How Improper Truck Maintenance Leads To Accidents

Large commercial trucks must be properly maintained. 18-wheelers and other large trucks on the roadway can weigh nearly 70,000 pounds (or more with exemptions) when fully loaded with cargo, and a collision with smaller vehicles often results in significant injuries or property damage for those involved. Here, we want to review how improper truck maintenance leads to accidents. If a collision does occur, contact a truck accident attorney in Houston for assistance with your case.

What Are Common Maintenance Failures That Lead To Truck Accidents

Truck maintenance is crucial for the safety of not only the truck driver but also other road users. Common failures in truck maintenance that can lead to accidents include:

• Brake failures. Inadequate brake maintenance is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Brakes on these larger vehicles must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are responsive and reliable.
• Tire blowouts. Tires that are worn out, improperly inflated, or not routinely checked for damage can lead to blowouts and cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
• Engine and transmission issues. The failure of engine components or transmission systems can lead to sudden breakdowns on the road, posing serious risks to the truck and other vehicles.
• Lighting malfunctions. Essential for night driving and poor visibility conditions, malfunctioning lights can result in visibility issues, leading to accidents.
• Improperly secured loads. Failure to properly inspect and secure loads can result in shifting weight or falling debris, which can create hazardous conditions for other vehicles.

Regular inspections and maintenance of these components are essential to prevent serious issues that could lead to accidents.

Who Is Responsible For Maintaining The Vehicles?

The responsibility for maintaining commercial trucks typically falls on both the vehicle owner and the operating company:

• Truck owners are required to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and regularly serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and federal regulations.
• Trucking companies must also enforce maintenance schedules and are responsible for ensuring that all trucks in their fleet comply with safety standards. This includes keeping detailed records of all maintenance work.
• Drivers have a role in maintenance too. They are required to perform pre-trip inspections and report any issues that might affect the truck’s safety.

Regulatory requirements, such as those outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), mandate regular inspections, repairs, and maintenance of commercial trucks. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and increased liability in the event of an accident.

What Happens If You Are Harmed In An Accident?

Any person who sustains an injury or property damage caused by the reckless or negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company should reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer can offer a free consultation to discuss your options moving forward. This could include pursuing an insurance settlement or even moving for a jury trial if necessary. Improper truck maintenance is negligence, and truck drivers and trucking companies should be held responsible for their actions.

Successful claims against negligent parties could help victims recover various types of compensation. This can include coverage of any medical expenses arising due to the injuries and the recovery process, lost wage replacement if a victim is unable to work while recovering, property damage expenses, and even pain and suffering damages.