Negligent Maintenance of a Tractor-Trailer
Tractor-trailers are common on highways and roads, transporting goods across the country. However, these large vehicles require proper maintenance to ensure the driver’s and other motorists’ safety on the road. Unfortunately, some trucking companies and drivers may neglect this responsibility, leading to serious accidents and injuries. Houston truck accident injury attorney Greg Baumgartner knows the dangers of negligent maintenance of a tractor-trailer and the steps that can be taken to prove it.
Lack of Attention to Detail
One of the main reasons for negligent maintenance of a tractor-trailer is a lack of attention to detail. Trucking companies often prioritize profits over safety, leading them to cut corners regarding maintenance.
Violations can include skipping routine or daily inspections, delaying necessary repairs, or using subpar replacement parts. As a result, the vehicle may not be in optimal condition, increasing the risk of accidents on the road.
Negligent Maintenance Checklist
To ensure the safety of their drivers and other motorists, trucking companies should have a thorough maintenance checklist in place. Policies should include regular inspections of the vehicle’s brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components. Any issues should be addressed immediately, and proper documentation should be kept tracking the vehicle’s maintenance history. Proper maintenance helps prevent accidents and protects the company from liability.
Federal Regulations and Big Truck Maintenance
Federal regulations play a vital role in ensuring the proper maintenance of tractor-trailers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established regulations for trucking companies and drivers. These regulations cover various aspects of truck maintenance, including inspections, repairs, and record-keeping.
Under federal regulations, trucking companies must perform regular inspections of their vehicles. Qualified personnel must conduct these inspections and cover essential components such as brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices. Any defects or deficiencies found during the inspection must be repaired promptly.
In addition to inspections, trucking companies must also keep detailed records of their maintenance activities. Records include documenting inspections, repairs, and any other maintenance performed on the vehicle. These records help ensure that the truck is properly maintained and can be used as evidence of compliance with federal regulations.
Furthermore, federal regulations require trucking companies to have a systematic maintenance program. This program should outline the procedures and schedules for inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities. It should also include guidelines for training drivers on the importance of maintenance and how to identify potential issues.
By enforcing these regulations, the FMCSA aims to improve the safety of tractor-trailers on the road and reduce the risk of accidents caused by negligent maintenance. Compliance with inspection and repair regulations is not only a legal requirement but also essential for protecting the lives of drivers and other motorists.
Federal rules play a vital role in ensuring the proper maintenance of tractor-trailers. These regulations require trucking companies to perform regular inspections, keep detailed records, and have a systematic maintenance program. By complying with these regulations, trucking companies can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of their drivers and other motorists.
Common maintenance issues causing truck accidents.
Common maintenance issues causing truck accidents can include:
- Brake Failure: Neglecting regular brake inspections and maintenance can lead to brake failure, resulting in accidents due to the inability to stop the truck in time.
- Tire Blowouts: Improper tire maintenance, such as not checking tire pressure or neglecting to replace worn-out tires, can increase the risk of tire blowouts. Bad tires or tire failure can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and potentially cause an accident.
- Faulty Lights: Failing to inspect and replace faulty lights on a tractor-trailer regularly can reduce visibility, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions. Lighting issues can increase the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
- Coupling Device Issues: Neglecting to inspect and maintain the coupling device, which connects the tractor and trailer, can lead to detachment while the vehicle is in motion.
- Failed inspections can result in accidents and pose a significant danger to other people on the road.
- Engine and Transmission Problems: Ignoring regular maintenance and repairs for the engine and transmission can lead to mechanical failures, such as sudden loss of power or gear shifting issues. These problems can cause accidents and disrupt the flow of traffic.
- Steering System Malfunctions: Neglecting to inspect and maintain the steering system can result in steering failures, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. Steering issues can lead to accidents, especially at high speeds or in emergencies.
Trucking companies and drivers must conduct regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to address these common maintenance issues.
Consequences of Negligent Maintenance
Negligent maintenance of a tractor-trailer can have severe consequences. The most obvious is the increased risk of accidents on the road. A poorly maintained vehicle may experience brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that can lead to a crash. Neglected maintenance puts the driver and other motorists in danger and can result in significant property damage and injuries.
Legal Implications of Negligent Maintenance of 18-Wheelers
In addition to the physical consequences, negligent tractor-trailer maintenance can have legal implications. If an accident occurs due to the lack of maintenance, the trucking company and driver may be held liable for any damages or injuries. Poor maintenance can result in costly lawsuits and damage the company’s reputation. Trucking companies need to prioritize proper maintenance to avoid these legal consequences.
Preventing Negligent Maintenance
Trucking companies should prioritize safety and proper maintenance to prevent negligent maintenance of a tractor-trailer. Policies should include regular inspections, keeping detailed records, and promptly addressing issues. Companies should also invest in proper training for their drivers to ensure they understand the importance of maintenance and how to identify potential issues.
In Some Lawsuits, Negligent Maintenance is a Key
Negligent tractor-trailer maintenance is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. Trucking companies and drivers must prioritize safety and proper maintenance to prevent accidents and legal implications. By following a thorough maintenance checklist and investing in proper training, we can help make our roads safer for everyone. Have you or a loved one been seriously injured in a truck accident? Contact the truck collision attorneys in Houston for a free consultation.
How our Trucking Company Negligence Lawyer Will Handle Your Case
Our trucking company negligence lawyer can help in several ways. We specialize in handling cases related to accidents caused by negligent maintenance of tractor-trailers. Here are some ways our truck injury lawyer can assist:
Legal Representation: Our trucking company negligence lawyer can represent victims of accidents caused by negligent maintenance. We will gather evidence, investigate the case, and build a strong legal argument to support the victim’s claim.
Determining Liability: The truck injury claim lawyer will assess the circumstances of the accident to determine who is liable for the negligent maintenance. To establish liability, they will investigate the trucking company’s maintenance practices, driver’s records, and other relevant factors.
Seeking Compensation: A trucking company negligence lawyer will help victims seek compensation for their injuries, medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other damages. The truck attorney will negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to ensure the victim receives fair compensation.
Expert Witnesses: Sometimes, a lawyer may consult expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or mechanical engineers, to provide professional opinions and strengthen the case.
Settlement Negotiations: If the case can be resolved through a settlement, the lawyer will negotiate with the responsible parties or insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for the victim. Baumgartner Law Firm will protect the victim’s rights and interests throughout the negotiation process.
Court Representation: A trucking company negligence lawyer will represent the victim in court if the case goes to trial. They will present the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue the case to the judge and jury.
Our trucking company negligence lawyer can assist victims of accidents caused by negligent maintenance. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to navigate the legal process and help victims seek the compensation they deserve.
We have helped truck accident victims for over 35 years and won millions of dollars for our clients.
Contact a Trucking Company Negligence Attorney for Help
Since 1985 we have helped folks hurt in truck crashes get maximum compensation for their injury claims. Maybe we can help you too!
Related Resources:
- Understanding Texas Car Inspection Laws: What You Need to Know
- What are the Most Common Mechanical Failures for Big Rigs?
- How Can Truck Accidents Be Prevented in Texas
- Negligent Entrustment Claims in Texas
- Failing to Maintain a Proper Lookout
Related Posts:
For a free consultation Contact Us Today
Related FAQs
Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
Related
Practice Areas
Client
Testimonials
Thank you
for a job well done!
"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
- R. G. Client
Houston Personal Injury Victim
Highly
Recommended!
"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
- Raymond
Houston Personal Injury Victim