Since about 1949 big rig trailers have used air brakes as the mechanism to stop the trailer in an articulated vehicle. The change to air brakes was necessary due to the increased use of large rigs such as we find on our roadways today. Hydraulic brakes are still used on smaller straight trucks but the braking components and designs have evolved over the years for hydraulic brakes to adapt for faster speeds and more efficient stopping power.
While air brakes on tractor trailers have several important safety features built in, such as dual air systems, the operating condition of the braking components is a big part of accident reconstruction analysis when indicated by post accident inspections and or the objective findings at the accident scene. After a truck accident it is very important to inspect the scene and vehicles as soon as possible after the wreck to get the clearest picture of the cause of the wreck. Both driver and trucking company have very stringent responsibilities under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations with regard to the operational condition of the rig. Additionally, manufacturers of semi trucks have minimum design standards for stopping under the FMVSS of 335 feet at 60 mph for most semi trucks.
Sometimes wrongful death or serious injury could have been avoided simply by adequate care with respect to maintaining the brakes. Early inspection of the commercial vehicles by truck experts and an experienced truck accident attorney is advisable to best prepare a truck accident claim.
If you need a consultation with a truck accident attorney, please contact Greg Baumgartner at 281-587-1111 as soon after the accident as possible as critical evidence can disappear with time.
