When a commercial truck experiences a tire blowout or critical equipment failure at highway speed, the driver loses control of an 80,000-pound vehicle in a matter of seconds. Tire blowouts send massive rubber debris across traffic lanes, while brake failures, steering malfunctions, and coupling failures can turn a tractor-trailer into an unguided projectile. These mechanical failures are rarely sudden or unpredictable — they are almost always the result of deferred maintenance, ignored inspection findings, or defective components that should have been caught and corrected. McFarlane Law holds trucking companies, maintenance providers, and parts manufacturers accountable when equipment failures cause devastating crashes on Texas roads.

Common Equipment Failures in Commercial Trucks

Commercial trucks are complex machines with thousands of components that must function reliably under extreme stress. Tire blowouts are the most visible equipment failure — commercial truck tires operate under immense loads and pressures, and when they fail, the explosive release of air and fragmentation of the tire casing creates immediate hazards. Steer-axle blowouts are particularly dangerous because they directly affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle’s direction. Drive-axle blowouts can cause the truck to pull sharply to one side. Trailer tire blowouts scatter debris across traffic lanes and can cause the trailer to shimmy or sway. Beyond tires, brake system failures account for a significant percentage of truck equipment-related crashes. Air brake systems rely on compressors, air lines, brake chambers, slack adjusters, and friction materials that all require regular inspection and maintenance. A single malfunctioning component can dramatically reduce braking effectiveness or cause complete brake failure. Steering system failures — including broken tie rods, failed power steering pumps, and worn kingpins — remove the driver’s ability to direct the vehicle. Fifth-wheel coupling failures can cause the trailer to separate from the tractor, creating an uncontrolled 40,000-pound hazard on the highway.

Why Equipment Failures Are Preventable

FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to maintain systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance programs for every commercial vehicle in their fleet. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections before every trip and post-trip inspections at the end of each day, documenting any deficiencies on a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Identified deficiencies must be repaired before the vehicle is dispatched. Annual inspections by qualified mechanics are mandatory, and vehicles that fail inspection must be taken out of service until repairs are completed. Tire manufacturers publish load ratings, inflation specifications, and service life limitations that must be followed. Despite these requirements, equipment failures remain common because compliance costs money that many trucking companies are unwilling to spend. Tires are expensive — a full set for a tractor-trailer can cost $3,000–$5,000 — so companies run tires well past their safe service life. Brake repairs require vehicles to be taken out of service, reducing revenue. The economic incentive to defer maintenance creates a direct conflict with safety, and too many companies choose profits over maintenance. When the inevitable failure occurs, the people sharing the road with that truck pay the price.

Product Liability in Truck Equipment Failure Cases

Not all equipment failures result from deferred maintenance — some are caused by defective design or manufacturing of the components themselves. Tires with manufacturing defects (tread separation, sidewall weakness, improper curing) can fail catastrophically even when properly maintained and operated within specifications. Brake components with design defects may be prone to premature wear, overheating, or mechanical failure. Steering components manufactured with substandard materials or improper heat treatment can fracture without warning. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective component is liable under Texas product liability law. Product liability claims in truck equipment cases can be based on manufacturing defects (the specific component deviated from the design specification), design defects (the component design was inherently unsafe), or marketing defects (the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding maintenance, inspection, and replacement intervals). Product liability claims are particularly valuable in truck accident cases because they access the manufacturer’s insurance coverage in addition to the trucking company’s coverage.

How McFarlane Law Investigates Equipment Failure Crashes

Equipment failure cases require rapid evidence preservation — the failed components, tire remnants, and vehicle systems must be secured and examined before they are discarded or repaired. McFarlane Law sends immediate preservation demands to the trucking company, maintenance provider, and any involved manufacturers. We retain forensic engineers who examine the failed components to determine whether the failure resulted from wear (deferred maintenance), improper installation, or a manufacturing or design defect. For tire blowout cases, our experts analyze the tire carcass, tread pattern, inflation history, and load conditions to establish the cause of failure. For brake failures, we examine every component in the braking system and review the truck’s complete maintenance history. We obtain the vehicle’s inspection records, DVIR logs, and maintenance invoices to establish whether known deficiencies were addressed and whether the inspection and maintenance program met FMCSA standards. When a defective component is identified, we pursue the manufacturer alongside the trucking company to maximize available coverage. Contact McFarlane Law at (512) 222-4900 or (432) 803-5000 for your free case review.

Back to: Texas Truck Accident Lawyer