Call a Kansas City Truck Accident Attorney Today
It is often necessary to keep a safe distance from large trucks because of the devastation they can cause. This is especially true if the truck driver is behaving negligently or if the truck undergoes a mechanical malfunction. A runaway trailer accident, for example, occurs when a trailer causes the truck to veer out of control. In some instances, the trailer may become detached from the truck, leaving a wake of destruction in its path.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a runaway trailer crash, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation to assist with your losses. Our firm has Kansas City truck accident lawyers who are specifically trained in investigating semi-truck accidents. We can effectively represent your interests and build a strong case on your behalf to seek fair compensation.
Call Cullan & Cullan at (816) 253-8606 for the legal guidance you need to make sure your future is secure. Your initial consultation is free!
Causes of Runaway Trailer Accidents
As soon as a trailer begins to travel at a speed that is different than that of the truck, there is the potential for a runaway trailer accident to occur. Our Kansas City truck accident attorneys are familiar with the specific scenarios that may cause such incidents to occur, and we use this knowledge and our resources to investigate and determine the cause for our clients.
Common causes of runaway trailer accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Mechanical Defects: When the brakes on the trailer failed to work in conjunction with the brakes on the truck, the trailer may detach from the truck. If the parts connecting the truck to the trailer are defective, it could result in a sudden detachment as well. When a mechanical defect results in a runaway trailer, it must be determined who conducted the last inspection. The driver, the truck owner, or even the last mechanic to work on the truck may be responsible for the incident.
- Overloaded Trailer: A trailer that is overloaded, or loaded improperly, is more likely to go out of control. In some cases, an overloaded trailer can result in tire blowout and brake failures. Truck companies must make sure that trailers are not overloaded and make sure that the truck is not hauling too much weight.
- Speed: Truck drivers must adjust their speed relative to the type of cargo they are carrying. When hauling heavy cargo, truck drivers need to slow down. The same applies to poor road or weather conditions.
- Sudden Turns: Trailers can become detached if the truck driver makes a sudden or severe turn. This can result in a jackknife incident followed by a runaway trailer.
- Steep Declines: As truck drivers attempt to slow down on hills, the brakes of the trailer can fail. In such cases, accident investigators must determine if the driver was going too fast on the hill or if the roadway was poorly designed.
Have You Been Involved in a Runaway Trailer Accident?
If you have been injured in a runaway trailer accident, you should retain an attorney who has experience with accidents involving semi-trucks. Because the insurance company that insures the trucking company will immediately assign a team of lawyers to go to work for them, it is in your best interest to retain the services of a Kansas City truck accident attorney who has the knowledge and resources to defend your rights. We can help.
For your free case evaluation, call (816) 253-8606.