Motor Vehicle Accidents Caused When the Trailer Separates from the Truck
A defective trailer coupling can potentially lead to one of the most terrifying and deadly events, with an object weighing up to 40 tons hurtling down the highway without any means of control. Most commercial vehicles have mechanisms built in to prevent trailers from breaking loose, but they must be properly maintained and are never a failsafe. If you or someone you love was hurt after a semi-trailer uncoupled from the truck, you have a right to seek full and fair compensation for all your losses.
Uncoupling Accidents Far Too Common
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are some 50,000 hitch-related accidents reported every year in the U.S., contributing to more than 21,000 injuries and 450 deaths. Some industry watchdogs say that as many as one in every three trailers may have excessive wear and tear on the kingpin.
The Common Causes of Defective Trailer Coupling Accidents
Statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and by the NHTSA show that most coupling failures on semis, big rigs, 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers stem from three specific causes:
- Dangerous or defective design of the components of a coupling device, including the use of weak or substandard metals, faulty locking jaws, or a broken kingpin (also referred to as a fifth-wheel pin. Such defective components may fail and lead to disengagement of a trailer even under normal hauling stress.
- Failure to properly maintain the coupling mechanism—Allowing latches to become worn, failing to ensure that the mechanism is properly lubricated, allowing parts to oxidize or rust
- Failure to correctly set up the coupling device—Neglecting to connect safety systems to minimize runaway trailers, improperly securing the kingpin in the fifth wheel.
Let Attorney Michael R. De La Paz Protect Your Rights When You Have Been Hurt in a Texas Truck Accident
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide. We have a comprehensive understanding of the types of injuries commonly suffered in any type of property-related accident and know how to effectively present your case to a judge and jury, if necessary. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–https://delapazlaw.com/.
Handling Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuits Nationwide, Including, But Not Limited to Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Illinois and Oklahoma