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Trucking Accidents Caused by Vehicle Conditions on the Rise

En Español

Although a vast majority of accidents involving trucks and tractor trailers are caused by the negligence of either the truck driver, or another motorist on the roadway, an alarmingly high percentage of trucking accidents are actually the result of an overlooked or unknown vehicle condition. Many of these trucking accidents can be avoided by proper vehicle inspection and maintenance. The trucking accident and injury law firm of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., want to make the residents of Chicago, and surrounding cities in Illinois, aware of the risks associated with sharing roadways with heavy trucks and tractor trailers.

Trucking accidents commonly occur as a result of mechanical, or other vehicle failures. Common examples of vehicle malfunctions that result in heavy truck or tractor trailer accidents include:

  • Brake Failure, brake incapacity, degraded brake capability;
  • Failure of a truck’s steering mechanisms;
  • Tire blowouts; insufficient treading on tires;
  • Other defective components, such as:
    • Lights and reflectors
    • Mirrors
    • Defrosters
    • Wind-shield wipers
    • Mud or debris flaps
    • Turn signals

A recent study by the Department of Transportation revealed that nearly 30% of trucking accidents involve brake related issues. Often, brake failure is due to the defective design or manufacturer of braking systems. Although such defects may result in recall of a product, trucking companies may not be aware of a recall, and in unfortunate cases, the recall is a result of the subsequent discovery of a defect following an accident. Manufacturers of truck braking systems, and other essential truck mechanisms are federally mandated to adhere to strict standards regarding the products they produce. Failure to adhere to proscribed standards can result in heavy fines, in addition to civil liability. Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys feel that manufacturers who place defective products in to the stream of commerce, thereby causing loss of life or limb, should be held accountable.

Trucking accidents caused by brake related issues may also be caused by the trucking company’s failure to properly maintain or inspect the heavy trucks or tractor trailers which they put into use on Chicago roadways. Just as the manufactures of truck braking products must adhere to federal regulations, so must the trucking companies who own and operate such vehicles. The standards that trucking companies are required to adhere to, pursuant to federal and state regulation, are strict, extensive, and specific. Such regulations provide guidelines for virtually all essential components and mechanisms of heavy trucks or tractor trailers. At Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C., our injury and accident attorneys are well-informed as to all state and federal regulations concerning the trucking industry.

Additional causes of injury and death in trucking accidents involve trucks that lack, or lack adequate side or rear underride protection. Without such protections, most common automobiles, which are located in a significantly lower position than most common heavy trucks or tractor trailers, are at risk for serious injuries in the event of a collision with one another. The injury and wrongful death attorneys at Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. consider the installation of both side and rear underride protection to be a personal responsibility of trucking companies who share the roadways with other, more vulnerable motor vehicles.

Our Chicago accident and injury attorneys understand that there may be multiple parties at fault in a particular trucking accident, and it is our goal to ensure that victims of such accidents receive the compensation deserved from all negligent parties. For a free personal injury consultation with one of our experienced and dedicated personal injury and wrongful death attorneys, contact us today at 773-516-4100, or online at our website.


Client Reviews
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Someone rear-ended my car last spring and I was injured. Peter and Sofia Zneimer and they staff were professional and were always available by phone. I knew that the insurance of the other driver wasn't very good but they were still able to settle my case promptly and I was satisfied with the money I received. Overall, a very good trusted experience. Natig M.
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I highly recommend the services of Zneimer and Zneimer. I often seek legal advice from them related to my immigration status and way forward. Both Sofia and Peter are very detailed and quick in answering any question. I laud their professionalism and a very efficient team that works for them. Suman S.
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I totally recommend Sofia, she is the best lawyer in Chicago area. She is very professional, very detailed with her work and supportive. She always goes above and beyond to ensure the best outcome. Caring, compassionate and only the best for your family. I won my case because of her professionalism and her knowledge of the law. Aurel P.
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I have dealt with Sofia Zneimer since 2009. She is a great lawyer and has helped me tremendously in navigating the process of green card. She is a great resource to have by your side. She is easy to reach. She responds very quickly, which was very important for me. If she can’t answer the question the same day, she does let you know that she is working on it. I would have no hesitation in recruiting her. Hemant S.
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I called Zneimer & Zneimer after I was rear-ended on the highway. Peter and Sofia Zneimer have been very helpful in dealing with the insurance company and getting money for my car damage. They are also handling my injury case. They answer all my questions and I am always able to reach them on the phone anytime I want to talk to them. I am confident in having them represent me. The best choice i ever made. Thank you! Emil G.
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