Each year across the United States, there are numerous commercial truck accidents, many of them resulting in serious injuries and fatalities for truck drivers and passengers of other vehicles. The causes of these truck accidents can vary greatly, which include brake failure, driver fatigue, jackknifing, overloading, poor weather, and tire blowouts. A less common, but more serious cause includes runaway trucks, which are extremely dangerous because of the size, weight, and speed of commercial trucks and 18-wheelers.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are approximately 4,000 runaway truck incidents in the U.S. each year, which account for about 1% of all truck accidents. However, they can disproportionately cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities when one occurs. For this reason, these types of accidents require greater attention and awareness from drivers on highways and roadways.

A runaway truck refers to when a driver of a heavy truck loses control of their rig due to brake failure or other mechanical malfunction. This often occurs on steep downhill grades, where prolonged braking causes brakes to overheat and fail, a condition known as brake fade. Because of its mountainous terrain, Colorado is the leading state for runaway truck accidents and while the central and northern parts of Indiana are relatively flat, the southern part of the Hoosier State is characterized by many hills and unique topography, making it a susceptible area for runaway truck accidents.

To mitigate the risks of runaway trucks, many highways with steep downhill grades will have designated runaway truck ramp lanes designed to slow and stop runaway vehicles. These ramps are typically made of gravel, sand, or other materials to create resistance, or they may be uphill inclines to use gravity to stop a truck. However, even with the existence of these safety ramps, they do not always succeed in preventing serious accidents.

Determining fault and negligence in a runaway truck accident will require the expertise of an experienced truck accident lawyer, familiar with state trucking regulations and laws. More-often-than-not, these accidents will be the result of poorly maintained rigs. If a trucking company failed to adequately service a vehicle and it can be determined this contributed to an accident, a skilled attorney will be able to strengthen a personal injury case. Other factors, such as speed, distracted driving, or aggressive maneuvering by truck drivers, all may play a role in assigning fault to a driver and/or their employer.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, contact Hurst Limontes for a free and confidential consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to our clients unless there is a settlement or jury verdict award obtained on their behalf.

Call 317-636-0808 or complete the contact form below to get started.