Poor Commercial Trucking Maintenance Leading to Trucking Accidents in New Mexico
Trucking accidents occur all too often on the roadways of New Mexico. There are many reasons as to why a trucking accident may occur. One reason for trucking accidents is failure to properly maintain commercial trucks. Most drivers understand that maintenance is important for their vehicle in order for it to function properly. People also may not always realize that vehicle maintenance is essential for the safe functioning of the vehicle. This is especially true for commercial truck drivers. If proper maintenance is not performed on the truck and it leads to a trucking accident, it can result in catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. In fact, commercial trucking maintenance leading to trucking accidents is one of the most avoidable types of accidents.
It is also the law. Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their trucks per the vehicle maintenance standards. If you or your loved one was injured in a trucking accident that occurred as a result of failure to perform proper maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation. It may not be clear to you why the trucking accident occurred, which is why you should contact an experienced Albuquerque trucking accident attorney who can review your case to determine what the cause of the accident was. Determining that the cause of the accident was due to negligence is essential in order to gain full compensation for your injuries.
Vehicle Part Failures Due to Negligent Maintenance
Sadly, if trucks are not properly maintained, serious accidents can occur. Truck drivers are often on strict deadlines, leading to the potential for cutting corners in an effort to meet the deadlines. Vehicle part failures that could occur as a result of negligent maintenance includes the following:
- Steering failure
- Brake failure
- Overheating of the engine
- Tail light or headlight burn out
- Signal failure
- Absent reflective tape
- Failure of the trailer hitch
- Alignment issues or low tread leading to tire blowout
FMCSA Regulations Regarding Vehicle Repair and Maintenance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a set of regulations in regard to the proper maintenance and repair of commercial trucks. FMCSA regulations in regard to vehicle repairs and maintenance includes the following:
- Truck drivers must perform vehicle inspection prior to driving the truck on a trip
- Owners of the commercial trucks must keep a record of repair, maintenance and inspections
- Truck drivers must perform a post-trip inspection
- Repair, inspection and maintenance records must be kept for at least one year while the truck is in use and for six months or more after the truck is transferred to another company or sold
Trucks Must be Properly Maintenance and Cared For
All commercial trucks must be properly cared for to avoid unnecessary and dangerous trucking accidents. Issues such as braking failure and steering column issues can all be prevented with the proper care and maintenance. Sometimes this must be done by the trucking company or a third-party company to maintain and repair a truck. Other times the maintenance can be done by the truck driver, or at least the inspections to determine whether a repair or specialized technician is necessary. In either event, victims of trucking accidents should not be subjected to horrible crashes due to maintenance issues.
Ask Our New Mexico Trucking Accident Lawyer for Help When Commercial Trucking Maintenance Leading to Trucking Accidents Harms You
Victims who have been seriously injured in a trucking accident should ask our experienced New Mexico trucking accident lawyer for help when it comes to commercial trucking maintenance leading to trucking accidents. Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., we have over 35 years of experienced handling all types of serious or catastrophic personal injury cases—especially motor vehicle accidents involving semi tractor trailers and big rigs.
Learn how we can help you during a FREE consultation by (505) 384-7865 to schedule your FREE consultation. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 384-7865 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
