Throughout the country, there have been efforts to restrict older trucks and enhance the safety measures of all large trucks on the road. In addition to environmental benefits, newer trucks can decrease the likelihood of a serious New Hampshire truck accident. There have been few studies to explore the impact of trucks’ age on their crash occurrence. However, a recent study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association revealed that mechanical defects, new routes, and fatigue are the most common cause of truck accidents in the country.
Mechanical defects can occur from and of the hundreds of complex parts of a large truck. However, some defects can lead to more severe accidents and subsequent injuries. Older trucks are more likely to experience a mechanical failure, although some newer electronic systems and steering wheel defects can pose significant risks. Some states require trucks to have 2010 model year engines or newer within the following year.
The most common mechanical defects that lead to accidents involve a truck’s tires, wheels, and braking systems. Tire defects frequently involve tread separation, steel belt separation, improper puncture repair, retread failure, manufacturing defects, and damage during the mounting process. These severe defects can lead to the tire dislodging or blowing out. A tire blow can create a dangerous road obstruction.
For instance, new reports described a New Hampshire truck accident that occurred after a tire flew off a truck and hit a state trooper. The officer was driving on 1-95 when a tire struck her vehicle. The officer suffered injuries, and the tractor-trailer fled the scene after the accident.
There are many reasons why a driver may flee an accident. Some drivers may claim they did not realize they caused an accident; however, this is unlikely to occur. Further, a driver should report to authorities if they notice any damage to their vehicle or missing cargo, as this may indicate that an accident occurred. Additionally, mechanical failures often arise because of poor maintenance, improper loading, overuse, and inadequate safety checks.
Moreover, mechanical errors may occur if a braking system, suspension, transmission, or engine fails. These are preventable errors that can be avoided with appropriate maintenance in most cases. However, injury victims should consult with an attorney to determine what entity is responsible and liable for the failure. For instance, a manufacturer or truck driver’s employer may be liable to the injury victim.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a New Hampshire Accident
If you have suffered injuries because of the negligence, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The lawyers at our office can help accident victims determine who is responsible for their accident and how to obtain damages after an accident most effectively. In addition to New Hampshire trucking accidents, our attorneys have successfully represented clients’ cases involving car accidents, pedestrian accidents, dangerous property conditions, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.