A runaway truck is a large truck or 18-wheeler that is unable to stop due to mechanical failure, safety issues, or operator error. They often occur on downhill slopes, where the truck picks up speed until it encounters an obstacle, but they can also happen on flat ground.
A runaway truck that collides with other vehicles or structures can cause tremendous damage, injuries, and even death. Given the number of commercial trucks on our roadways, this is a serious public safety concern and a nightmare for truckers and motorists alike. If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a runaway truck, an Indiana truck accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and tell us your story.
What Causes Runaway Trucks?
Runaway trucks can happen due to a range of reasons and sometimes a combination of factors. Some of the most common causes our Indiana personal injury lawyers have seen include:
Brake Failure
Trucks traveling downhill can put a lot of stress on their brakes, potentially causing them to overheat and lose their effectiveness. This is known as brake fade, and it is one of the primary causes of runaway trucks.
Brakes may be worn out or defective, leading to malfunctions and the driver’s inability to stop the vehicle. Proper maintenance, frequent inspections, and smart driving can help avoid brake failures that lead to runaway trucks.
Driver Error
Inexperienced drivers may fail to downshift or otherwise drive too fast when traveling downhill. This can put extra stress on the brakes, which can cause them to fail and cause the driver to lose control. New or inexperienced drivers may then panic, making the situation worse.
Proper training can help ensure drivers understand how to descend steep hills in large trucks safely, and there is no substitute for hours behind the wheel to gain experience.
Weather Conditions
Dangerous weather conditions can diminish a truck’s performance and cause it to lose control. Icy roads, in particular, can make it difficult for heavy trucks to stop. Snow, whiteouts, heavy fog, and heavy rain can also cause poor visibility, which can lead to driver errors.
Truck drivers can avoid calamity by slowing down when the roads become slick and pulling off when visibility worsens.
Mechanical Failures
In addition to brake failures, other mechanical issues can lead to a runaway truck. Under certain circumstances, tire blowouts may cause a driver to lose control. Engine and transmission issues can make it harder for a truck to slow down and put more stress on the brakes.
Improper Loading
Overloaded trucks can put extra strain on their brakes, especially during prolonged downhill stretches of road. Unbalanced loads can also affect a truck’s handling and potentially cause the driver to lose control.
Who Is Liable for a Runaway Truck?
When considering what a runaway truck is, people often think of the truck driver as the liable party. They may be. But, depending on the circumstances of the runaway truck crash, other at-fault parties may hold liability.
Liability may fall on:
- Truck driver: If the truck driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or ignoring safety protocols, they may be liable for a runaway truck accident.
- Truck owner: The truck owner could be liable for accidents if they did not ensure proper maintenance, required the driver to work long hours, or failed to provide adequate training.
- Vehicle manufacturer: Mechanical defects, such as issues with the braking system or transmission, could make the vehicle manufacturer liable in a runaway truck accident.
- Maintenance company: In cases where a third-party mechanic or maintenance company is responsible for inspecting and servicing the truck, they may be responsible if components are faulty or badly maintained.
- The government: Occasionally, state or local governments can be liable for a runaway truck accident if they do not provide proper signage or maintain the road safely.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Runaway Truck Ramps and Other Prevention Tactics
Runaway truck ramps or escape ramps are the primary safety mechanisms for mitigating damage caused by runaway trucks. These ramps are placed in areas with steep or prolonged downhill slopes where a truck might lose control.
In the event of brake failure or other disaster, the truck driver can veer off the main road and onto a side road that leads to an uphill ramp. The ramp typically consists of soft sand or gravel and may feature a safety barrier. This, along with the uphill slope, can slow and stop the truck.
Jake Brakes
Even if you don’t know the term Jake Brake, you have almost certainly heard them. Also known as a compression brake, when engaged, a Jake Brake changes the workings of the truck’s engine and causes the vehicle to stow.
It also creates a loud hammering sound, which is unwelcome in many communities. A Jake Brake alone will not stop a runaway truck, but in cases where the brakes are semi-functional, it may slow the truck enough to allow the driver to regain control.
Maintenance
While some brake failures are unpredictable, keeping up with truck maintenance can prevent many accidents. Trucking companies that look to cut costs here are risking disaster.
What if You Are in an Accident With a Runaway Truck?
It is important to understand what a runaway truck is so you can determine if an out-of-control truck was the cause of your accident. This will help you decide who was liable and how to approach your case.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can assist you in understanding whether a runaway truck, reckless driving, or something else is to blame for the accident. Your attorney can also calculate maximum compensation for your injuries and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
You don’t have to handle the aftermath of an accident and injury on your own. At Vaughan & Vaughan, our firm has been standing up for injury victims like you for over 100 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help.
