Mechanical Failure Truck Accident In Indianapolis, IN
Large commercial trucks, such as semi-tractors, dump trucks and fuel tankers, routinely travel over Indianapolis roadways. Notably, federal regulations require truck drivers and truck owners to regularly inspect, repair and maintain those trucks. Additionally, these regulations state they must keep the trucks in “safe operating condition.” Unfortunately, whether they are trying to keep expenses down or are simply neglectful, sometimes the drivers and owners do not properly maintain or inspect their trucks. As a result, a mechanical failure truck accident can occur.
How Can You Tell If a Mechanical Failure Caused a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents in Indianapolis often have clear causes, such as speeding, driver fatigue, or hazardous road conditions. However, when a mechanical failure is involved, the problem may not be immediately obvious. Defects in critical components like the frame assembly, axles, wheels, tow hitch, steering, or brakes can go undetected without a detailed investigation, making it difficult to pinpoint the cause of the crash.
This is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced Indianapolis mechanical failure truck accident attorney. Trucking companies are legally required to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly, but lapses in these duties can lead to dangerous conditions on the road. An attorney can request access to the truck’s maintenance and inspection records to determine if the company failed to uphold its responsibilities.
Beyond examining records, an independent inspection of the truck can reveal hidden issues that contributed to the crash. Most commercial trucks are also equipped with “black boxes,” which record critical data such as the truck’s speed, when and if the brakes were applied, and whether cruise control was engaged. This information can provide valuable insights into what went wrong and why.
By connecting these pieces of evidence, a skilled attorney can build a strong case to hold the negligent parties accountable for the accident and your injuries.
Use Online Lawyer Directories to Find the Right Attorney
Searching for an attorney can feel overwhelming, but online directories like Martindale Hubbell and Avvo simplify the process. These platforms let you search for lawyers based on their area of expertise and location, while also providing helpful insights such as client reviews, peer ratings, and detailed profiles. With this information, you can confidently choose the attorney best suited to handle your case.
Does This Sound Like Your Accident?
A Honda Civic is travelling on a highway in Indianapolis, IN. By and large traffic is fairly heavy but moving at the speed limit. There is a tractor-trailer behind the Honda Civic. Closely behind. Too closely.
Suddenly, the traffic ahead of the Honda Civic slows down quickly. The Honda driver is not sure why, but he immediately slams on the brakes. Fortunately, he avoids hitting any cars ahead of him. Unfortunately, the tractor-trailer rear-ends him. As a result, the collision sent him into the rear of the car in front of him.
Later, the driver of the tractor-trailer told the Honda driver he saw the traffic slow down but could not slow his big rig down to avoid the collision.
Who Can be Held Liable if You Are Injured in an Indianapolis Mechanical Failure Truck Accident?
To begin with, multiple parties can be held liable for injuries you receive in an Indianapolis mechanical failure truck accident:
Truck driver
For instance, if the truck driver failed to inspect his truck before leaving the truck yard, injured parties may sue the driver. Likewise, if he noticed something was wrong with the brakes, or the trailer hitch looked rusty and worn, and did no report it to his supervisor, injured parties can sue him if those conditions caused the accident
Owner of the truck
As another example, the truck owner is required to regularly inspect and maintain his trucks. Consequently, if he fails to do so, and mechanical failure causes a truck accident, injured parties can sue him and his company.
Lawyer Directories
Online lawyer directories, such as Martindale Hubbell and Avvo, lets you find local lawyers based on their area of practice. Some of the directories offer client and peer reviews and ratings of the attorneys.
Manufacturer of the vehicle, tires, or other parts that were defective
Finally, if brakes failed because of defective parts, the persons injured in the truck accident can sue the manufacturer. Likewise, if a defective tire blew out, or a defective tow hitch failed, persons injured because of those failures can bring a claim against the manufacturer
As noted above, it will be important to get all the inspection and maintenance records to help determine what was the mechanical failure and what caused that failure to occur.
Get Justice After a Mechanical Failure Truck Accident in Indianapolis
When a truck’s mechanical failure causes a devastating accident, it’s rarely just an unfortunate event—it’s preventable negligence. Faulty brakes, ignored maintenance, or defective parts are often to blame, and someone must be held accountable for the damage done. Without experienced Mechanical Failure Truck Accident Lawyers like Alex Mendoza Law, navigating these complex cases can feel overwhelming.
We know how to uncover the truth. From analyzing black box data to scrutinizing inspection and maintenance records, we’ll leave no stone unturned to build a case that fights for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (219) 200-2000 or visit alexmendozalaw.com for a free consultation. You focus on recovery—we’ll handle the fight for justice.
Related Services
Injury Law
Whether injured by negligence or intentional acts, our attorneys possess the skill to champion your case.
Car Accidents
Our skilled team offers relentless support and legal acumen in the wake of accidents, ensuring your voice is heard.
Criminal Mischief
Facing criminal mischief charges? Don't underestimate—reach out to attorney Alex Mendoza Law for guidance.