All auto accidents pose a risk of severe injuries, but none more so than commercial trucking vehicles. Due to their large size, tractor-trailers can cause catastrophic injuries when involved in collisions. If you were involved in a truck accident, understanding how maintenance issues played a role in the accident is essential. Keep reading to learn more about what you must know to pursue justice and how a Houston truck accident lawyer can assist you.
What Are Common Truck Maintenance Issues?
By far, one of the most common maintenance issues that contribute to truck accidents is tire blowouts. These occur when a tire suddenly loses all inflation, which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to accidents. There are a number of causes that lead a tire to blow out, but poor maintenance, like failing to replace worn or balding tires or improperly inflating the tire, can lead to this occurrence.
Another common cause of accidents is due to poor brake maintenance. As brakes are paramount to the safety of a driver and other motorists on the road, ensuring they are up to standard is essential. This includes checking and replacing worn brake pads and lines and ensuring that the air compressor supplying air to the brakes is functioning properly.
Other issues that can lead to accidents involve failure to maintain the necessary fluid levels, improperly hitched cargo, and leaving electronic issues unremedied.
What Injuries Can Result from a Truck Accident?
Unfortunately, there are a number of injuries that can result from a collision involving a truck due to its immense size. These include standard injuries from car accidents, like broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and strains, but in more severe cases can cause the following:
- Amputation
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Death
It’s also important to note that any of the aforementioned injuries can cause a great deal of pain and suffering to victims. As such, they may also suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety, PTSD, and depression as a direct result of the injuries sustained in the accident.
What Should I Do if I Want to Pursue Justice?
If you’re looking to receive justice for injuries you sustained in a truck accident caused by poor maintenance, it’s imperative to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
You will likely be able to recover from the driver, as they are responsible for checking the vehicle before traveling, and their employer, as they have a duty to remedy any truck errors brought to their attention.
At the Gonzalez Law Group, we understand that accidents involving large trucks can be devastating. As such, we are dedicated to holding the negligent parties liable for the injuries you sustained due to their failure to properly maintain their vehicles. Contact us today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.
