Last updated on May 12, 2022
A runaway trailer accident can occur when the speed of a trailer does not match the speed of the truck to which it is attached. When this occurs, the trailer can cause the truck to veer out of control. In some circumstances, the trailer may become detached, destroying everything in its path until it comes to a stop. Some of the largest tractor-trailers in Washington weigh up to 80,000 pounds. So these types of accidents can potentially result in catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage.
Runaway trailers are some of the worst possible accidents that can occur on Washington roadways.
For more information about your rights as a victim and how you may be able to hold at-fault truckers and trucking companies responsible, read the rest of this page and call the Seattle truck accident lawyers at Pendergast Law at 888-539-9211. You will receive a free consultation concerning your accident and potential legal options as a victim.
Determining Liability For A Washington Runaway Trailer Accident
Runaway trailer accidents often result in complicated injury claims because of the number of potentially liable parties. Depending on the cause of the crash, victims and their families may file a claim against the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, the company responsible for loading the trailer, or even the auto parts manufacturer responsible for a defective part.
Causes Of Runaway Trailer Accidents
Some of the most common causes of Washington runaway trailer accidents include:
- Excessive speed: It is important for truck drivers to do more than just obey the speed limit. Drivers must adjust their speed to the type of cargo they are carrying and to roadway conditions. If the trailer gains too much momentum, the brakes may not be able to slow it down.
- Steep declines: It is challenging to stop large, heavy tractor-trailers under any conditions, but it is particularly difficult on declines. A runaway trailer accident can occur if the brakes fail to slow down the momentum of the trailer at a rate equal to the truck.
- Overloaded trailers: There are weight limits on how much a trailer can safely handle. When a trailer is overloaded, the brakes may fail and the tires may blow out.
- Brake failure: The brakes on the trailer must work in conjunction with the brakes on the truck. When defective trailer brakes work separately from the truck brakes, the trailer may veer beyond the control of the driver.
- Other mechanical defects: The parts that connect the truck and the trailer can fail, resulting in a disconnecting and runaway trailer. When this occurs, it must be determined if the parts were defective and if a proper inspection was performed before the crash.
Getting Fair Compensation In Washington
The party responsible for a runaway trailer accident can be held accountable for the injuries suffered by the victims. Runaway trailer accident victims can seek support for their medical bills, lost wages, suffering, and other related damages. The family of someone killed in a runaway trailer accident can pursue compensation for lost future wages, funeral expenses, and a number of other related losses.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Washington truck accident, please make sure that you have access to the resources, support, and guidance you need during these challenging times. Call Seattle accident attorney J.P. Pendergast and the legal team at Pendergast Law. The help of a skilled Seattle runaway trailer accident lawyer can help you not only understand your rights but take legal action to which you are entitled in order to recover as much as possible.