Truck Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance

Truck accidents involving a commercial truck and passenger vehicle can lead to life-altering consequences. Because semi-trucks and 18-wheelers can weigh in excess of 80 tons, while the average car or pickup truck weighs 3 tons, a truck accident can result in serious injuries and even death.

If you, or a loved one, have been affected by a trucking accident caused by poor vehicle maintenance, it is in your best interest to hire a qualified truck accident lawyer to protect your legal rights.

Trucking Regulations

Due to the seriousness of trucking accidents, there are many trucking regulations that have been put in place to make the roads safer. Truck accidents are caused by a number of factors, such as speed, negligence, and driver fatigue. Poor truck maintenance is also responsible for many trucking accidents.

It is illegal for a truck driver to operate a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other large truck before inspecting the vehicle to ensure it is properly maintained. The following must be inspected before the truck is ready for the road:

• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Brakes (including the service and parking brake)
• Mirrors (including the rear-view and side-view mirrors
• Lights and reflectors
• Coupling devices

It is especially important that truck tires be maintained properly. Truck tires are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicle tires, and can cause serious truck accidents when blown. If the truck tire does not look safe, it should be changed immediately.

Truck Accident Cargo Hazards

Commercial vehicles carrying flammable or hazardous materials can also cause severe injuries in the event of a truck accident. Vehicles with this type of cargo must be equipped with the correct type of fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must be clearly marked and accessible. Trucks that are carrying hazardous materials should not carry flares, oil lanterns, or anything else that can lead to a fire.

In order to avoid a truck accident on the side of the road, truck drivers must carry warning devices, such as reflective triangles or red flags when pulled over. Failure to warn other vehicles of the stopped truck constitutes negligence on the truck driver’s part.

An experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in truck accidents can carefully review your case to determine whether the trucking company or driver is responsible for the poor maintenance that led to the truck accident. After this determination has been made, you may file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your personal injury or loved one’s wrongful death.