Who Pays If Faulty Brakes Caused My Truck Crash in Illinois?

 Posted on September 12, 2024 in Auto Accidents

Kane County and the greater Chicagoland area have a lot of truck traffic due to the many carrier hubs in the region. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict regulations about brake inspections, including required qualifications for brake inspectors, brake failure is a contributing factor in roughly 30 percent of truck crashes.

Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and significant vehicle damage, leaving victims with mounting expenses and no income during recovery. If faulty brakes caused a truck accident that injured you, how can you prove it? Who is responsible for paying your settlement? Call for your free consultation with an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer from Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. to discuss your accident and receive case-specific answers.

Why Is Truck Brake Failure So Common?

A tractor-trailer weighs 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Trucks are equipped with strong air braking systems, but the heavy weight puts a lot of strain on the brakes as they slow and stop the vehicle repeatedly. Common truck brake issues include:

• Overheating

• Corrosion in air reservoirs

• Deteriorated hoses

• Faulty air compressors

• Inadequate lubrication

• Improperly balanced brakes

• Misaligned or worn brake shoes

Overweight cargo, driver error, design or manufacturing flaws, and a lack of regular maintenance also contribute to brake failure.

Who Is Liable for Brake Failure?

Unlike most car accidents, there are several parties who may share the blame for a truck’s failed brakes. Your lawyer will investigate your accident to identify all at-fault parties, which may include:

• The driver

• The trucking company

• The truck owner or leasing company

• Cargo loaders

• Parts or truck manufacturers

• Truck maintenance companies

When your legal team discovers how and why the brakes failed, we will know whose negligence was responsible for your crash. We will gather evidence to support your claim and hold these parties accountable for your injuries and related damages.

What Damages Are Available in Faulty Brake Crashes?

Whether your truck crash was a rollover, jackknife, override, or other kind of collision, you likely experienced significant injuries, such as:

• Multiple fractures

• Spinal cord injuries

• Head, face, and brain injuries

• Internal organ damage

• Cuts and bruises

• Burns

You probably need extensive medical treatment, and your accident and injuries may have diminished your quality of life. You may need to replace your vehicle, and you might require assistance with everyday tasks.

Damages in personal injury cases reimburse or compensate you for these accident-related losses, which may include:

• Medical treatment costs

• Lost wages

• Continual care

• Property damage

• Pain and suffering

• PTSD

• Temporary or permanent disability

Each victim’s eligible damages and settlement amounts differ, as they depend on case-specific factors. When you choose Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., we will evaluate your damages and pursue the highest possible settlement amount.

Call Now To Discuss Your Case With Our Dedicated Aurora, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

You need effective legal representation to get maximum compensation in a truck accident claim. Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. will steadfastly protect your best interests to achieve the best possible resolution for you. Call us at 630-907-0909 for your free consultation with one of our determined Kane County, IL personal injury attorneys.