Mechanical Failures in Truck Accidents: San Bernardino County Guide

• Hydraulic fluid leaks reducing power steering effectiveness
• Pump malfunctions leading to complete power steering loss
• Worn steering components including tie rods and steering gear
• Improper maintenance practices
• Manufacturing defects in steering systems

Steering failures often manifest suddenly, giving truck drivers little warning before they lose control of their vehicles. When these failures occur on busy highways or in mountainous areas, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases substantially.

Transmission and engine failures in commercial trucks can lead to sudden loss of power or unexpected vehicle behavior. When these mechanical failures occur on highways or in heavy traffic, they create dangerous situations that often result in serious accidents.

• Transmission fluid leaks leading to overheating
• Engine stalling causing sudden deceleration
• Transmission slippage creating unpredictable acceleration
• Coupling device failures between truck and trailer
• Electronic control module malfunctions

These mechanical failures may result from poor maintenance practices, manufacturing defects, or failure to address warning signs. Regardless of the specific cause, they create hazardous conditions that put all road users at risk.

Though sometimes overlooked, lighting and signal failures contribute significantly to truck accidents, particularly during nighttime operations or adverse weather conditions. When headlights, brake lights, turn signals, or marker lights malfunction, other drivers receive incorrect information or may fail to see the truck altogether.

These failures compromise visibility and communication between vehicles, increasing the risk of traffic collisions, especially during lane changes, turns, and braking maneuvers.

Establishing liability in truck accidents caused by mechanical failures requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. Multiple parties may share responsibility for these traffic collisions.

Our law firm has extensive experience investigating trucking company maintenance records to establish patterns of negligence that contribute to serious accidents. We work diligently to hold these companies accountable for the injuries they cause through mechanical failures.

In some cases, defective truck parts or design flaws may cause mechanical failures despite proper maintenance. Manufacturers can be held liable under product liability laws when their components fail and cause traffic collisions in San Bernardino County.

• Design defects in critical vehicle components
• Manufacturing defects occurring during production
• Inadequate warnings about potential failure risks
• Components failing before their expected lifespan

These complex cases require expert witnesses and technical knowledge to establish that the defective part caused the accident. Our legal team collaborates with mechanical engineering experts and accident reconstructionists to build compelling cases against negligent manufacturers.

Truck drivers have a legal duty to inspect their vehicles before each trip and report mechanical concerns. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires drivers to conduct thorough pre-trip inspections covering critical safety components, including:

When drivers fail to perform these required safety checks or operate vehicles despite obvious mechanical problems, they may share liability for resulting accidents. However, drivers are often pressured by employers to continue operating vehicles with known issues to meet delivery deadlines.

Proper investigation is essential to establish the role of mechanical failures in truck accidents. Our law firm employs a comprehensive approach to gather and preserve crucial evidence.

• Mechanical engineers analyzing failed components
• Accident reconstructionists determining how the failure affected vehicle dynamics
• Commercial vehicle inspectors identifying safety violations
• Maintenance specialists assessing proper vs. improper procedures

These expert witnesses provide crucial testimony that helps establish liability and secure appropriate damages for our clients injured in truck accidents.

Successful personal injury claims involving mechanical failures typically require:

• Establishing negligence through maintenance records and expert testimony
• Demonstrating how the mechanical failure caused the accident
• Documenting all damages with medical records and financial evidence
• Building a compelling case with expert witnesses and accident reconstruction

The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera has extensive experience navigating these complex cases and securing favorable outcomes for clients injured in truck accidents throughout San Bernardino County.

When mechanical failures lead to fatal truck accidents, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. These claims provide compensation for losses including:

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Contact our experienced lawyers at 909-915-0181 for guidance on your personal injury claim.

Many truck accident cases are resolved through insurance settlements before proceeding to trial. However, insurance companies representing trucking companies typically work to minimize payouts, particularly in complex mechanical failure cases.

Don’t delay seeking legal help after a truck accident. Evidence of mechanical failures can disappear quickly. Contact the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera at 909-915-0181 for immediate assistance with your San Bernardino County case.

Victims of truck accidents caused by mechanical failures may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the specifics of their case.

Economic damages compensate for specific financial losses including:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment needs
• Lost income during recovery periods
• Diminished earning capacity due to permanent injuries
• Property damage to vehicles and personal belongings
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident and recovery

These damages can be calculated with relative precision based on bills, receipts, and expert projections of future costs.

Non-economic damages address subjective losses that don’t have specific dollar values:

These damages often form a significant portion of compensation in serious injury cases but require skilled legal representation to secure.

Examples might include trucking companies that knowingly operate vehicles with dangerous mechanical defects or falsify maintenance records to hide safety issues.

At the Law Offices of Edgar Lombera, our experienced truck accident attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation for victims of accidents caused by mechanical failures throughout San Bernardino County.

• Comprehensive Investigation: We examine all aspects of the accident and potential mechanical failures.
• Expert Collaboration: Our firm works with qualified experts in relevant fields to establish causation and liability.
• Strategic Case Building: We develop compelling legal strategies tailored to the specific mechanical failures involved in your accident.
• Aggressive Representation: Whether negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court, we advocate fiercely for your rights.
• Client-Centered Service: Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication and ensure you understand your options.

Our firm has successfully represented numerous victims of truck accidents caused by mechanical failures in San Bernardino County. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing the financial resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

Mechanical failures continue to cause serious truck accidents throughout San Bernardino County, resulting in severe injuries and even fatalities. Victims of these traffic collisions have legal rights to seek compensation from negligent trucking companies, manufacturers, and other responsible parties.

Understanding the specific mechanical failures that commonly lead to accidents can help establish liability and build stronger personal injury claims. With proper legal representation, victims can secure the compensation they need to recover and move forward after these traumatic events.

The Law Offices of Edgar Lombera brings together experienced attorneys, industry experts, and a commitment to client advocacy that produces results for truck accident victims across San Bernardino County. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on victims and their families, and we’re dedicated to securing the justice and compensation they deserve.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique and requires personalized evaluation by a qualified attorney.