Negligent Truck Maintenance

While driver error is a leading cause of truck accidents, negligent truck maintenance is responsible for a substantial number of truck accidents each year. If you were injured in a truck accident, learn more about your legal rights and options when you contact one of the Houston truck accident lawyers from The Doan Law Firm for a free case review.

What Kinds of Mechanical Issues Can Cause Truck Accidents?

Commercial motor vehicles include thousands of individual components. If any of these have issues, the safe operation of the vehicle may be compromised. Common mechanical issues that lead to truck accidents include:

• Tire blowouts – Tread can separate from tires, leading to it acting like shrapnel toward other motorists. The extensive weight and miles supported by tires can also lead to dangerous blowouts.
• Brake failure – Brakes can malfunction, preventing a trucker from being able to stop and avoid a collision.
• Suspension problems – Rods, bearings, and other components can become compromised, leading to a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Windshield wiper problems – Windshield wipers that stop working can prevent a driver from being able to see during inclement weather, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
• Rearguard failure – Rearguards prevent dangerous underride crashes. Their failure can result in fatalities and catastrophic injuries.
• Lighting system issues – When a trucker’s lights do not work properly, it can be difficult for other motorists to see them at night, especially when they are parked on the side of the road.
• Engine problems – Problems with the engine or transmission can result in the vehicle suddenly becoming inoperable and posing a hazard to other nearby motorists.
• Hitch malfunction – A hitch malfunction can cause the trailer to become disengaged from the cab.

These are just some of the issues that could result in a serious accident.

How Common Are Truck Accidents Caused by Negligent Truck Maintenance?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says that vehicle factors are involved in approximately 4% of fatal truck crashes. The most commonly reported issues are brakes and tires.

What Leads to Truck Accidents Caused by Negligent Truck Maintenance?

The trucking industry is in a constant state of rush. Trucking companies dispatch drivers to deliver goods as quickly as possible. The faster these deliveries occur, the faster they get paid. In the interest of making these deliveries faster, the trucking company or driver may ignore required pre- and post-inspection requirements.

Trucks must be regularly maintained to be in safe condition to operate. They drive many more miles than an average vehicle. They also contain more parts. If these are not properly maintained, preventable accidents can occur.

What Kinds of Damages Can Arise Because of Truck Accidents Due to Negligent Truck Maintenance?

Truck accidents involving negligent truck maintenance often involve serious injuries and fatalities because the driver is unable to stop the vehicle. You may be entitled to compensation for the full extent of damages you have suffered, which might include:

• Medical expenses for current, past, and future medical treatment related to the accident
• Permanent disabilities and impairments
• Lost wages and income
• Reduced long-term earning potential
• Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life

Our dedicated Houston car accident attorneys will fight for every dollar you are owed if your vehicle was included in a truck accident.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident Caused by Negligent Maintenance

Some of the parties who may be responsible for a truck accident caused by negligent maintenance include:

• Truck drivers who do not properly maintain the vehicle or check on it during transit
• The trucking company for failing to maintain its fleet
• The truck owner who leases their vehicle to the driver
• Companies that the trucking company outsources for maintenance, including those that are required to inspect the vehicle for each trip

An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate your case and determine why the accident happened and who is responsible for it.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Truck Accident Caused by Negligent Truck Maintenance?

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by negligent maintenance, an experienced Houston truck accident attorney from The Doan Law Firm can investigate your accident and gather evidence to prove fault. This may include maintenance records, inspection reports, data from event data recorders that point to an ignored problem, and reports from experts. Let us fight for your fair compensation. Call us today for your free case review.