Illinois Truck Equipment Failure Injury Attorney

Lawyers Representing Truck Accident Victims in Chicago and Throughout the U.S.

Large commercial trucks are a common sight on roads and highways throughout the United States, and drivers are used to sharing the road with these vehicles. However, the difference in size between semi-trailer trucks and other vehicles can lead to a great deal of vehicular damage and serious injuries when truck accidents occur. When a collision is caused by the failure of a truck's equipment, an experienced attorney can help victims identify the liable parties and pursue financial compensation.

The personal injury lawyers of Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC have extensive experience representing people injured in semi-truck accidents, and we understand the legal issues involved in these cases. We work to pursue justice for those who have been injured by the negligence of trucking companies or equipment manufacturers, and we are dedicated to enhancing public safety and preventing these types of injuries from occurring.

Reasons for Truck Equipment Failure

Tractor-trailer trucks utilize a wide variety of equipment meant to allow them to operate safely, and the failure of any of these systems can result in dangerous accidents. In some cases, equipment may fail because of improper maintenance, or accidents may be caused by defective parts. Faulty equipment that could cause a collision may include:

• Brakes - The air brakes used by commercial trucks are very complex, incorporating multiple parts, including air compressors, air lines, and protective valves. Worn-out parts, leaks, or other issues with any of this equipment can result in a driver being unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Suspension - Worn-out or broken springs, shock absorbers, or other parts of a suspension system can affect the stability of a truck, causing a driver to lose control of their vehicle and potentially resulting in a rollover accident.
• Steering - Due to the large size and weight of semi-trailer trucks, steering systems must provide drivers with precise control. Issues with joints or fluid levels may reduce a driver's level of control, causing them to be unable to avoid a collision.
• Tires and wheels - Tire blowouts can occur because of manufacturing defects, improper inflation, or driving on worn or damaged tires. In addition, most truck tires are designed for a maximum speed of 75 MPH, and drivers risk damaging tires when traveling above this speed. Proper inspection of tires and wheels should be performed to ensure that any dangerous issues are addressed, and failure to do so is a form of negligence that can lead to dangerous accidents.
• Trailers - The failure of trailer coupling systems or other trailer parts can result in a trailer becoming detached and colliding with other vehicles.
• Cargo tie-downs - Defects in the equipment used to secure a truck's load can result in shifting cargo that affects a driver's ability to control a truck, and falling cargo can cause serious harm to those in other vehicles on the road.

Contact a Will County Truck Accident Attorney

The failure of any piece of equipment on a truck can have dangerous or deadly results. At TKK, we can investigate truck accidents to determine whether equipment failure was a factor, and we will uncover any negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or equipment manufacturers. By establishing liability for injuries suffered in a tractor-trailer truck accident, we can help you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve for the damages that you have suffered. Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys today at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation.