In a typical motor vehicle accident, one of the motorists may be at fault because of some driving error they made. It may not be too difficult to determine who is at fault. But in a truck accident, underlying issues may be to blame, such as negligent truck maintenance, defective auto parts, or violation of safety measures. This reality underscores the need to work with a truck accident attorney experienced in handling cases involving negligent maintenance and can explain how this factor affects your legal claim.
Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Trucks?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires motor carriers to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their fleet. This federal agency is responsible for passing rules to protect public safety. Poorly maintained trucks can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
Trucking companies are responsible for inspecting and maintaining various components of trucks they use, such as:
- Suspension
- Wheels
- Axles
- Steering components
- Lights
- Wipers
The party responsible for maintaining the truck depends on the parties involved and their contractual agreement. Trucking companies are generally responsible for maintaining trucks. However, some operators lease their trucks, in which case the owner of the truck could be responsible.
Sometimes, trucking companies hire a third-party contractor to handle maintenance. Other times, a truck driver runs a small operation of their own and is responsible for maintaining the truck. An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate your case to determine who is responsible for the accident.
Maintenance Issues that Can Cause Truck Accidents
Any issue with any of the thousands of components that are in a typical commercial truck can potentially lead to an accident. However, some of the most common maintenance issues that can cause truck accidents include:
- Improperly maintained brakes
- Worn brakes
- Failing transmissions
- Worn tires and missing tread
- Damage to the steering column
- Cracked or worn suspension
- Trailer hitch problems
- Worn windshield wipers
- Broken lights in headlamps, turn signals, or brake lights
How to Prove Negligent Truck Maintenance Caused My Accident?
Evidence may be available to help prove the trucking company negligently maintained its fleet. This could include:
- Maintenance logs
- Inspection logs from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Pre- and post-accident inspection reports
- Repair records
- Mechanic records
- Photos or videos of the accident
Caruso Law Offices can investigate your case to determine all factors that contributed to it and pursue fair compensation for you.
Financial Compensation You Can Recover for a Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident victims can seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, which may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalizations, surgery costs, ambulance rides, and mobility devices
- Rehabilitation and ongoing medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential and reduction of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Decreased quality of life
Caruso Law Offices can fight for every dollar you are owed.
Contact Caruso Law Offices for Help After a Truck Accident
If you suspect negligent truck maintenance contributed to your accident, you should speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer immediately. Valuable evidence could be lost or destroyed if you don’t act quickly. The legal team at Caruso Law Offices can safeguard your rights and fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.