To safely come to a complete stop, a fully loaded commercial truck needs every component of its braking system to function properly. When a truck experiences brake failure, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Truck accident cases that involve brake failure can reveal multiple layers of potential liability, from inadequate maintenance and inspection violations to manufacturing defects and trucking company policies.
If you were injured in a Wisconsin truck accident, a Milwaukee truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex investigation required to identify all responsible parties and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Brake Failure in Commercial Trucks
Brake failure is often the result of negligence, cost-cutting, or disregard for safety regulations. When these actions lead to a truck accident, the victims have the right to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against those responsible for making these decisions.
Common factors include:
- Inadequate maintenance and inspection: Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles according to strict federal standards, but some cut corners to keep trucks on the road longer. Worn brake pads, damaged drums, and deteriorating components often go unnoticed—or worse, ignored—during routine inspections.
- Manufacturing or design defects: Sometimes the problem isn’t maintenance—it’s the equipment itself. Defective brake components, whether from poor design or manufacturing errors, can fail without warning and put everyone on the road at risk.
- Improper repairs or installation: Even when maintenance is performed, substandard repairs or incorrect installation of brake parts can create dangerous conditions that lead to system failure down the line.
Identifying Liable Parties in Brake Failure Accidents
Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident, multiple parties may be financially responsible for the damages you suffered. These parties may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the maintenance provider, the parts manufacturer, or even a combination of multiple individuals and entities.
For example, if a trucking company pressured drivers to skip required brake inspections to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, the company could be held liable for prioritizing profits over safety.
A maintenance contractor who signed off on faulty brake repairs without properly testing the system might share responsibility for the resulting accident.
How a Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorney Can Investigate Your Claim
Proving brake failure caused your accident requires more than just your account of what happened. These cases demand a thorough technical investigation and careful documentation. A Wisconsin truck accident attorney knows where to look and what to ask for.
They will obtain the truck’s black box data, subpoena maintenance and inspection records, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened.
They will also review the trucking company’s compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and identify any violations that contributed to the accident. This level of investigation requires resources, experience, and persistence—qualities that make the difference between a weak settlement offer and full compensation.
Get Help with Your Brake Failure Truck Accident Claim
When a commercial truck’s brakes fail, innocent people pay the price. If you or a loved one was involved in a brake failure accident, Cannon & Dunphy S.C. will fight for your rights.
We dig deep into maintenance records, driver logs, and inspection reports to find out who’s responsible and build a compelling case for you. Contact us at (262) 239-4124 to discuss how we can pursue justice after a brake failure accident.