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Brake and tire failures are among the most common mechanical problems that lead to serious truck accidents. When a commercial truck loses stopping power or a tire blows out, the results can be catastrophic for other drivers on the road. These failures are often preventable and may signal poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or regulatory violations.
This blog explains the causes, liability, and legal options available after a crash caused by faulty brakes or tires on a commercial truck.
Why Brake and Tire Failures Are So Dangerous
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When that much mass is moving at highway speed, any failure in the braking or tire system dramatically increases the risk of losing control or causing a multi-vehicle accident.
Some of the most common accident types linked to mechanical failures include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Cross-median or lane-departure crashes
- Fires caused by overheating brakes or tire blowouts
Even a small issue can become deadly when large commercial vehicles are involved.
What Causes Brake Failure in Trucks?
Brake systems in commercial trucks are complex and subject to enormous stress. Failure often results from improper maintenance, worn-out components, or even deliberate neglect.
Common causes of brake failure include:
- Worn brake pads or shoes
- Overheated or glazed drums or rotors
- Air brake system leaks or pressure loss
- Poor adjustment of slack adjusters
- Contaminated or degraded brake fluid
- Failure to inspect or service brakes as required
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial carriers to perform regular brake inspections. Ignoring these obligations can create direct liability in a personal injury or wrongful death case.
What Causes Tire Failure on Commercial Trucks?
Tire blowouts and separation incidents are another leading cause of truck crashes. These failures are often sudden and can result in complete loss of control.
Tire-related accidents may be caused by:
- Underinflation or overinflation
- Tread separation or worn-out treads
- Improper repairs (e.g., patching sidewalls)
- Overloading the truck or trailer
- Improper alignment or axle wear
- Use of defective or recalled tires
In some cases, liability may rest with a third party—such as a tire manufacturer, installer, or maintenance contractor—depending on who last serviced the vehicle or sold the tire.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Mechanical Failure Accident?
Truck accident claims involving mechanical failure often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including:
- The truck driver, if they failed to inspect the vehicle or ignored warning signs
- The trucking company, due to poor maintenance policies or inspection failures
- Third-party maintenance providers, if they performed faulty repairs
- Tire or brake manufacturers, if defective parts contributed to the failure
- Freight companies, if improper loading increases wear on tires or brakes
Your attorney will investigate the vehicle’s maintenance logs, inspection records, black box data, and more to determine what went wrong—and who failed to prevent it.
What Federal Safety Standards Apply?
The FMCSA mandates detailed safety and inspection requirements for commercial trucks, including:
- Daily pre-trip inspections by drivers
- Regular maintenance schedules for brakes and tires
- Annual inspections performed by certified personnel
- Recordkeeping requirements for all maintenance activities
- Compliance with manufacturer specifications for tire pressure, brake adjustments, and load ratings
Violations of these standards can support a claim for negligence per se, simplifying your legal case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident Caused by Equipment Failure
If you suspect the crash was caused by a blown tire or failed brakes, take these steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Get medical treatment—even if you feel okay at the scene.
- Document what you can: photos, road debris, truck markings, eyewitnesses.
- Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurer without legal guidance.
- Contact an attorney who has experience handling truck defect and maintenance claims.
Prompt legal action can help preserve critical evidence—like black box data and maintenance logs—before they’re lost or destroyed.
Legal Help After a Truck Defect Accident
Crashes caused by brake or tire failure are often preventable and rooted in negligence. At Nagel Rice LLP, we represent victims across New Jersey who have been seriously injured by commercial trucks with unsafe equipment. We investigate violations of federal safety standards, consult with mechanical experts, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt in a truck accident involving mechanical failure.