Anti-lock braking for a truck keeps the vehicle’s wheels from locking if a trucker presses down hard on the brake pedal. By doing so, it allows a truck driver to maintain control of their vehicle. It also prevents skidding or jackknifing, both of which can lead to accidents.
Expect a trucking company to maintain the anti-lock braking on its trucks. However, if a truck company chooses not to do so, its vehicles’ brakes can be faulty. This can result in accidents.
If you suffer injuries in a trucking crash in which a truck’s anti-lock brakes are defective, get legal help. An Indiana truck accident lawyer lets you know if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
How Does a Truck’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Work?
An anti-lock braking system tracks wheel speeds and manages brake pressure. When a truck driver presses down on the brake pedal, the system keeps the wheels from locking up. It relies on the following components:
- Sensors: These detect wheel speed.
- Electronic Controller Unit (ECU): This tracks wheel speed and determines if a wheel will lock when the driver steps on the brake pedal.
- Hydraulic Modulator: The modulator reduces brake pressure on a wheel that is about to lock. It helps a truck regain traction and minimizes the risk of a skid.
The process behind an anti-lock braking system in trucking is ongoing as a trucker drives their vehicle. It involves detecting, modulating, and releasing brake pressure repeatedly and many times every second. The process continues until a truck stops.
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What Are the Benefits of Anti-Lock Braking for Trucks?
Thanks to anti-lock braking systems, a truck driver can steer their vehicle even if they brake hard. This is critical in emergencies, as it helps the driver maintain control of their vehicle and avoid accidents.
Since ABS stops the wheels from locking, it limits the risk that a truck will skid or jackknife. As such, the system helps truckers protect against many of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents.
An anti-lock braking system helps improve the maneuverability of trucks. ABS gives truckers greater control of their vehicles than they would have in those without the system. It is especially important for truck drivers who are towing trailers or carrying other large loads to travel safely.
What Happens if Anti-Lock Brakes for a Truck Stop Working?
A truck’s brakes will keep working even if the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system is no longer functioning. In this scenario, the truck’s wheels will lock up during hard braking.
This can cause a trucker to lose control of their vehicle. In addition, a truck driver will likely need more time and distance to bring their vehicle to a stop than they would if their vehicle’s ABS works.
Truckers cannot use defective anti–lock brakes as an excuse for getting into an accident. If a trucker blames their vehicle’s faulty anti-lock braking system for your crash, hold them accountable. Do so by hiring a truck accident attorney who has helped past clients achieve outstanding case results.
Your attorney learns about your trucking crash. They explain what to do after a truck accident and if you have a valid case. Your lawyer represents you if you decide to sue a liable trucker or any other at-fault parties for compensatory damages.
How Can You Prove a Truck’s Anti-Lock Brakes Were Not Working at the Time of Your Accident?
Look for skid marks at the accident scene—if you see them, take photos. ABS prevents a truck’s wheels from locking up. If a truck’s anti-lock braking system malfunctions, its wheels will lock up if the driver pushes down on the brakes hard. Thus, the truck can leave skid marks, and these indicate that the vehicle’s anti-lock brakes were defective.
Notify the police about your trucking accident. Police officers can speak to you and others at the scene. After your accident, they prepare a police report that details what happened and why the incident took place. If the police find that a truck’s brakes are faulty, they will include this information in their accident report.
Consult with a truck crash lawyer following your accident. Your attorney can describe the dos and don’ts in a truck accident case. They can connect you with accident reconstruction specialists who analyze the incident.
These specialists can explain to the court that a malfunctioning ABS contributed to your accident. This can strengthen your case for damages.
Ask for Legal Help With a Truck Accident Case
Anti-lock braking is a difference-maker for trucks. Regardless, anti-lock braking systems can stop working. If a trucker crashes their vehicle into yours, request legal guidance and support.
A trucking accident attorney could find that a faulty ABS kept the truck driver from stopping quickly enough to prevent your crash. They could compel the court to award compensation.
Vaughan & Vaughan is Indiana’s original personal injury law firm. Since 1913, we have provided high-quality legal services and support.
We can help you deal with the aftermath of a truck accident. Schedule a case consultation with us.
