Semi truck with brake failure rushing into stopped traffic before an accidentSemi truck brake failure can cause a truck accident in Florida, or any other state, in several ways. The most common way is by failing to slow down or stop the truck when the driver applies the brakes. This can happen if the brakes are worn out, not properly maintained, or if there is a malfunction in the braking system. Additionally, if the brakes are not adjusted correctly, they may not provide enough stopping power, which can increase the distance needed to stop the truck and increase the risk of an accident.

Another issue that can arise from semi truck brake failure is loss of control. If the brakes are not functioning properly, the driver may have difficulty slowing down or stopping the truck, especially when it is carrying a heavy load. This can lead to the truck jackknifing, fishtailing, or rolling over, which can cause serious accidents and injuries.

In Florida, as in other states, it is the responsibility of the truck owner and operator to ensure that the brakes on their vehicles are in good working order and are regularly maintained. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs as a result, they may be held liable for any damages or injuries that result.

Why Is 18-Wheeler and Semi Truck Brake Failure So Dangerous?

Semi-truck and 18-wheeler brake failure is incredibly dangerous for several reasons, which we’ve listed below.

Size and Weight

Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means that they require more time and distance to slow down and stop. If the brakes on a semi-truck or 18-wheeler fail, it can be difficult or even impossible for the driver to stop the vehicle, which increases the risk of a collision.

Momentum

Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks and 18-wheelers have a lot of momentum, which makes it difficult to bring them to a stop even if the brakes are functioning properly. If the brakes fail, this momentum can make it even more challenging for the driver to control the vehicle, which can lead to a serious accident.

Load

Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are often carrying heavy loads, which can make it even harder to bring the vehicle to a stop if the brakes fail. The added weight can also make the truck more difficult to control, which can increase the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident.

Speed

Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are often driven at high speeds, especially on highways and interstates. If the brakes on one of these vehicles fail, the driver may be unable to slow down or stop the vehicle, which can result in a high-speed collision.

Overall, brake failure on a semi-truck or 18-wheeler can be extremely dangerous due to the size, weight, momentum, load, and speed of these vehicles. That's why it's so important for truck owners and operators to regularly maintain and inspect the brakes on their trucks to ensure that they are functioning properly and are in good working order before getting out on the road with other drivers.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Florida Semi Truck Accident Caused by Brake Failure?

In a semi-truck accident caused by brake failure, there can be several parties who may be held liable in Florida, including the following.

Trucking Company

The owner of the semi-truck, which is usually a trucking company, is responsible for maintaining the vehicle and ensuring that it is in good working order. If the brake failure was due to a lack of maintenance, the truck owner may be held liable for the accident.

Truck Operator

The operator of the semi-truck is responsible for safely operating the vehicle and ensuring that the brakes are functioning properly. If the operator failed to properly maintain the brakes or was aware of the brake failure and continued to operate the vehicle, they may be held liable for the accident.

Brake Manufacturer

If the brake failure was due to a defect in the design or manufacturing of the brake system, the manufacturer of the brakes may be held liable for the accident.

Maintenance Provider

If the semi-truck was serviced by a maintenance provider prior to the accident, they may be held liable if the brake failure was due to a failure to properly maintain or repair the brakes.

In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for a semi-truck accident caused by brake failure. An investigation into the cause of the brake failure and the responsibility of each party involved will often be necessary to determine who is liable for the accident.

Liability in truck accidents can be complex and may involve multiple parties. An experienced Florida truck accident attorney can help identify all the parties who may be liable and you get maximum compensation for the damages and injuries you sustained in the trucking accident.

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured Because of Semi Truck Brake Failure?

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Florida truck accident because of brake failure, you should speak with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website to set up your free consultation by email, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.

If you need a South Carolina truck accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured another state, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will help you however we can.

For more information on semi truck accidents, you can download our free e-book: 10 BIG Questions You Need Answered After a Truck Accident.