Austin Improper Braking Truck Accident Attorneys
Truckers carry a commercial driver’s license because it requires extensive training and education to understand how to operate such a large vehicle. A commercial truck is longer, wider, and much heavier than passenger vehicles. When the truck driver doesn’t brake correctly, it could cause a devastating accident.
Big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks are unstable, and require a much longer distance to slow down. Someone inexperienced or unqualified might not know that there’s a right way and wrong way to use the brakes in a commercial vehicle. Improper braking could cause the driver to lose control and collide with a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian.
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we represent victims of improper braking truck accidents. You are entitled to financial compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. Contact our Austin improper braking attorneys today (737) 249-6300 to schedule your free consultation. We’re ready to discuss your rights and legal options.
Braking Techniques Truckers Must Follow
Before anyone even gets behind the wheel of a truck, they need to undergo training and education to ensure they drive safely and know how to handle a dangerous situation. Improper braking is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.
When you’re braking correctly, you’re supposed to pump the brakes to decrease the speed before coming to a complete stop. A trucker who doesn’t operate the vehicle to the trucking company’s standards or follow federal and state laws could face serious consequences.
To avoid an improper braking accident, truck drivers should implement the following techniques:
- Press down on the brakes for two minutes to measure the system’s air pressure;
- Pay attention to the gauge that indicates that the air system is functioning correctly;
- Place the truck in neutral before engaging the parking brake;
- Apply steady pressure to the brake when engaging the anti-lock braking system;
- Utilize traction control in inclement weather, such as ice or snow; and
- Keep constant pressure on the brakes when using the anti-lock braking system in icy road conditions.
A driver who completed their training program successfully understands when they need to pump the brakes or maintain steady pressure. A negligent trucker ends up causing an accident because they don’t know how much stopping time they need when approaching an intersection, stoplight, or vehicle that stopped in front of them.
How Improper Braking Leads to Accidents
A truck driver who fails to follow proper braking methods could cause a major accident that leads to debilitating or life-threatening injuries to other motorists or pedestrians. Following are the most common causes of improper braking accidents:
- Using the wrong braking technique on wet roads, causing hydroplaning
- Slowing down the speed of the vehicle without downshifting
- Failing to press on the brakes before the speed increases, such as when driving down a mountain or hill
- Braking in a way that causes the trailer to drag or swing, leading to a jackknife or rollover accident
- Choosing to brake too hard in situations that lead to a shift or spillage of the cargo load
- Using the incorrect gear to travel on an incline or decline
A truck driver is likely responsible for the accident they cause when they fail to use the proper breaking method needed to avoid an accident.
Who’s Responsible in an Improper Braking Accident?
Liability typically lies with the truck driver when someone gets injured in a crash caused by improper braking. Under some circumstances, you could go after the trucking company for employing an inexperienced driver. Texas law requires auto insurance coverage for anyone who owns or operates a motor vehicle.
Liability policies include limits for bodily injury and property damage. Depending on the coverage on the policy, you could potentially seek the maximum amount available to pay for your expenses. To prove the truck driver’s improper braking caused the collision, you’ll need to establish the following factors:
- The trucker owed you a reasonable duty of care to prevent your injury;
- They breached that duty; and
- The breach directly caused an injury requiring medical attention.
If you can prove the elements of liability, you have a good chance of receiving the compensation owed to you by the trucker’s liability insurance carrier. Of course, you could also pursue payment from the trucking company if you believe their negligence led to the improper braking accident.
The most common reasons to hold a trucking company financially responsible include:
- If they failed to perform a thorough background check that included past work history and experience driving a commercial vehicle
- If they didn’t provide ongoing training and education
- If they hired a trucker who didn’t have a commercial driver’s license
- If they didn’t perform routine maintenance on the truck, including maintenance of brakes
- If they didn’t require their employees to undergo performance reviews
What Should I Do If I’m Injured in an Improper Braking Accident?
There are a number of steps you should take after an accident to ensure your safety, and to maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses:
- Call 911. An officer will investigate the scene of the crash and determine who was at fault;
- Take photos of the collision site, vehicles, and any debris you believe is relevant to prove negligence;
- Speak to witnesses and get their names and contact information;
- Seek immediate treatment for your injuries and continue to treat them until your doctor releases you;
- Keep records of all medical care, receipts, vehicle repair invoices, prescriptions, and additional costs related to the accident; and
- Hire an improper braking lawyer from Gibson Hill Personal Injury to handle your case.
Choose a Lawyer You Can Depend On
If you suffered an injury in an improper braking truck accident, contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury immediately. We’ll begin working on your case as soon as you hire us to ensure we collect sufficient evidence that proves your claim.
Our improper braking lawyers have years of experience fighting for our clients. We believe in seeking justice for victims that get hurt because of another person’s careless behavior.
You can count on our skills and knowledge to get the job done. We’ll take care of every aspect of your case while you focus on recovering. We understand the burden you face each day you’re in pain and out of work. We’ll work efficiently to resolve your case so you can pay your medical bills.
Call (737) 249-6300 to schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Austin truck accident lawyer.