Filing a Commercial Truck Power Steering Failure Lawsuit After a Loss of Control
Steering an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is impossible without fully functional hydraulic assist systems. When a truck's power steering system fails at high speed, the driver instantly loses the ability to steer the vehicle. The truck will continue traveling in its current path of travel or drift across lanes, causing catastrophic collisions with passenger cars.
If a trucker crossed into your lane and claimed their steering suddenly locked up, a commercial truck power steering failure lawsuit can reveal whether this mechanical breakdown was a preventable safety violation.
FMCSA safety rules require commercial drivers to inspect the steering system before every trip. This includes checking power steering fluid levels, examining the steering gear box for hydraulic leaks, and checking the power steering pump belt for wear. Ignoring steering fluid leaks is a direct violation of federal safety regulations.
Why Power Steering Systems Fail
While steering component manufacturing defects can occur, most highway steering failures are due to corporate neglect:
High-pressure power steering hoses degrade over time. If a carrier ignores a minor leak, the system will eventually run out of fluid, causing the pump to seize and lock up the steering mechanism.
The power steering pump is driven by a serpentine belt. If the trucking company fails to replace cracked, worn belts, the belt can snap, instantly removing steering assistance while traveling at highway speed.
The steering shaft connects the steering wheel to the gear box. The universal joints on this shaft must be lubricated. Failing to grease these joints leads to severe binding, mechanical lock, or mechanical breakage.
Holding the Negligent Parties Accountable
If the steering failed, the trucking company will argue it was an unforeseen mechanical emergency. To disprove this, your legal team will obtain the truck's pre-trip inspection reports, review internal maintenance invoices to check if steering fluid had been repeatedly added without fixing the leak, and hire forensic engineers to inspect the failed components for pre-existing wear.