Inadequate Truck Maintenance And Accidents In Worcester
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When driving on central Massachusetts highways, they can get up to speeds of 65 miles per hour or more. Not only does a truck driver have to operate safely, but every part of their vehicle must be properly maintained, or a serious accident could occur.
Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their vehicles are safe for the road. Unfortunately, some companies put profits ahead of safety, causing serious truck accidents. When mechanical failures happen due to their negligence, innocent motorists can suffer devastating injuries.
Since 1961, our personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., have been fighting for those injured in truck accidents involving inadequate truck maintenance and other issues. Our lawyers have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients. As your legal counsel, our attorneys are ready to advocate for your rights, whether that’s at the negotiating table or in court.
Laws Exist To Prevent Mechanical Failures Due To Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Federal and state regulations strictly govern the regular maintenance of commercial trucks, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The responsibility for truck maintenance and inspection is shared between the trucking company and the truck driver. While the company is primarily responsible for systematic, ongoing maintenance, drivers are also required to perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. When they find issues, truck drivers need to report them to the trucking company immediately and ensure the problem is fixed before heading out on the open road.
The truck driver and the trucking company are each responsible for their part in safety checks and maintenance, including:
- Preventative maintenance: Trucking companies must follow scheduled preventative maintenance programs based on time, mileage or hours of use.
- Annual inspections: Every commercial motor vehicle must undergo a thorough annual inspection by a qualified inspector.
- Accurate record keeping: Companies must keep detailed and accurate records of all maintenance, repairs and inspections for each vehicle
- Driver inspections: The truck driver must document any defects or safety concerns before and after a trip.
If a truck driver or trucking company skips necessary inspections or fails to repair known defects, this inadequate truck maintenance may cause an accident. You may be able to hold them liable for the injuries and losses you suffered.
However, not every mechanical issue results from the truck company or the driver’s negligence. Our attorneys will assess your situation to determine if there are grounds for a claim of inadequate truck maintenance. If negligence exists, we will conduct a thorough investigation and walk you through your legal options.
Inadequate Truck Maintenance Can Lead To Catastrophic Issues
Accidents caused by inadequate truck maintenance often stem from obvious warning signs that companies ignored. Poorly maintained commercial vehicles are at a higher risk of the following:
- Brake system failure: Worn-out components or improperly adjusted air brakes can extend a heavy truck’s stopping distance. This often leads to catastrophic rear-end collisions.
- Tire blowouts: Old, damaged or underinflated tires can cause a truck driver to lose control, especially when carrying large loads at highway speeds.
- Steering and suspension issues: Failing to regularly inspect steering components or suspension can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle.
- Inoperative lights: Broken headlights, taillights or signal lights can make it impossible for other motorists to safely anticipate the truck’s movements.
Filing a claim based on inadequate truck maintenance requires an immediate and rigorous investigation. Because key evidence like maintenance and inspection records is often time-sensitive, our attorneys will need to act quickly to secure and analyze it.
Work With A Worcester Attorney You Can Trust: Call Us Today
Dealing with the trauma and recovery after an accident is stressful enough. At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Cariglia, P.C., we offer the compassionate, personal legal advocacy you deserve. Financial limitations will not block your access to justice either, since our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs for our services until we secure a verdict or settlement in your favor.
Schedule your free initial consultation today. Call us at 508-762-4327 or fill out our online form.