How Does Improper Maintenance Lead to California Truck Accidents?

 Posted on January 15, 2021 in Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are already challenging to control when all of their parts are working properly. If a part malfunctions due to insufficient or improper maintenance, it may be enough to cause a serious accident. Truck accidents account for thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities in California every year, and improper maintenance is a factor in many of these cases. If you have been injured in a crash with a truck, you may be able to pursue compensation from multiple negligent parties.

Common Faulty Parts in a Truck Crash

If any of the following truck parts are poorly maintained, they may fail at an inopportune moment and lead to a crash:

• Brakes - Working brakes are crucial to ensure that a truck can slow or come to a stop if necessary to avoid a collision. When brakes fail on the highway, a truck can easily lose control of its speed.

• Tires - Improperly inflated tires may rupture while the truck is in motion, and tires with worn treads can impede traction, especially during inclement weather.

• Lights and reflectors - Trucks need to be clearly visible to others on the road, and failed lights or missing reflectors detract from visibility, especially at night. Failed brake lights are also a common cause of rear-end collisions.

• Windshield wipers and mirrors - While these may seem like minor parts, they play an important role in ensuring that truck drivers can clearly see their surroundings and react to potential hazards.

Who is Responsible for Proper Truck Maintenance?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), motor carriers or trucking companies are responsible for keeping their trucks regularly maintained, and for keeping detailed inspection and repair records for each vehicle they operate. They also must ensure that inspections are performed by qualified professionals. Additionally, drivers are required to complete daily inspections at the end of their driving hours and avoid driving a truck that is unsafe for the road.

In the case of a lapse in any of these duties that leads to an accident, the driver, the company that employs him or her, and maintenance and inspection professionals all may share liability for resulting injuries due to their negligent behavior. If you have been injured, an attorney can help you gather evidence from the scene of the accident that may demonstrate improper maintenance, as well as driver and trucking company records of inspections and maintenance performed, or the lack thereof.

Contact a San Jose Truck Accident Attorney

Semi-truck accidents can cause severe injuries, and if you have been hurt, you need an attorney who can help you obtain full compensation for your medical expenses and losses. For a free consultation with a Santa Clara County personal injury lawyer, contact Attorney John J. Garvey, III today at 408-293-7777.

Sources:

https://www.chp.ca.gov/InformationManagementDivisionSite/Documents/2017%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%20CALIFORNIA.pdf

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/inspection-repair-and-maintenance-motor-carriers-passengers-part-396