Truck Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance

Doctors recommend that people have annual checkups to make sure that there are no undetected health issues that may need addressing. The same is recommended for vehicles. To ensure safe transportation and the prevention of truck accidents, all vehicles should be maintained regularly. When it comes to commerce, several modes of transportation traverse our roads and highways, and we expect them all to be roadworthy. From school buses to large tractor-trailers, we all want to feel safe on the road.

Unfortunately, the vehicles that can cause the most devastating accidents are massive tractor-trailers. Their sizes alone can cause irreparable damage when involved in an accident. Each year, there are approximately 4,000 fatal crashes involving large trucks that injure more than 75,000 victims. Tragically, many of those crashes are caused by the truck involved in the crash was not maintained and was a ticking time bomb to cause harm.

If you were involved in an accident with a truck and suspect the cause to be improper maintenance, you may have a viable legal avenue to pursue. Involving an experienced personal injury attorney will enable you to weigh your options which could lead to significant compensation for injuries suffered.

Federal Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has an extensive policy regarding the requirements of safe transportation on our roads. Typically, in the interests of the bottom line and money over safety, these mandates are often ignored and, in the eyes of the law, violated.

Four of the expectations that are commonly violated include the following:

  1. Driver fatigue, which can lead to accidents caused by rest periods not being obeyed
  2. A driver is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
  3. The load on a truck is over the weight limit
  4. A vehicle is poorly maintained

Often, the reason for these incidents occurring is the interest of profits over common sense and safety. What is not taken seriously is the severe impact any one of these conditions can have on innocent lives. Regular inspections are a legal requirement. If violated, serious injuries to innocent lives can result.

Careless shortcuts on large tractor-trailers can lead to a myriad of equipment failures which can mean dire consequences on the road. Examples of negligent care resulting in serious failures might include:

  • Brake failure
  • Faulty interior engine parts
  • Tire pressure issues lead to a risk of a blowout
  • Impaired visibility due to faulty mirrors, wipers, or windows
  • Reduced steering capability

While it may seem difficult to pinpoint how poor maintenance can lead to equipment failure, retaining the services of a personal injury attorney who is experienced with these types of cases is recommended. An experienced attorney can conduct thorough investigations of an accident scene, maintenance records, and other important information needed to determine which parties are responsible.

Experienced Legal Help

A concerted commitment is what you expect and deserve from your legal counsel. The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is made up of seasoned attorneys you can trust and who will work diligently to get you the damages you deserve.

Going forward with a case where you have been injured in an accident involving a truck may mean going up against a business — possibly a large corporate trucking company with significant resources. This is why is it so important that you have an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney on your side, looking out for your best interests. Contact our office to set up a free case evaluation and find out what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to.

 

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