using the brake. Brake problems can cause serious accidents with catastrophic consequences. This is especially true when truck brakes are faulty because a truck’s sheer size and weight require more stopping distance when compared to an average vehicle. While state and federal regulations require that truck brakes be properly maintained and regularly inspected, the reality is that braking problems cause a number of accidents in Illinois and across the country each year.

Handling a truck accident case resulting from failing brakes is not always easy, and having the right lawyer on your side can make all of the difference in your case. Multiple parties may be responsible for a crash caused by faulty brakes. The driver of the truck as well as the trucking company may be liable. Moreover, the truck or brake pads manufacturer may also be liable if defects in the design or manufacture of the brakes or brake components caused the accident. When shoddy brake maintenance caused or was a contributing factor in a truck accident, the company that performed the maintenance may be liable as well.

Depending on which party you can sue, the theory of liability may differ. For example, if you are suing the truck driver, the theory of liability will be negligence. Negligence happens when a driver of a delivery truck or another vehicle does not exercise reasonable care while driving and causes an accident and resulting injuries or property damage. Reasonable care refers to how a prudent or sensible truck driver would act in the same situation.

Truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences for everyone involved. These accidents can lead to long-term injuries that can be extremely costly to treat. Fortunately, Illinois law allows victims of truck accidents to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost income and benefits, property damage, and any other expenses resulting from the accident. Each case is unique, and the specific dollar amount that will be appropriate in your case will depend on the nature and extent of the harm that you suffered.

Seek Assistance from Our Attorneys Following a Truck Crash in Wheaton or Schaumburg

Appropriate braking ability is vital to the safe operation of a truck. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a braking ability problem, it is vital to seek the help of a reputable injury attorney who can look into the facts surrounding your case. Injuries resulting from these accidents can be devastating and even deadly. We represent victims in communities such as Schaumburg, Wheaton, Lombard, Villa Park, Addison, Elmhurst, West Chicago, Lemont, Westmont, Oakbrook Terrace, Clarendon Hills, and Downers Grove. To arrange a free initial consultation with a lawyer following a truck accident caused by braking ability or another issue, such as truck driver fatigue, feel free to call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.