A Truck Driver Can Still Be Liable For An Accident Caused By A Steering Failure

17 January 2022
 Categories: Law, Blog

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It is essential for truck drivers to have control over their vehicles. The smallest mistakes can lead to catastrophic accidents. Some drivers have steering errors because they commit a human error or are not able to effectively handle the truck under adverse weather conditions. However, other drivers are not able to steer their trucks properly because of mechanical errors that result from poor maintenance. If this is the case, the driver can still be held liable for your accident.

How a Steering Failure Might Occur

When a truck driver's truck experiences a steering failure, this can result in a complete loss of the ability to steer or a temporary loss of power. However, the truck driver will often experience warning signs that the steering is starting to fail. For example, the steering column may begin to produce a whining noise. 

However, in more rare cases, the steering wheel might experience a sudden leak and the truck driver might discover that their steering wheel has become stiff. Still, the driver might make the situation worse by coming to a sudden stop and by not putting their emergency lights on. This can lead to your car colliding with the truck.

Poor Maintenance Can Lead to Truck Accidents

The truck driver is responsible for making sure that the truck is functioning properly. If the driver discovers that something is wrong, such as if the steering wheel is vibrating, pulling to the side, or slipping, they should tell their employer and have a mobile repair technician come to the truck to service it until it is safe to be put back on the road. 

In some cases, the steering wheel might not function properly because there was a manufacturing defect. As a result, the manufacturer might be partially at fault for the accident. However, in other cases, the driver might have simply been negligent when maintaining the truck. For example, the vehicle might have a leak that caused the vehicle to lose its steering fluids.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

If your car is damaged and you suffer injuries as a result of a commercial truck that had a defective steering wheel, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. A truck accident lawyer will be best suited for investigating everything that went wrong and making a solid case for why you should be entitled to compensation for your injuries. They will also help you calculate the damages you have suffered so you can maximize your settlement. 

Contact a truck accident lawyer in your area to learn more.