Pascoe Law Firm
Hitch Failure Runaway Trailer Accident
Principal office located in Friendswood, Texas.
Available to service League City, Webster, Pearland, Galveston, and the surrounding areas within Texas.
Truck Hitch Failure and Runaway Trailer Accident Lawyer
When a hitch fails on a vehicle or trailer being towed, the results can be catastrophic with severe injuries and fatalities. In some cases, a hitch failure can be the result of a defective design, improper installation or driver inexperience. When a hitch fails, the trailer or towed vehicle separates from the hauling vehicle, which can cause it to break free and crash into oncoming traffic. Statistics maintained by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) indicate that an estimated 50,000 towing accidents occur every year. In 2007, there were more than 21,000 injuries, and 450 fatalities caused directly or indirectly by a towing accident, including those caused by a hitch failure.
Were you injured in an accident that involved a runaway truck or trailer the greater Houston area or within the State of Texas? You probably don’t want to relive the moment, but that’s what it may feel like as you try to handle the consequences of the collision on your own. If you’re like most Americans, it’s difficult to financially recover from an unexpected accident or injury. Savings and insurance only stretch so far, and the remaining bills might add up to more than you can afford. To financially recover as much as you can, you may need to sue the driver, his or her employer, and potentially other businesses or individuals involved. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can help you figure out your best course of action and guide you through the legal process.
What is a Runaway Trailer?
How to Trailers Become Unhitched?
Every hitch failure accident is unique and determining responsibility can be challenging. Trailers become unexpectedly unhitched from all kinds of vehicles including semi-trucks, heavy rigs, pickups, flatbeds, SUVs, moving vans and others. Most common types of hitch failure accidents involve:
- Manufacturing or design defect
- Malfunctioning locking mechanism
- Defective trailer tongue or coupler
- Rusted component
- Reckless driving behavior including traveling at excessive speed
- Failure to use safety chains properly
- Inadequately sized safety chains connected between the towed trailer and hauling vehicle
- Overweight cargo
- Hazardous road conditions including ice, sleet, and snow
- Malfunctioning brakes
Who Is At Fault After a Trailer Hitch Fails and Causes an Accident?
While responsibility for the accident may appear cut and dry, when a trailer hitch malfunctions or fails, there may be additional parties also at fault. Individuals and companies that can be held legally liable for the accident could include:
Pascoe Law Firm
Friendswood, TX 77546
Phone: 713-829-4317
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- Vehicle Operator – Driver error is a leading cause of most runaway trailer accidents. Negligence can include distracted driving, improperly securing cargo, failing to adequately maintain the towed vehicle, trailer in tow and all connecting components.
- Hitch Manufacturer – In many incidences, the hitch fails because of a design or manufacturing defect. In these cases, the hitch manufacturer might also be held legally liable to pay every victim and surviving family members financial compensation for their damages and losses.
- Cargo Loaders – Often, the towed vehicle is loaded too heavy at a capacity far beyond its maximum allowable weight. The excess weight can cause the vehicle to sway, or place unacceptable stress on the trailer hitch and connecting components.
- Government Road Maintenance Crews – Poorly designed roadways and improperly maintained street surfaces can cause hazardous conditions for vehicles and trailers in tow. If it can be shown that negligence resulted in a poorly maintained road, a skilled attorney can file a claim for additional compensation against state agencies and local road maintenance crews.
