Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. All that weight creates tremendous force, especially when traveling at highway speeds. Truck braking systems must work hard to counteract those dynamics. Even when they’re working correctly, it can take the length of five football fields to bring a semi-truck to a safe stop. When truck brakes fail, the results can be disastrous.

Truck drivers, trucking companies, and truck owners must ensure their vehicles are in safe working order. They can be liable for resulting commercial truck crashes when they neglect regular maintenance or otherwise cut corners. In cases where truck brake failure occurs due to design or manufacturing defects, the companies that manufacture them are typically responsible.

If you sustained injuries in a truck accident in Lancaster, SC, you could seek compensation from the responsible party — but getting it is another matter altogether. Fortunately, you don’t have to battle these powerful businesses alone. David Blackwell Law can help.

Our law firm will pursue the money you need for your medical care, lost income, and the other losses you incurred due to the at-fault party’s negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Lancaster.

We serve clients across South Carolina, including Indian Land, Fort Mill, and Rock Hill.

What to Do After a Truck Accident Due to Brake Failure

You can protect your health and legal claim after a truck accident in several ways. Your health is the priority. Seek medical attention immediately to address any injuries. Never refuse the ambulance ride if paramedics suggest taking you to the emergency room. Prompt medical care is crucial for the best possible recovery, but also to show the insurance company you took all measures to mitigate your injuries after the wreck.

If you can, take the following steps at the accident scene:

  • Gather evidence – Take photos of the crash site from as many angles as possible. Get the names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information from every driver involved. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. Write down your memories of events while they’re still fresh. This evidence will be critical as your truck accident claim progresses.
  • Consult a Lancaster truck accident attorney – Find a local personal injury attorney with experience handling truck accident cases. These complex cases involve an understanding of federal and state laws. In addition, truck accident claims tend to have higher dollar values than the average car accident case. A knowledgeable lawyer can place a fair value on your claim that reflects the true extent of your losses.
  • Say no to quick settlement offers – Insurance companies jump to make speedy settlement offers when they know an accident victim has a valid case. While these offers may seem substantial, they are generally much lower than the actual value of the truck accident claim. Once you accept a settlement, there’s no going back if you realize you need more money. Rather than answer any questions from insurers, politely refer them to your attorney.

Any truck accident can cause severe injuries. Crashes caused by brake failure can cause especially catastrophic harm because the rigs cannot slow down, imparting the full force of impact on the victim.

How Our Attorneys Prove Brake Failure in a Truck Accident Claim

Proving brake failure in a truck accident claim requires a detailed and technical investigation to establish fault and liability. At David Blackwell Law, our experienced staff employs various investigative techniques and resources to build a robust case. We examine evidence like:

  • The event data recorder (EDR) – Modern commercial trucks carry an event data recorder (EDR), often referred to as a truck’s “black box.” This device records critical information about the truck’s operation before, during, and after a crash. Analyzing this data allows attorneys to piece together a precise sequence of events.
  • Driver’s logs and cargo records – Trucking records can provide additional context, such as whether the semi-truck was overloaded. Being overweight places excessive strain on the brake system, leading to premature failure.
  • Vehicle maintenance records – Reviewing the truck’s maintenance logs can reveal neglect in regular maintenance and inspections, particularly concerning the brake system. Irregularities or lapses in maintenance schedules can be a strong indicator of negligence.
  • Mechanical inspections—Conducting a thorough mechanical inspection on every truck is crucial to determining if a component failure contributed to the accident. Our legal team can collaborate with automotive experts to examine the wreckage for defects in the braking system caused by wear and tear, improper installation, or potential manufacturer defects.
  • Expert testimony – Expert witnesses such as accident reconstruction specialists and mechanical engineers can play a pivotal role in interpreting technical data and providing insights that support your truck brake failure case.

By meticulously gathering and analyzing all pertinent data, a truck accident lawyer can explore every possible angle to substantiate claims of brake failure.