What Is a Runaway Truck or a Runaway Trailer?

You may be on the road with a truck that seems to be moving at a very high rate of speed, with a driver who may not be controlling its movements. A runaway truck or runaway trailer is one that the driver typically cannot stop because of a mechanical failure or a safety issue. It may result from a driver’s mistake or poor maintenance.

Understanding what a runaway truck is and why they happen can help you learn what your rights are after an accident involving one. Be sure to speak with a Lexington truck accident lawyer about your case during a free case evaluation.

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Common Causes of a Runaway Truck or Runaway Trailer

Typically, a runaway truck occurs when the driver cannot control its movement for some reason. This can happen anywhere, but most commonly occurs on a downhill slope where the truck gains significant momentum due to its weight and gravity. Common causes of runaway vehicles include any of the following:

• Brake failures. Too much stress on the brakes, especially if not properly maintained, can cause them to overheat and become ineffective. This is called brake fade, and it is one of the most common causes of runaway trucks.
• Driver error. Drivers with limited experience or reckless habits can create risks, such as operating at too fast a speed or not applying proper pressure to the brakes, leading to failure.
• Weather conditions. Conditions that reduce braking performance and grip increase the risk of the truck driver losing control.
• Improper loading. Cargo positioning and weight affect how safe the vehicle is going down hills, and mistakes here can put too much strain on the brakes due to weight or unevenness.
• Mechanical failures. There are times when brake failures occur due to poor manufacturing or build of the vehicle or its components. Engine and transmission failures can also contribute to these accidents.

In an accident involving a runaway truck or trailer, gathering evidence to determine the cause can be critical to proving who is at fault. Expect your truck accident lawyer to be aggressive in pursuing this information.

Who Is At Fault in a Runaway Truck Accident?

Determining fault is a big part of proving your right to compensation if you are hurt in such an accident. If you are hurt due to a truck losing control or perhaps one that missed the truck ramp designed to provide safety in these situations, you need to hire an attorney to help you. The following are examples of those who may be at fault.

• The driver. Truck drivers operating recklessly or failing to account for steep drops can be at the core of these accidents.
• The vehicle manufacturer. In situations where the vehicle’s manufacturing contributes to the accident, such as due to defective components, the manufacturer may be accountable.
• The truck owner. Owners who fail to properly maintain the vehicle could be at fault for injuries that occur.

Other parties may include the government, in situations where there is a lack of signage about risks, and maintenance companies, if they fail to maintain the vehicle properly.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Lexington, KY

If you suffer an injury in an accident like this, contact Gary C. Johnson, Attorneys at Law, P.S.C., for guidance. Let our personal injury lawyer find out what caused your injuries and see if there is any way they can help.