Proving Negligence After a Tandem Axle Misalignment Truck Crash
Commercial semi-trailers rely on a dual-rear axle system, known as tandem axles, to distribute the immense weight of cargo. These axles must be perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the centerline of the trailer. If these axles become misaligned, the trailer will not follow straight behind the cab—a mechanical failure that poses extreme danger on public highways.
If you were struck by a drifting trailer, proving the accident was caused by a tandem axle misalignment truck crash is critical to demonstrating that the trucking firm failed to perform essential mechanical maintenance.
When tandem axles are misaligned, the trailer travels down the road at an angle, a phenomenon known as 'dog-tracking.' While the driver steering the truck cab may be in the center of their lane, the trailer drifts sideways into adjacent lanes or onto the shoulder, striking nearby passenger vehicles without warning.
Why Tandem Axles Fall Out of Alignment
Tandem axle misalignment does not happen overnight. It is typically the result of long-term neglect or severe impact that the trucking company failed to inspect:
- Worn Suspension Bushings: The rubber bushings that cushion the axle suspension degrade over time. If they are not replaced, the axle shifts, throwing the alignment out of spec.
- Curb Strikes and Potholes: Striking a concrete curb or deep pothole can bend suspension components or shift the slide rail locking pins that keep the tandem slide in place.
- Uneven Tire Wear and Blowouts: Misaligned axles force the tires to drag sideways at a slight angle. This causes extreme heat buildup and rapid tread wear, frequently resulting in high-speed tire blowouts.
Proving Axle Negligence in Court
To win your case, we must show that the alignment issue existed prior to the crash and should have been caught during standard inspections. Your attorney will subpoena the trailer's maintenance history, verify CVSA inspection records, and hire accident reconstruction engineers to examine the physical wear patterns on the trailer's tires, proving the tracking defect was present long before the crash.