When Can Inadequate Maintenance Lead to Truck Accidents?
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that contain multiple types of complicated equipment. Trucks should be properly maintained at all times, since the failure of any of these systems can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to dangerous truck accidents that are likely to cause serious injuries to people in other vehicles. Following this type of accident, victims will want to determine whether a truck driver, trucking company or other parties were responsible for equipment failure due to inadequate maintenance.
Truck Parts That Most Commonly Fail
Before and during a trip, a truck driver should inspect their vehicle and identify any issues that need to be addressed. Regular maintenance should also be performed to ensure that all systems are working properly. Some maintenance issues that can lead to truck accidents include:
- Brakes - A truck’s air brakes should be inspected to ensure that there are no leaks that could lead to loss of air pressure. Brake failure can cause a driver to be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Tires - In addition to ensuring that tires have the proper air pressure, the tread depth should be checked to make sure that a truck will have the proper traction, and worn tires should be replaced. Improperly maintained tires can blow out and cause a driver to lose control of their truck.
- Trailer couplings - If the coupling between a semi-truck’s trailer and cab breaks down or fails, this may cause the trailer to detach during transit and collide with other vehicles.
- Cargo securement - Straps or other devices used to secure cargo should be checked for wear and to ensure that they are functioning properly. Failure of these systems can cause cargo to fall from a truck and collide with other vehicles, or shifting cargo may affect the weight distribution of a truck, causing a driver to lose control.
- Engine - All fluid levels should be checked and maintained in a truck’s engine. Leaks of coolant, antifreeze, or oil could cause an engine to overheat and fail, leading to truck accidents.
- Electrical - Faulty wiring or burned-out lights could affect other drivers’ ability to see a truck and avoid collisions.
- Steering and suspension - A driver may not be able to fully control a truck if the steering system is not properly maintained. Problems with the suspension systems in the cab of a truck or a trailer can also lead to a loss of control.
- Windshield - Wipers should be functioning properly to ensure that a driver will be able to see the road during inclement weather. Any cracks or pits in a windshield should be repaired, since they could cause a windshield to break, especially in colder weather.
Contact Our Aurora Truck Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, the attorneys of Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, PC can help you determine whether inadequate maintenance played a role in your accident. We will review maintenance records and identify any forms of negligence by a trucking company that led to the collision, and we will fight to make sure you are fully compensated for the damages you have suffered. Contact our Kane County commercial truck accident lawyers today at 630-907-0909 to schedule your free consultation.
Source:
https://www.jbtools.com/blog/the-ultimate-commercial-truck-maintenance-checklist/
https://www.fredbeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FB_eBook_CommTruckMaintGuide_06-2018.pdf
