Were You Seriously Injured in a Truck Accident Caused by a Mechanical Defect in New Mexico? Call Our Auto Accident Lawyer for Help
Trucking accidents occur all too frequently. Not only are the common, but they often are catastrophic. There are many causes of trucking accidents, with most causes being preventable. One preventable cause of commercial trucking accidents is mechanical failures. Mechanical failures is actually one of the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents, with failures involving tires or brakes most commonly. Mechanical failures are usually entirely preventable. This means that if you or your loved one was injured in a commercial trucking accident caused by a mechanical failure, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You should speak with a commercial trucking accident lawyer today to learn what compensation you may be entitled to after a truck accident caused by a mechanical defect in New Mexico.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced auto accident lawyers in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, California handle all types of catastrophic or fatal trucking accident cases. To learn more about how we can help your case, contact us today.
What is a Mechanical Failure?
A mechanical failure refers to a part of the truck that suddenly fails. Some of the most common types of mechanical or maintenance failures include the following:
- Transmission failure
- Brake failure
- Tire blowout
- Tire tread separation
- Overheating of the truck engine
- Transmission failure
- Blinker failure or failure of lights on the truck
- Safety equipment failure
- Issues with the mirrors
Causes of Mechanical Failures Due to Truck Driver Negligence
While not all cases of mechanical failures are due to truck driver negligence, many cases are. The most common cases of mechanical failure due to truck driver negligence include the following:
- Failure to inspect the truck daily – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations state that all truck drivers should inspect the commercial truck daily, and there should be documentation of the inspection. An official driver inspection report should be completed at the end of the work day and submitted to the trucking company. If a driver fails to do so it can lead to a preventable commercial trucking accident if there is a vehicle parts failure.
- Carrier failure to repair known defects – If the person providing maintenance to the truck identifies a defect that needs to be replaced, or if the driver notifies the carrier of a defect and further action is not taken to repair that defect, this can lead to a commercial trucking accident
- Failure to perform maintenance – Trucking companies may be held liable for trucking accidents if maintenance is intentionally not being performed or repairs are not being made.
- Failure to replace tires/failure to inspect tires – Failure to inspect tires daily and to replace tires when tires need replacing can lead to a serious accident.
- Other causes of mechanical failures due to truck driver negligence
Parties Responsible for Mechanical Failures
There are multiple parties who may be responsible for mechanical failures. Commercial trucking companies often share some level of responsibility for mechanical failures leading to trucking accidents. Legally the trucking company itself is held partially responsible for any negligent actions of their truck drivers, and if the trucking company does not ensure that maintenance is performed per state and federal guidelines, they can be held responsible. A member of the maintenance team performing the maintenance work may also be responsible if proper maintenance is not performed.
Were You Injured in a Truck Accident Caused by a Mechanical Defect in New Mexico or California? Call Our Law Firm for Help
If you were injured in a mechanical defect trucking accident, please call our experienced auto accident lawyers at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. to schedule a FREE consultation to learn more about your rights under the law. We handle cases throughout New Mexico and California, specifically in Inland Empire and San Bernardino Counties, involving serious or fatal trucking accidents. To learn more about your case and how we can help you, call (505) 384-7865 to schedule a FREE consultation with our lawyers.
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. We also have a second trucking accident office in California, serving those in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, as well as those who have been catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed through California. 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.
