Failure to Maintain
What is Failure to Maintain in Trucking?
Failure to maintain in trucking refers to the neglect of essential upkeep for commercial vehicles, resulting in unsafe conditions on the road. Trucks require regular inspections and repairs to ensure all parts, such as brakes, tires, and lighting systems, are functioning properly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to mechanical failures that cause catastrophic accidents.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate strict maintenance standards for commercial vehicles. These include periodic inspections, timely repairs, and accurate maintenance records. Failure to comply with these regulations puts everyone on the road at risk.
When trucking companies or drivers cut corners on maintenance, they jeopardize not only their own safety but also the safety of others. This negligence can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant legal consequences.
Common Maintenance Issues That Cause Accidents
Certain maintenance failures are more likely to lead to accidents due to their critical role in truck safety. Common issues include brake malfunctions, which account for a significant number of truck-related crashes. Without properly functioning brakes, trucks cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.
Tire blowouts are another frequent problem, often caused by worn-out or improperly inflated tires. A blowout can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to rollovers or multi-vehicle accidents.
Other common issues include faulty lighting, broken suspension systems, and steering failures. These defects reduce a driver’s ability to operate the truck safely, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
The Consequences of Maintenance Failures in Trucking
The consequences of maintenance failures are severe, often resulting in devastating accidents with significant injuries and fatalities. Victims may sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other life-altering conditions that require extensive medical care.
Beyond physical harm, these accidents can cause emotional and financial distress for victims and their families. Medical bills, lost income, and property damage often create financial strain, while the psychological toll can last for years.
In addition, poorly maintained trucks can damage infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, leading to costly repairs. These accidents also have a ripple effect, causing traffic delays and increasing the risk of secondary collisions.
Proving Negligence in Maintenance Failure Cases
Proving negligence in a maintenance failure case requires a thorough investigation and solid evidence. Maintenance logs are often critical in these cases, as they can reveal whether required inspections or repairs were neglected.
Additional evidence may include inspection reports, driver logs, and witness testimony. If a trucking company failed to address known maintenance issues or falsified records, this information can strengthen a victim’s case.
An experienced attorney will also analyze evidence such as photos of the accident scene, video footage, and expert opinions on mechanical failures. These elements help build a strong case against negligent trucking companies or drivers.
Contact Trusted St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a truck’s failure to maintain, Kevin Etzkorn Law is here to help. Our St. Louis truck accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing justice for victims.
Neglected maintenance puts everyone on the road at risk, but you don’t have to face the consequences alone. Our legal team has the knowledge and resources to investigate your case, identify liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Kevin Etzkorn Law today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.
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