It sounds like a scene from a movie. An out of control fire truck pummeling down a highway sideways at 55MPH slams into a family of 5 on a Montana highway, killing a mother and father and 3 young children as well as the driver of the fire truck. After impact, a diesel fuel tank on the fire truck ruptured causing a fiery explosion.
The tragic event happened just last summer and after several weeks of investigation, the NHSTA found that mechanical failure was to blame.
The drive train snapped, causing the right front tire of the 750 gallon, megaton fire truck to lock up. The driver lost complete control of the fire truck. Records indicate that the 2002 vehicle was recalled in 2005 for a drive train issue. At the time of this posting, it is not clear whether that maintenance was ever completed.
Mechanical failure is more common than one might think. Large semi-tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles including passenger buses are often kept on the roads long after they should be.
On I-81 in the Virginia area, the most common mechanical failures that lead to accidents are:
- Improperly inflated tires
- Worn tires
- Brake failure
- Defective safety lights, turn signals, brake lights and headlights
- Failing transmissions and other critical mechanical parts
- Worn or broken windshield wipers
- Worn cargo straps that fail and allow cargo to fall from the vehicle
This is more than an unfortunate circumstance that can lead to a potentially deadly accident. Improperly maintaining a vehicle, especially a commercial vehicle, is an example of negligent behavior.
Who is at fault for a mechanical failure that results in an accident?
In some cases, only the operator of the vehicle can be held liable, but in others, the company that owns the vehicle, the company that loaded the vehicle, the person(s) responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle, and/or the manufacturer of the vehicle or individual defective part may be held liable for the accident.
Do I need a lawyer for a tractor trailer accident?
Because of the nature of the types of injuries that most semi-truck accidents cause, you most likely will need a lawyer to represent you throughout your case. Common injuries from tractor trailer accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Facial Scarring
- Broken Bones
- Wrongful Death
- Internal Injuries
How do I find the right lawyer for my truck accident on I-81?
The “right” lawyer is a lawyer that has proven results. Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm may be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and in some cases punitive damages. Call (877) 471-3353 today for a free case evaluation.
