Hitch Failure Truck Accidents

Every trailer is attached, or hitched, to its towing vehicle, either by a hitch, coupling, ball hitch, chain, pintle hook, or some other method depending on the size and type of truck and trailer. Regardless of what type of hitching method is being used, hitch failure is a common and deadly occurrence. When a hitch fails, the towed vehicle will separate from the towing vehicle, causing a runaway trailer that puts other drivers at risk for serious injuries and death.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected, and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.

Causes of Hitch Failure

Accidents involving hitch failure are more common than most people would think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 50,000 accidents are related to hitch failure every year.

Hitch failure truck accidents can be caused by a number of reasons, mainly from defective equipment, improper installation, or driver inexperience. However, there are other causes of these catastrophic accidents, including:

• Overweight or overloaded cargo
• Malfunctioning brakes
• Road/weather conditions
• Failure to use safety chains
• Using improperly sized safety chains
• Rusted hitch components
• Speeding
• Malfunctioning locking mechanism
• Using incorrect hitch components for the size of the vehicle/trailer

Ever hitch failure truck accident will be unique and determining the cause of the accident can be tricky. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your case and determine which party or parties may be responsible for your injuries and damages.

Liability in Hitch Failure Truck Accidents

Hitch failure truck accidents are rarely cut-and-dry and there may be more than one party responsible. The parties that may be responsible for a hitch failure truck accident include:

• The driver-Driver error is the leading cause of hitch failure truck accidents. Drivers who are negligent are often distracted, driving under the influence, inexperienced, or have not properly ensured that their truck and cargo are sufficiently secured prior to setting out on the road.
• The cargo loader-The party responsible for loading the cargo on the trailer may have overloaded it beyond a safe weight capacity. Improperly loading or overloading cargo can cause it to sway, which places stress on the hitch and hitch components.
• Hitch manufacturer-If an improperly designed hitch causes an accident, it is possible that the manufacturer could be held liable for damages.
• Road crews-If a road is improperly designed or poorly maintained, a claim may be filed against those responsible for keeping the roads safe if negligence can be proven.

Damages in Hitch Failure Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often lead to long-term injuries that are painful, life-changing, and expensive to treat. Under Illinois law, if liability is established, you or your loved one are entitled to receive compensation for your damages which can include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages and loss of future income
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
• Funeral expenses

Just as each accident is unique, the amount you may recover will depend on a variety of factors. The experienced personal injury lawyers at 844 See Mike are ready to assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.