Truck Accidents Due to Brake Failure in Tampa

Brake failure is a serious hazard on a commercial truck. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. If the truck’s brakes fail, the chances of a devastating accident and severe injuries rise substantially. 

A landmark report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found brake issues are a factor in approximately 30 percent of large truck accidents. More recent data recorded over 526,000 truck brake violations in a recent year. Nearly 55,800 were coded as inoperative or defective brakes.    

If you suffered injuries in a semi-truck crash caused by brake failure, you may face a long path to physical recovery. The medical expenses arising from these types of accidents can be overwhelming. In Florida, accident victims can seek compensation when they suffer serious injuries caused by someone else. An experienced truck brake failure attorney in Tampa can help you pursue the money you deserve.

At Paul Knopf Bigger, we understand the terrible toll truck accidents take on victims and their loved ones. We’re here to provide the legal support you need to move forward. Let us build your truck accident case and demand maximum compensation from the insurance company.

You need to focus on getting better, not the hassles of a personal injury claim. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Why Do Truck Brakes Fail?

Bringing a commercial motor vehicle to a complete stop requires a powerful brake system. The sheer size and weight of a large commercial truck put significant strain on the brakes, not to mention the general wear and tear from traveling the roads. Federal regulations require truck drivers and trucking companies to inspect and maintain the brakes on their rigs. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules.

As wear and tear accumulates, it compromises brake performance. Certain driving behaviors, such as frequent or abrupt braking at high speeds, put additional strain on the braking system, leading to poor performance and potential brake failure.

Common Causes of Brake Failure in Commercial Trucks

Leading causes of brake failure in commercial motor vehicles include:

• Poor maintenance
• Failure to conduct brake inspections
• Brake misalignment
• Brake hose kinking or chafing
• No brake malfunction indicator lamps
• Overheated brakes
• Lack of driver training and experience
• Misuse or overuse of the braking system
• Overloaded or imbalanced trailers

Who is At Fault for Truck Accidents Caused by Brake Failure in Tampa? 

Determining liability for commercial truck accidents can be complex, especially when the accident involves brake failure. Several parties could be responsible for the crash, depending on the cause of the failure. Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The truck’s owner (which may be a different party than its operator)
• The brake manufacturer, if faulty brakes caused the crash
• Mechanics responsible for the truck’s maintenance and repair

FMCSA regulates trucking operations across the United States to ensure public safety. These regulations cover a comprehensive range of subjects related to trucking company operations and driver performance, including hours of service, weight limits, vehicle inspection and maintenance schedules, and more. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Tampa understands these standards and will investigate the crash with these state and federal laws in mind.

If a truck driver, truck company, or other involved party violated FMCSA regulations and those violations led to the truck’s brake failure, you may be eligible to recover compensation from each responsible person or entity. The Florida truck accident attorneys at Paul Knopf Bigger can help you build a solid personal injury claim. 

Serious Injuries Can Result from Truck Brake Failure

Those who survive truck accidents often suffer serious and catastrophic injuries, including: 

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Facial, dental, and eye injuries
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding
• Amputation
• Burns
• Scarring and disfigurement

The expenses of treating these and other semi-truck accident injuries can be staggering. A Tampa truck accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your medical care and other losses after a truck crash.

Legal Rights for Truck Accident Victims

When a truck driver, trucking company, or other party causes an accident and injures you, you have the right to pursue compensation, justice, and accountability. Your first step should always be to contact an experienced truck accident attorney who can handle the insurance claims process and take necessary legal action on your behalf. You have enough on your plate while managing your physical recovery. Working with a lawyer will give you the time and space to focus on healing.

Your attorney will take the lead in investigating the truck crash, gathering evidence from the accident scene to determine what caused it and who was responsible. They will also review your injuries and their potential long-term impact on your life to determine how much compensation to pursue. 

In a successful Florida truck accident case, you could recover money for losses like:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Lost quality of life

Most trucking accident cases in Tampa are settled through negotiations between attorneys and insurance companies rather than taken to trial. However, the truck accident lawyers at Paul Knopf Bigger prepare every case as if it will go to court. That way, we can pivot quickly and file a lawsuit if settlement talks break down.

How a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

When you contact Paul Knopf Bigger to represent you following a truck brake failure accident, you benefit from the full scope of our experience, knowledge, and resources. When you work with us, you can expect: 

• A thorough investigation into the truck accident and who was responsible
• A comprehensive accounting of your injuries, losses, and how the truck crash transformed your life
• Aggressive advocacy during settlement negotiations with insurers and opposing counsel
• Pursuit of full and fair compensation for your losses
• Strong representation in court, if necessary

Contact a Brake Failure Attorney in Tampa Today

Did you sustain injuries because a commercial truck’s brakes failed? You deserve aggressive and compassionate support throughout the legal process. Paul Knopf Bigger has a record of obtaining top-dollar verdicts and settlements in truck accident claims. Contact us today for a free consultation with our Tampa truck accident attorneys.