(845) 802-0047The braking systems on commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles are completely different. It also goes without saying that the braking system on a large commercial vehicle is significantly more complicated and stronger than the braking system on a smaller passenger vehicle. This is because 18 wheelers are significantly heavier, larger, and have more wheels than other vehicles on the road. Large commercial vehicles are also in two pieces, the cabin (where the driver sits) and the trailer or bed (where the cargo rests), whereas most other vehicles are in one, continuous piece. Thus, the hydraulic systems typically used on passenger vehicles cannot be used on tractor trailers. Even though the braking systems on commercial trucks are well-engineered for safety, unfortunately, a brake failure still can cause a deadly New York trucking accident.
This is because a brake failure on an 18 wheeler turns it into a battering ram that will not stop until it bashes into something. Any other vehicle, person, or other objects will be struck with the full force of a massive tractor-trailer that cannot slow down or stop by itself. This is likely to result in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of an innocent person.
How are Passenger Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems Different?
There are significant differences in the braking systems of a passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle. Almost all passenger vehicles use a hydraulic braking system. When a driver presses on the brake pedal it sends pressurized hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) against hydraulic pistons on a vehicle’s wheels. These pistons exert pressure on the brake pads which stop the vehicle.
However, on commercial vehicles, the separation between the cabin and the trailer are not conducive to a hydraulic system. This is because the cabin and trailer are frequently separated and swapped out. A hydraulic system works on a closed system and having joints or junctions would create weaknesses in the system. Plus, a commercial truck has a lot of momentum, and the amount of hydraulic fluid and a braking system would not be feasible (or safe) in these types of vehicles.
This is why commercial vehicles use air brakes. An air braking system can be easily connected and reconnected. When a truck driver presses on the brakes, compressed air travels through the airlines and into the brake chambers. The air pressure pushes out rods which create a mechanical chain reaction inside the braking unit. Ultimately, the brake linings are pressure outwards and against the braking drum (or the less-common braking disc) which slows then stops the truck.
Reasons Why a Braking Failure Can Cause New York Trucking Accidents
There are several reasons why New York trucking accidents are caused by a braking failure. Most of the time it is due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or truck maintenance or servicer company. Some of the common reasons why a brake failure occurs include the following:
- Failure to properly connect the air brake system;
- Failure to test the air brake system;
- Neglecting to replace brake drums or brake discs that are worn down;
- Improperly maintaining the air brake system;
- Failing to replace worn or damaged parts of the air brake system, including a damaged camshaft, S-cam, brake drum, or other internal parts;
- Overloading the tractor-trailer with more weight than the brakes are rated for;
- Improperly installing the air brake system;
- Failing to replace leaky or worn airlines; and
- Other errors.
Call us to Investigate a New York Trucking Accident Caused by a Brake Failure
Not only do large commercial vehicles have significantly different braking systems, but they have significantly different regulations and requires regarding the maintenance, responsibility, and logging of their vehicles. Federal regulations require commercial vehicles like tractor trailers, tankers, and other trucks to record all maintenance activities to demonstrate what was done, when it was done, and by whom. Therefore, if a braking failure occurs a victim may be entitled to view the records to establish who is at fault for a New York trucking accident.
But in most instances, a trucking company will fight you to hide this information. Some may even illegally destroy or change the logbook information to help their position in court. However, when a braking failure occurs on a large commercial vehicle such as an 18 wheeler, double trailer, semi tractor-trailer, big rig, or other box truck, victims have a strong case against both the truck driver and trucking company who had access to and control over the truck’s braking system. Coupled with support from a New York trucking accident lawyer, victims may be entitled to compensation for their personal injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the wrongful death of a loved one.