A runaway truck accident occurs when a commercial truck can no longer slow down or stop safely. Once a fully loaded tractor-trailer loses braking power, the driver doesn’t have very many good options, and the vehicle’s size and weight make the consequences severe. A runaway truck may strike other vehicles, crash through barriers, collide with buildings, or hit pedestrians before it finally stops.
A St. Louis semi-truck attorney will be able to assist in your fight for compensation.
Call (314) 300-6260 today for a free consultation.
What Causes a Truck to Lose Control?
Many runaway truck accidents trace back to the braking system. Brake failure can result from poor vehicle maintenance, defective brake components, or brakes that overheat on steep grades. Driver error is another common factor. Excessive speed, improper gear selection on downhill roads, and inexperience with mountain driving can all lead to a loss of control. Federal regulations require drivers to inspect their vehicles before each trip, and a driver who skips that inspection may miss worn brake linings, air leaks, or other warning signs of impending failure.
Cargo problems contribute as well. An overloaded trailer places demands on the braking system beyond what it was intended to handle, and improperly loaded cargo can shift in transit, destabilizing the truck at the moment the driver most needs control.
Who May Be Liable for a Runaway Truck Accident?
Liability depends on what caused the truck to lose control, and more than one party may share responsibility.
The Driver and the Trucking Company
A driver may be liable for speeding, improper downhill driving, or failing to inspect the vehicle. The trucking company may be responsible for its driver’s conduct as well as its own failures, such as inadequate training, unrealistic schedules, or skipped maintenance.
Maintenance Providers and Manufacturers
If a service provider failed to identify or properly repair brake problems, it may share fault. When a brake component or other part fails because of an issue with the design of manufacturing of a part or the truck, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law.
Cargo Loaders and Other Parties
A cargo-loading company may bear responsibility if an overloaded or poorly balanced trailer contributed to the failure. Depending on the facts, brokers, shippers, or other parties in the transport chain may also be involved.
What Evidence Can Help Prove Why the Truck Lost Control?
Establishing the cause of a runaway truck accident requires reconstructing both the condition of the vehicle and the decisions made before the crash. Important evidence could include:
- Driver inspection reports
- Maintenance records
- Brake inspection records
- Electronic logic device data
- Event data recorder information
- Dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Post-crash inspection
- Cargo and weight records
Because a lot of this evidence is controlled by the trucking company, preserving it quickly is essential.
Contact Us Today To Schedule A Free Consultation
Determining why a truck’s brakes failed takes more than a police report. You’ll need to access maintenance files, inspection histories, and the vehicle itself, often before the trucking company’s insurer gets ahead of the investigation. Our Missouri truck accident lawyers know where to look and how to move quickly.
If a runaway truck injured you or someone you love, reach out to our team at (314) 300-6260 for a free, no-obligation case review.