Trucks are attached to the trailer with the help of a hitch. If it does not work correctly, the result can be a massive accident with multiple victims, where all victims may suffer catastrophic injuries. Failure of the truck hitch can be devastating. There can be various reasons for hitch failures, and that is why it is essential to contact a Roseville truck accident lawyer who is experienced and skilled to investigate every cause and pursue the accountable parties for compensation.
The dangers of truck hitch failure
If a truck hitch fails while being towed, there can be various reasons, including defective design, lack of training, or improper installation. The hitch failure can lead to the trailer or vehicle being disengaging from a dragging vehicle, and the result can be crashing into other cars and traffic behind it. Often the cause of hitch failure is hitch defects, defective coupler, defective trailer tongue or defective locking mechanism, failure to install safety chains, rusted parts, improperly distributed or overweight cargo, defective brakes or dangerous weather conditions, etc.
Sometimes, the truck driver is responsible for hitch failure due to negligent action or inaction. You can show a truck driver’s negligence by proving that the driver owed a duty of care, breached the care, and caused injury and damages. The trucking company can also be held liable for negligence in training, hiring, or supervising the truck driver.
Sometimes the cargo loaded is too heavy for the trailer to tolerate, i.e., the cargo is beyond the maximum allowable weight. Disproportionate weight can cause the trailer to swing or stress the hitch unacceptably. If a third party did the load, it is possible to hold liable the third party for their negligence in truck loading.
If the road is poorly designed or maintained inadequately, it can cause stress on the hitch. If your lawyer can show that the road was not appropriately maintained or designed correctly, it is possible to recover damages from maintenance companies or governmental actors.
If you can establish liability, you can be able to recover injuries. Damages can be economic and non-economic losses, medical bills including the costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, or mental anguish.
Contact your lawyer
If you or someone you know is injured at a hitch failure, your lawyer can help you receive the compensation for injuries, medical bills, and lost income.
