Commercial trucks are essential for transporting goods across Kansas, but they also pose serious dangers when brake failures occur. According to data analyzed by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), over 15% of the large truck crashes in our state happen due to brake defects and failures. Sadly, these crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Proper and regular brake inspections could prevent many of these heartbreaking incidents.
How Do Truck Brakes Fail?
Truck brakes can fail for a variety of reasons, but most are linked to poor maintenance and manufacturer defects.
- Worn brake pads/shoes – Friction material wears thin over time, reducing stopping power
- Air leaks – Brake air lines or valves develop leaks, causing loss of air pressure
- Mechanical issues – Components like springs, pistons, rotors, or calipers become loose, jammed or break
- Overheated brakes – Excessive heat causes brake fade, reducing their effectiveness
- Poor adjustments – Brakes need periodic adjustment to compensate for worn parts
Signs like excessive stopping distances, pulling to one side when braking, noises when braking, low air pressure warnings, or smoke coming from wheels can all indicate potential brake problems. If any sign of brake issues appears, an inspection and any necessary repairs should be done immediately.
How Inspections Can Prevent Truck Crashes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extensive regulations around inspecting and maintaining brakes on large trucks. They require regular and thorough inspections of all brake system components to check for wear and detect any developing issues before failures occur.
Kansas regulations align with federal guidelines, mandating that trucks have annual inspections at a minimum. Inspections must cover pads, linings, rotors, calipers, hoses, chambers, slack adjusters, air lines, and more. Any identified problems have to be repaired promptly.
Additionally, drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before each trip and en route air brake checks to identify air leaks or maladjustments early. Well-trained drivers know what to look and listen for between official brake inspections.
When companies stay compliant with inspection laws and make brake safety a top priority, they can significantly reduce the risks of catastrophic brake failures leading to truck crashes. Consistent adherence to inspection requirements keeps trucks with brake defects off dangerous Kansas roads.
Seeking Justice for Victims of Negligent Trucking Companies
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Kansas truck crash due to brake defects or any negligence, an experienced truck accident attorney from Monge & Associates can deal with insurance companies and build a strong legal claim to recover the maximum compensation you deserve. Trucking companies may try to deny responsibility or dispute liability in an effort to avoid paying damages. But skillful personal injury lawyers like us know how to prove negligence and fight for victim’s rights.
An attorney from Monge & Associates can consult brake maintenance experts to demonstrate failures to adequately inspect truck brakes based on FMCSA and Kansas regulations. Photographs, police reports, electronic log data, and other evidence can also help establish a trucking company breached safety rules.
Additionally, one of our Kansas truck accident lawyers can retain accident reconstruction specialists to analyze how deficient brakes specifically caused or exacerbated a truck crash. Thorough accident investigations and expert analysis can overcome trucking insurance adjusters’ arguments trying to shift blame away from their insured.
Don’t wait to get the powerful legal representation in Kansas you need after suffering losses in a truck injury accident. An experienced Kansas truck accident attorney can level the playing field against even the largest trucking insurance carriers. Maximize your chances of recovery by pursuing legal action right away.
The Physical and Emotional Impacts of Truck Crashes
When trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds crash at high speeds, victims often endure severe or permanent physical injuries like:
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries causing long-term cognitive deficits
- Amputated limbs
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
The emotional trauma stemming from these devastating injuries can also dramatically impact victims and their families. Many struggle with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety about normal activities
- Strain on personal relationships
- Reduced quality of life
If a truck brake failure has turned your world upside down, an attorney from Monge & Associates can fight to recover compensation for all accident-related damages – both economic and non-economic. You deserve justice. Discuss your legal options with one of our trusted Wichita personal injury lawyers as soon as possible after any truck crash injury. We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Kansas, Utah, and Florida.
Call now for a free consultation on (888) 477-0597 if you’ve been hurt in a Kansas truck accident.