Truck Accidents Caused by Leaf Springs
Three tragic accidents in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area have many drivers concerned about the safety of commercial trucks on the road. All three of the truck accidents were caused by a damaged leaf spring flying off of the truck and through the front and rear windows of the passenger car that was driving behind the truck. One of the accidents proved fatal, while the other two drivers sustained serious head and neck injuries after being struck by the leaf spring.
What Is a Leaf Spring?
A leaf spring is a type of spring used for vehicle suspension. It is one of the oldest forms of suspension technology. Leaf springs are attached to the frame of a trailer to help ensure the best suspension for a tow vehicle. Leaf springs are rarely used on vehicles outside of large trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. Compared to other types of springs, leaf springs are better at evenly distributing the weight of a heavy load.
Accidents Caused By Damaged Leaf Springs
In all three accidents mentioned in the introductory paragraph, the leaf spring flew off of the truck and struck the passenger and vehicle behind it. These are not simply freak occurrences; all three accidents could have been avoided with the proper inspection of the truck.
Drivers are required to inspect their trucks before and after each trip to ensure they are well-maintained and safe. Damaged or cracked leaf springs do not happen instantly upon loading a truck; the damage occurs over time and is noticeable during the inspection. If a truck driver notices that the leaf spring is showing signs of wear, it should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid tragedies such as the ones that happened in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Dislodged Leaf Springs Can Cause Serious Injuries
A leaf spring that dislodges from the frame of the truck and is hurled at trailing cars can cause serious injuries and even death. Leaf springs can weigh up to 45 pounds, so when they are traveling toward a moving vehicle at great speeds, the danger is clear.
Potential injuries from being struck by a leaf spring include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Blunt force trauma
What To Do If You've Been Injured in a Truck Accident
If you have been injured or a loved one was killed by a dislodged leaf spring from a commercial truck, you have legal rights to pursue a lawsuit against the trucking company for failing to maintain the truck and ensure its equipment passes inspection. The first thing you will want to do is speak with an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. A competent attorney can help you determine the best course of legal action.
At Arnold & Itkin, our Dallas truck accident attorneys help those involved in catastrophic accidents. Contact us today!
