When a large truck’s mechanics fail in Michigan, especially its brakes, it can cause devastating accidents, leading to severe injuries and significant property damage for other drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that brake problems contribute to nearly 30% of commercial truck crashes. If you’ve been injured because a truck’s brakes failed, a Michigan truck accident lawyer can help.
Both federal and Michigan state laws hold truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for making sure their commercial trucks are on the road with properly maintained and working brakes. If a truck brake failure caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
The Michigan truck accident lawyers at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm specialize in commercial truck accident cases. We can determine if you have a valid injury claim. Our truck accident attorneys will gather evidence to build your case and pursue full compensation after a truck accident caused by brake failure. With nearly three decades of experience representing victims of large truck crashes, our Michigan truck accident attorney, Joseph Dedvukaj, has successfully handled many commercial vehicle accident cases.
Call our Michigan truck accident lawyer team today at 248-352-2110 or contact us online for a free evaluation of your case.
See how we secured $685,000 for a truck driver injured by a negligent forklift operator — and how safety regulations made the difference.
What Should I Do If Injured in a Michigan Truck Accident Caused by Brake Failure?
Claims involving big rig accidents are often complex. Trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to limit how much they have to pay to victims.
You need a Michigan truck accident lawyer from The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm to present the insurance company with evidence showing the truck’s mechanical failure (like brake failure) caused or contributed to the crash. We prepare your case as if it will go to court, demonstrating to insurers that we are ready to prove fault.
Our experienced Michigan truck accident lawyers can help you recover full compensation from the trucking company, its insurer, and any other responsible parties. Always discuss your legal options with a skilled truck accident attorney before accepting any settlement offer from the trucking company’s insurance.
What Commonly Causes Brake Failure in Michigan Trucks?
Large trucks use an air pressure system for their brakes. Compressed air applies pressure to brake pads (or shoes) against discs (or drums) to stop the truck. This system must be free of air leaks to work correctly. The friction from braking creates heat, and over time, brakes can wear down.
Specific Causes of Brake Failure in Large Commercial Trucks:
Large commercial trucks include tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, tanker trucks, and delivery trucks. Our Michigan truck accident lawyers investigate various causes of brake failure, including:
- Mistakes by Brake Mechanics: Federal rules require qualified mechanics for brake service. Sometimes, mechanics misdiagnose or improperly repair brakes.
- Poor Brake Maintenance: Trucking companies must regularly inspect, maintain, and repair truck brakes. Some companies cut costs by stretching inspection times or ignoring minor issues, leading to brake failure.
- Unbalanced Brakes: If brakes aren’t balanced, some will work harder than others. This can cause overheating or wheel lock-up, leading to skids or jackknifing. Overworked brakes can fail, especially on steep downhills. Our truck accident lawyer will look for evidence of mismatched parts or air pressure issues.
- Brakes Overheating on Downgrades: Improper braking by a truck driver on a downhill slope can overheat brakes, causing them to fade or fail, potentially leading to a runaway truck. Poor driver training on brake adjustment or wear recognition can contribute.
- Disabled Brakes (Front or Rear): Some owner-operators might dangerously disconnect tractor brakes to save on maintenance. If tractor brakes are out, the trailer brakes do all the work, and vice-versa, which can lead to failure.
- Overloaded Trailers: Trucks that are too heavy need longer stopping distances and put extra strain on brakes. Overloaded trucks, especially with poorly maintained brakes or on slick roads, are at high risk for brake failure. A Michigan truck accident lawyer will investigate load manifests.
How Our Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys Prove Brake Failure
When a Michigan truck accident lawyer from The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm investigates a commercial truck crash, we gather and analyze all available evidence, such as:
- Police traffic crash reports
- Statements from drivers and any witnesses
- Photos and videos of the crash scene
- Physical evidence from the scene (skid marks, debris)
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Truck maintenance, repair, and inspection records
- Data from the truck’s Electronic Data Recorder (EDR or “black box”)
- Dashcam footage or security camera video from nearby businesses
A truck’s EDR is a key piece of evidence. It records data just before a crash, like brake status, vehicle speed, and diagnostic codes (e.g., brake failure warnings). Modern trucks also have advanced anti-lock braking systems that can record performance data.
Our investigative team can inspect a truck’s air brakes after an accident, checking hoses, valves, gauges, and the air supply system for failures or deficiencies. We can also identify brake imbalances by examining brake linings on each wheel.
Often, commercial truck brake failure is a deficiency (brakes not working well enough) rather than a total loss of braking. The brakes might have been applied too late if the truck driver was tailgating.
To properly examine the truck, our Michigan truck accident lawyers need access to it as soon as possible. Once you hire us, we quickly send “spoliation letters.” These legally require the trucking company and others to preserve potential evidence, including the truck itself and important records like maintenance logs, driver logs, and repair schedules.
It’s vital to contact a Michigan truck accident lawyer at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm quickly after your accident. This allows us to start investigating and secure evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
Who Is Legally Responsible for a Truck Brake Failure Crash in Michigan?
Federal regulations state the motor carrier (trucking company) is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing truck brakes. Unlike typical car accidents, multiple parties can be liable in a commercial truck accident. A Michigan truck accident lawyer will identify all potentially responsible parties, which can include:
- The Trucking Company: Responsible for the truck’s maintenance and safety.
- The Truck Driver: Responsible for safe operation and pre-trip inspections.
- Brake Mechanics/Maintenance Shops: If negligent repair or maintenance contributed.
- Cargo Loaders: If an overloaded truck contributed to brake failure.
- Brake Component Manufacturers: If a defective brake part caused the failure.
Can a Michigan Truck Accident Lawyer File Claims Against Multiple Parties?
Yes. Our Michigan truck accident lawyers have handled claims involving multiple responsible parties:
- Truck Driver: Drivers are responsible for safe operation. Speeding, fatigue, or distraction can worsen problems caused by failing brakes.
- Trucking Company: Legally obligated to ensure trucks are safe and properly maintained.
- Cargo Loader: If improper loading (e.g., overloading) contributed to the brakes’ inability to stop the truck.
- Truck Mechanic: If a mechanic (company employee or third-party) performed faulty maintenance or used improper parts.
- Brake Manufacturer: If a defect in the brake components or system itself caused the failure (a product liability claim).
Investigating a truck accident is complex. You need a Michigan truck accident lawyer from an established law firm with the resources to conduct a thorough investigation. If our team finds negligence, you may recover significant compensation. Our truck accident attorneys are often successful in negotiating settlements without a trial, but we are always prepared to go to court if necessary.
Time is critical after a truck accident. The sooner you hire a Michigan truck accident lawyer, the better our chances of securing the evidence needed to prove your case.
Contact Our Michigan Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you were seriously injured in a Michigan truck accident potentially caused by brake failure, contact a Michigan truck accident lawyer at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm for a free case evaluation. We can quickly secure evidence, identify responsible parties, and begin calculating the compensation you are owed.
Our firm has nearly 30 years of experience aggressively pursuing truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you hire a skilled Michigan truck accident lawyer from our firm without paying upfront costs. We only get paid if you win.
Contact us now at 248-352-2110 or toll-free at 1-866-447-3563 for your free consultation about a Michigan truck accident.