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When Can Truck Accidents Be Caused by Inadequate Maintenance?
Commercial trucks are an essential part of the transportation industry and the economy of the United States. They carry goods, materials, and other products throughout the country, ensuring that items can be delivered on time. Unfortunately, truck accidents are a common occurrence on our nation's roads and highways, and inadequate maintenance is one of the leading causes of these accidents. When a truck's equipment is not properly maintained, this can affect the safety of everyone on the road. The accidents that may occur as a result of inadequate maintenance can cause serious injuries and even death. It is important to understand when and how truck maintenance negligence can be a factor in an accident so that victims can be adequately compensated for their losses.
The Dangers of Poorly Maintained Trucks
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that require regular care and attention to keep them in good working order. Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to adequately maintain their fleets, putting drivers—and other road users—at risk of harm. When trucks are not properly maintained, they can have serious mechanical issues that make them hard to control. Truck drivers who are unable to operate their vehicles safely due to equipment failure may be unable to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial motor vehicles to have regular inspections and maintenance in order to ensure they are safe for travel. Truck drivers must visually inspect their vehicles during transit to identify any issues that need to be addressed, and regular maintenance must be performed by trucking companies to ensure that all systems are working correctly. There are a number of common examples of inadequate maintenance that can lead to truck accidents, including:
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Tires - Blowouts can occur due to worn treads or improper inflation. This can affect a driver's ability to maintain control, and in some cases, blowouts may even lead to rollover accidents.
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Brakes - Tractor-trailer trucks use air brakes to ensure that they can slow down and stop correctly. Failures in these brake systems, such as leaking air hoses, may affect a driver's ability to maintain control of a truck.
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Engines - Malfunctioning truck engines can affect speed, acceleration, and braking. If a truck's engine fails due to issues such as coolant leaks or lack of lubrication, the truck driver may be unable to control the truck's speed, increasing the risk of an accident.
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Steering - Faulty truck steering systems can affect a truck driver's ability to maneuver on the road. Issues such as worn gear boxes or ball joints may result in a loss of control, leading to dangerous accidents.
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Electrical - Faulty wiring or inadequate lighting may affect visibility on the road, affecting other drivers' ability to see and respond to trucks and avoid accidents.
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Trailer couplings - If a truck's trailer detaches during transit, this is likely to cause dangerous accidents.
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Cargo - Malfunctions in devices used to secure cargo, such as straps or chains, may cause items to shift during transit and affect a driver's ability to maintain control, or cargo may fall from a truck and strike other vehicles, resulting in serious injuries.
Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences for all involved parties. Unfortunately, many such accidents occur because trucking companies fail to properly maintain their fleets as required by law. If you have been injured in an accident caused by inadequate maintenance of a commercial vehicle, then you may be able to seek financial compensation from those responsible. The experienced Milwaukee truck accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, LLP can help you determine if inadequate maintenance was a factor in your case. We will work to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your injuries and damages. Contact us today at 414-271-1440 to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Sources:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-vehicle-inspection-reports-8
https://www.samsara.com/guides/preventive-maintenance-checklist-for-semi-trucks/
https://www.fueloyal.com/learn-all-about-truck-maintenance/
