Did Neglected Maintenance Contribute To A Truck Accident?

Defective equipment that was not properly maintained causes a large percentage of truck accidents in the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), vehicle failure is a contributing cause of almost 30% of all accidents involving semi trucks and 18-wheelers and over 33% of accidents in which a vehicle was hit by a large truck.

These devastating truck accidents cause thousands of deaths and injuries a year and are entirely preventable.

Trucking companies and their employees are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure that they are in proper condition and safe to operate on the road. The FMCSA sets specific regulations governing the parts, accessories and safety inspections necessary for big trucks and other commercial vehicles to comply with safety laws.

If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck due to improperly maintained or malfunctioning equipment, read more about these types of cases and contact our experienced attorneys at Ashenden & Associates, P.C., to discuss your case.

Common Equipment And Maintenance Issues

Most truck accidents that involve equipment malfunctions happen because of the vehicle’s brakes or tires. Improper maintenance, deliberately altering their components and manufacturing mistakes can all cause these important parts to degrade, break or malfunction and are a major cause of accidents.

Brakes

Problems with the brakes on a semi truck are one of the most dangerous issues on the road and, unfortunately, are all too common. The U.S. Department of Transportation found that almost 25% of all accidents involving large trucks were the sole results of brakes that failed because they were not adjusted correctly or were otherwise compromised.

Tires

Tires that are defective or not properly maintained are a common issue with heavy 18-wheeler trucks. Long strips of tire are a common sight when driving on the interstate or highway, but what you don’t see is the injury and devastation that these dangerous tire blowouts often cause.

A tire that is worn, damaged or not properly inflated can fly off the wheel and cause the driver to lose control of the truck, leading to an accident. Proper tire maintenance and inspection are imperative to ensuring the safety of a truck and the drivers and passengers around it.

Who Is Responsible?

If a truck is not properly maintained and inspected and is involved in an accident because of malfunctioning equipment, the company, operator or parts manufacturer may be legally responsible for the damage the accident causes to people and property.

Trucking companies often try to avoid responsibility entirely by pointing fingers and placing the blame on the driver, the manufacturing company – anyone but themselves. Those blamed in turn do the same, and no one wants to take responsibility for the accident. This is why it is important to make sure you are represented by an experienced attorney who knows how to look at the facts and pin down which party is at fault for the accident so you get the compensation you deserve.

Get Help From Sandy Spring’s Top Truck Accident Lawyers

Our knowledgeable attorneys of Ashenden & Associates, P.C., in Sandy Springs, Georgia, have the experience you need to navigate complicated truck accident and injury cases.

If you have been involved in an accident with a truck due to malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment or know a loved one who is suffering, please call 770-394-8909​ or fill out our online contact form to speak to one of our Sandy Springs injury attorneys about your case.