Overlooked Semi-Truck Maintenance Leading to Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are preventable traffic collisions that take thousands of lives each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 5,700 fatal accidents in 2021 involved large trucks. A major issue that increases the likelihood of commercial truck accidents is negligent maintenance.
Common Maintenance Problems Involved in Truck Accidents
A large truck is only as safe as its level of maintenance. With thousands of moving parts, large trucks must be carefully maintained to operate safely. The owner of the truck must conduct frequent inspections and high-quality repairs, as needed. Negligent maintenance, meaning a lack of proper or adequate vehicle maintenance, can lead to a truck that is not roadworthy. Issues connected to poor truck maintenance include:
- Mechanical failure
- Part breakdowns
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Loss of steering ability
- Collapsed suspension
- Electrical malfunctions
- Transmission failure
- Trailer hitch failure
- Lost cargo loads
- Fires or explosions
All commercial trucks must be carefully maintained at all times. Any issue or defect that occurs due to overlooked truck maintenance could prove catastrophic and cause a major traffic accident. A tire blowout, for example, could make the truck driver lose control and crash into other vehicles.
Commercial Truck Maintenance Requirements
The FMCSA recognizes the danger of inadequate truck maintenance. They enforce a variety of laws regarding truck inspection, repair and maintenance. Part 396 of the Code of Federal Regulations states:
- Every motor carrier shall systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles subject to its control.
- Parts and accessories must be in safe and proper condition at all times.
- Pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights must be inspected at least every 90 days.
- Commercial motor vehicles must not be operated in such a condition as to likely cause an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle.
The failure to adhere to these rules is a type of negligence that could lead to the trucking company or truck owner being held responsible for a related accident.
Signs of Negligent Truck Maintenance
If you know what to look for, you may be able to notice signs of a large truck that is experiencing maintenance problems. If a big rig has any of the following, it may need maintenance or repairs:
- Worn-out or damaged tires
- Bulging tires
- Squealing brakes
- Slow or ineffective braking
- Strange noises
- Fluid leaks
- Broken headlights or taillights
- Steering problems
- Wobbling
- Excessive smoke
Keep a safe distance away from the truck and call the trucking company to file a complaint. Most trucks have phone numbers for complaints or concerns on the back.
What to Do After a Truck Accident Caused by Inadequate Maintenance
If you get involved in a large truck accident in California, protect your rights by calling the police to report the collision right away. Get medical care for your injuries immediately. If you can, collect information and document the scene of the truck accident before leaving. Capture images that may prove poor truck maintenance or a defective part, such as a blown-out tire or cargo that fell from the truck. Then, contact an attorney to conduct an in-depth investigation of the accident. A truck accident attorney in Los Angeles can preserve key evidence that can prove overlooked maintenance, such as repair logs and inspection reports. Your lawyer will use evidence and information about the truck to bring a case against one or more parties on your behalf. Proof of inadequate vehicle maintenance could lead to a financial settlement or judgment award for your related expenses, including medical bills, lost wages and property damage.