Long Beach Defective Truck Equipment Attorneys
Truck Accident Lawyer Advocates for Long Beach Victims of Defective Equipment
The Port of Long Beach plays a pivotal role in global shipping and logistics, serving as one of the busiest ports in the United States. It handles a vast cargo volume, facilitating trade with Asia and beyond. Thousands of freight trucks transport goods daily to and from the port, contributing to the region’s vital role in international commerce and the area’s supply chain. As a result, the risk of getting into a truck accident increases dramatically around the Long Beach area.
Auto manufacturers and parts suppliers are responsible for ensuring their products perform as they should and correct any errors before they cause harm. Because of the sheer size and weight of semi tractor-trailers, defective truck equipment poses a danger to everyone on the roadways. When faulty truck equipment causes injury or death, responsible parties can be held liable in a civil claim for compensation. If you have been seriously injured as the result of faulty truck equipment, call a Long Beach truck accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free consultation.
Equipment Failure That Can Cause Truck Accidents
When defective equipment fails on a big rig, it can have catastrophic consequences for other motorists. Serious or fatal accidents can result when faulty truck parts or systems fail, including:
- Steering System: Failure of the steering system can result in the driver being unable to maneuver the truck effectively, potentially causing collisions or veering off the road.
- Brake System: Malfunctioning brakes can result in the inability to stop or slow down, leading to rear-end collisions or runaway trucks on downhill slopes.
- Tires: Tire blowouts can cause loss of control, leading to rollover accidents or collisions with other vehicles.
- Engine: Engine failure can result in the sudden loss of power or control, especially when the truck travels at high speeds or navigates steep inclines.
- Transmission: Transmission failure can cause erratic shifting or an inability to change gears, resulting in sudden acceleration or deceleration that catches other drivers off guard.
- Trailer: Trailer failures, such as detached trailers or malfunctioning hitch mechanisms, can lead to jackknifing or runaway trailer accidents.
What Types of Accidents Can Be Caused by Defective Truck Equipment?
Faulty equipment can fail and cause a trucker to lose control and crash the rig. Types of truck collisions that can result from defective equipment include:
- Jackknifing: In this type of crash, the truck’s trailer swings out from the cab and folds to form a “V” shape. A jackknifing truck often collides with other vehicles and/or blocks lanes of traffic, causing multi-vehicle collisions. Jackknifing can be caused by brake or other equipment failure.
- Rollovers: Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to maintain the stability of a semi tractor-trailer. Defective tie-downs can fail and allow cargo to shift, altering the truck’s center of gravity. This can cause the driver to lose control or cause the truck to roll over, potentially crushing other vehicles and blocking the road.
- Rear-End Collisions: Large commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop than other vehicles under the best of circumstances. When brake failure occurs because of equipment defects, an 18-wheeler weighing 80,000 pounds or more can collide with the rear of a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, causing serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries to its occupants.
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury leading to paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Severe burns (when cargo tanks carrying flammable materials overturn)
Common Injuries Caused by Defective Equipment Truck Accidents
In a collision involving a passenger vehicle and a large commercial truck, occupants of the passenger vehicle are likely to suffer serious injuries. Types of injuries commonly sustained in truck accidents caused by defective equipment failure include:
Proper Preventative Measures to Reduce Long Beach Truck Accidents
Proper preventative measures are essential for reducing the risk of truck accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users. Regular maintenance and inspections of trucks, including engines, transmissions, brakes, and trailers, are vital for the proper and safe operation of trucks. Records of regular maintenance are the start of identifying and addressing potential equipment failures before they cause accidents. Routine maintenance helps ensure that trucks are in optimal condition, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures on the road.
For victims of truck accidents caused by equipment failures, legal avenues are available to seek compensation for damages. Long Beach personal injury attorneys specialize in representing accident victims and can help navigate the complex legal process. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their clients to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Additionally, personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for stricter regulations to improve truck safety. By representing victims of truck accidents and raising awareness of the dangers posed by equipment failures, attorneys can advocate for stronger enforcement of maintenance standards and stricter regulations on trucking companies to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Furthermore, advocacy efforts may include pushing for legislation to mandate regular maintenance schedules, enhancing training requirements for truck drivers and mechanics, and increasing penalties for non-compliance with safety regulations. By advocating for stricter regulations, personal injury lawyers and safety advocates aim to prevent accidents caused by equipment failures and protect the well-being of all road users.
Training and Certification for Truck Drivers
Proper training and certification are vital for truck drivers to ensure the safe operation of vehicles and the maintenance of equipment. Comprehensive training programs cover essential skills such as vehicle operation, defensive driving techniques, and routine maintenance procedures. Additionally, certification programs, such as those offered by the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), provide standardized training and evaluation to ensure that drivers meet industry standards for safety and proficiency. By completing training and certification programs, truck drivers gain the knowledge and skills necessary to operate vehicles safely and minimize the risk of accidents caused by equipment failures.
Understanding Regulatory Compliance for Trucking Companies
Regulatory compliance ensures the safety of their vehicles and drivers. Regulations governing truck maintenance and equipment standards, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), mandate regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and adherence to specific safety standards. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines, penalties, and even suspension or revocation of operating licenses. Moreover, failure to maintain trucks according to regulatory standards increases the risk of accidents caused by equipment failures, jeopardizing the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Who Is Liable for Defective Equipment Truck Accident Injuries in Long Beach?
Liability for truck accidents is based on negligence. If a party breached its duty and the breach caused the crash, that party may be held legally responsible. When the cause of a truck accident is defective equipment failure, potentially liable parties may include the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part, component, or system. The firm can thoroughly investigate your truck collision to determine fault and liability and vigorously pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
Get Legal Support from Our Long Beach Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by defective equipment, your best chance of recovering the compensation you and your family deserve is to have an experienced Long Beach truck equipment failure lawyer by your side. Truck accidents are complex, high-stakes cases. You can rest assured the insurance companies of the parties involved will hire attorneys to fight against your claim.
It is important to act quickly so your personal injury lawyer can take action to preserve critical evidence contained in the truck’s black box, or electronic logging device (ELD). Contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to schedule a free initial consultation. We can explain your options under the law.