Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure is one of the most terrifying causes of truck accidents. When a truck's brakes fail — whether due to poor maintenance, overheating on steep grades, defective parts, or overloading — the driver may be unable to stop an 80,000-pound vehicle. Brake failure accidents often result in high-speed collisions and multi-vehicle pileups. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require regular brake inspections, and failure to maintain brakes is a serious violation that can establish negligence against the trucking company.

Common Injuries

• High-speed impact traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple fractures and crushed limbs
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns from post-crash fires
• Wrongful death

Key Facts

• Brake problems are cited as a factor in approximately 29% of truck crashes
• FMCSA requires brake inspections every 12 months or 10,000 miles
• Truck brakes can overheat and fade on long downhill grades
• Brake defects are the most common violation found during roadside inspections
• Both the trucking company and brake manufacturer may be liable in brake failure cases
• Runaway truck ramps exist on steep grades specifically for brake failure emergencies