Failure to Properly Adhere to Vehicle Maintenance Standards: When Truck Maintenance Defects Causing Trucking Accident Result in Liability
Most commonly, trucking accidents are caused by driver error, but there are times when the accident can be caused by a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. It is vital that all vehicles, but trucks in particular are properly inspected and proper maintenance is performed in order to avoid malfunctioning of parts, leading to an accident. When a trucking company fails to perform vehicle maintenance and an accident occurs, victims are often entitled to compensation for their injuries. This is because truck maintenance defects causing trucking accident in New Mexico allow victims and their families to recover compensation for their personal injuries.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., we know this can and help victims and their families recover the compensation they need and deserve to cover their pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and other losses due to a big rig wreck. Both state and federal law require truck drivers and trucking companies to inspect and repair their vehicles to keep them in good, working order. When they fail to do that, it can result in liability that our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers in New Mexico could help you with.
Some of the most common truck defects and mechanical issues result in liability include the following:
Tires
Tires are one of the common parts of the truck that may malfunction as a result of a failure to properly maintain the vehicle. One example of a tire malfunction is a tire blowout. Tire blowouts can be dangerous and even deadly. Common causes of tire blowouts include wear and tear, inadequate air pressure, and tire misalignment. Truck drivers are responsible for regularly checking tires for air leaks, damage to the side wall and tread damage. Another cause of a tire blowout is if a trucking company fails to outfit the truck with the right tires for that truck.
Brakes and Braking Systems
Everyone knows that brakes are a vital part of any vehicle as it allows the driver to stop. When brakes malfunction, the results can be catastrophic. One of the most common causes of truck accidents in relation to maintenance issues are faulty brakes. It is possible for brakes to malfunction with no fault to the driver or trucking company, but commonly can be due to a lack of vehicle maintenance. Truck drivers are responsible for testing the brakes daily and vehicle maintenance specialists are responsible for periodically examining the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly.
Components of a Truck that Need to be Inspected Regularly
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck drivers to inspect the following components of their truck on a daily basis:
- Wheels
- Rims
- Tires
- Horn
- Reflectors and lights
- Windshield wipers
- Emergency equipment
- Steering mechanism
- Brakes
If an accident occurs and it is due to one of these parts not being inspected, victims are often entitled to compensation.
Common Maintenance Related Causes of Trucking Accidents
As mentioned above, the maintenance of trucks is crucial in order to avoid trucking accidents from occurring. Some common issues that lead to trucking accidents as a result of failure to properly maintain a truck include the following:
- Malfunction of breaks due to failure to inspect or service the brakes
- Tire pressure issues leading to blowouts that are not identified as a result of improper vehicle maintenance
- Light malfunction
- Engine issues such as overheating
- Leaking of fluids in the vehicle such as oil
- Wheel and axle misalignment
Failure to properly perform daily inspections and perform vehicle maintenance can result in catastrophic trucking accidents. Accidents due to a failure to maintain the vehicle or failure to perform required inspections are completely preventable. Victims may face permanent disability or even death. This is why victims and their families are encouraged to discuss their case with an experienced trucking accident lawyer who can determine if the accident was caused by something preventable, such as failure to perform vehicle maintenance as victims and their families may be entirely to compensation for their injuries.
Injured Due to Truck Maintenance Defects Causing Trucking Accident? We Can Help
If you have been injured in a semi tractor trailer truck accident occurring in New Mexico, call (505) 273-2978 for your FREE consultation to learn how we can help protect your rights to compensation under New Mexico law. 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) 273-2978 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
