Not all truck crashes are caused by truck driver negligence. In some cases, these vehicles are dangerously primed for an accident before they ever hit the road.
Trucking companies are expected to inspect their vehicles on a regular basis and make any necessary repairs. Too often, this doesn’t happen. And one of the most frequently overlooked parts is a truck’s brakes or tires.
Tire and Brake Violations Are Not Uncommon
Poor tire and brake maintenance happens far more often than most people would guess.
One study, cited here by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), analyzed large trucks that had been in a crash to look for pre-existing maintenance issues. Researchers found nearly one in every three trucks had brake-related violations prior to the accident. With a proper inspection and follow-up, many of these vehicles would not have been on the road.
Yet they often wind up on our highways and streets anyway. This is also true with tires due to poor truck maintenance. Another very common type of issue among commercial trucks is tire separation. If you’ve ever been driving down the highway and seen large chunks of tire in the road or on the roadside, chances are this was due to poor tire maintenance or a type of automotive defect.
As the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study found, brake problems were the most common associated factor in large truck crashes. Brake problems were present in 29% of the wrecks included in the research. It is listed more frequently than speeding, drug use, poor surveillance, fatigue, and inattention as an associated factor.
Demonstrating inadequate maintenance
If you are involved in a crash with a large truck, how do you know the vehicle had brake problems? It’s impossible to tell from the outside. That’s why a thorough, detailed investigation following this type of wreck is so important. You need to:
- Demand evidence be preserved
- Secure the truck itself
- Obtain the data log
- Obtain maintenance records
- Uncover other documentation as needed
It’s a significant undertaking. But when you’re trying to hold large trucking companies accountable for their negligent maintenance practices, it’s often the right course of action.
Getting Help After A Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured due to a truck accident then you may be owed significant financial compensation. Call the McArthur Law Firm today to speak with an Atlanta truck accident attorney and receive a free consultation. We can help you get the lawful recompense you deserve, and if trucking company negligence was the cause of the accident, you may also be entitled to considerable punitive damages from said trucking company.
