Driving a commercial vehicle is challenging as these rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are often devastating. Truck accidents usually arise from driver negligence. However, they can also occur due to poor maintenance. If you have been injured in a truck accident and you believe poor maintenance caused the collision, contact an experienced Prince George’s County Truck Accident Lawyer who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident. Keep reading to learn who can be held liable for a truck accident caused by maintenance issues.
What is the impact of poor maintenance on truck accidents?
Trucks are built with various parts that are crucial to their operation. If there are seemingly minor problems they can still hinder a driver’s ability to control the vehicle resulting in an accident. Poor maintenance is often a factor in truck accidents. One of the most common maintenance issues that lead to truck accidents is brake failure. When there is a mechanical issue with the brake system, it can diminish a driver’s ability to maneuver and stop the vehicle, resulting in a high-impact collision.
The same applies to tire problems. When truck tires are not maintained properly, they can rupture. They can also rupture when weight is not evenly distributed from improperly loaded cargo. When this is the case it can result in a tire blowout. Tire blowouts make it difficult to control the vehicle and pull over to the side of the road to prevent accidents. Even the most experienced truck drivers cannot control the vehicle. Tire blowouts often result in rollover accidents.
Who can be held liable for damages?
Unfortunately, many trucking companies cut corners when maintaining their trucks to boost profits. However, this is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. The trucking company is responsible for inspecting and maintaining all commercial vehicles under its control. This means they must conduct routine service on every vehicle to ensure they are safe to drive. If they fail to do so or fail to remedy any mechanical issues they will be held liable for any damages that occur as a direct result of their negligence.
Similarly, truck drivers are also responsible for inspecting and maintaining the commercial vehicles they drive. Truck drivers are required to inspect their vehicles before and after every trip to ensure there are no maintenance issues. If they discover a maintenance issue they are required to report it and cannot operate the vehicle until the issue is repaired. If they neglect to report a maintenance issue or drive despite the issue, they can be held responsible for damages.
If you have been injured in a truck accident and you suspect that poor maintenance caused the collision, contact a skilled Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer. Our firm is prepared to fight on your behalf to help you secure the fair compensation you deserve.
