Although human error is generally responsible for truck accidents, there are instances where accidents can be attributed to mechanical issues. In such cases, victims are often apprehensive because they worry they won’t be able to pursue compensation for their damages. However, this is not always the case. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a lack of maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation. When trucks aren’t properly inspected, repaired, and maintained, the chances of a catastrophic collision increase significantly. Please continue reading to learn how poor maintenance can lead to truck accidents and how a determined Prince George’s County Truck Accident Lawyer can help you hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
What Role Does the FMCSA Play in Truck Safety?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that enforces stringent safety regulations governing the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry. The FMCSA was designed to keep roadways safe by mitigating the potential risks of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving CMVs.
When trucking companies fail to comply with the standards set by the FMCSA, it doesn’t just create unsafe conditions on the road; this failure can create strong evidence of negligence following an accident involving a commercial vehicle. Safety violations often show that a collision was preventable, not unavoidable.
What the FMCSA Requires Trucking Companies to Do
- Perform routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance of their commercial vehicles
- Keep an accurate maintenance log for each vehicle in the fleet
- Ensure all parts and accessories are in working condition and safe
- Prohibit vehicles with safety defects from being operated on public roads
How Does Poor Truck Maintenance Lead to Serious Accidents?
When different parts of a truck are not properly maintained, the risk of serious accidents on Maryland highways and interstates dramatically increases. These failures often occur with no warning, leaving little time for drivers, nearby vehicles, and pedestrians to react.
Brake System Failures
- Worn brake pads or air brake system leaks can reduce stopping power
- Overheating brakes on downhill grades can result in total brake failure
- A fully loaded tractor-trailer generally requires the length of two football fields to stop
- Brake malfunctions are a leading cause of large truck collisions
Tire Blowouts and Tread Problems
- Underinflated tires create heat, resulting in the rapid expansion and subsequent explosion of a tire
- Worn treads can reduce traction, especially during wet weather
- Uneven wear can result in suspension and alignment problems
- Tire issues may lead to jackknife or rollover accidents
Steering and Suspension Defects
- Worn steering components can reduce control over lane position
- Suspension failures can destabilize a trailer, increasing the risk of an accident
- Poor alignment results in uneven tire wear and handling problems
- Steering loss at highway speeds often results in a catastrophic accident
Lighting and Visibility Problems
- Broken lights can reduce visibility
- Broken brake lights prevent drivers from knowing when a truck is stopping
- Faulty turn signals can create confusion
Cargo Securement and Loading Issues
- Improperly loaded cargo can shift in the trailer, increasing the risk of a rollover accident
- Trailer door latch defects can increase the risk of debris falling onto roadways
- Overloaded trucks place more stress on brakes, tires, and suspension
Who Can Face Liability for an Accident Caused by Poor Truck Maintenance in Maryland?
Unlike traditional accidents in which the negligent driver is generally the party to face liability, accidents involving poor truck maintenance often involve multiple liable parties. As such, assigning responsibility generally entails analyzing inspection logs, maintenance records, and repair history.
Trucking Company Liability
- Trucking companies are required to ensure that their vehicles meet FMCSA standards
- Failure to conduct routine maintenance and inspection can constitute negligence
- Ignoring mechanical issues increases liability
- Poor record-keeping is often a sign of systemic safety failures
Truck Driver Responsibility
- The driver must complete both a pre-trip and a post-trip inspection list
- Drivers are required to immediately report defects
- Drivers operating trucks with known safety issues can create liability
Third-Party Maintenance Providers
- Maintenance and repairs outsourced to third-party providers can create liability if they are negligent
- Improper installation of parts can lead to system failures
- Missed defects during inspections can also contribute to collisions
Why Maintenance Matters for Maryland Truck Accident Claims
Maryland is one of the few states that adheres to the contributory negligence statute for personal injury claims, which means that if you are found to have contributed to your accident in any capacity, you can be barred from recovering compensation. As such, proving negligence through FMCSA violations is critical to persevering your claim.
Maintenance failures and violations can show a pattern of negligence as opposed to a one-time mistake.
How Maintenance Records Strengthen Injury Claims
- Inspection logs may reveal missed safety checks
- Repair histories can uncover unresolved mechanical issues
- Violations of federal safety rules can help establish negligence
- Poor maintenance may result in punitive damages in extreme cases
Contact an Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorney
As you can see, poor maintenance can contribute to truck accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by a lack of maintenance, you should consult an experienced lawyer from Timian & Fawcett, LLC, who can help you explore your legal options and fight for the just compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can represent you.
