Commercial trucks have thousands of moving parts. If a component fails, the results can be devastating accidents that result in fatalities and serious injuries. Sometimes, trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, so they skip necessary maintenance so they don’t have their money-making trucks off the road. If you were injured due to negligent maintenance, a truck accident lawyer from Salango Law, PLLC, can help protect your rights.
Let us fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights to hold irresponsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
FMCSA Rules Regarding Truck Maintenance
Commercial trucks must be regularly maintained to ensure they are in safe working order. Trucks that are not properly maintained can suffer mechanical issues or failures during critical moments, jeopardizing the lives and safety of others. Regular maintenance includes checking tires, replacing worn parts, and replacing fluids. Trucking companies must also ensure that their parts, including the truck’s frame, suspension systems, axles, and trailer connections, are in safe and proper working order.
Truck drivers must complete periodic inspections, including at the beginning of the trip, within 50 miles of loading, every three hours thereafter, and when changing duty status. Trucking companies must repair problems identified in the driver’s inspection report before the truck can be returned to service. Trucking companies are required to keep these reports for at least three months. Truck drivers are also required to complete post-trip inspections and written reports when a driver identifies a potential safety issue.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented rules that require motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles in their fleet. Under these rules, trucking companies must also maintain records of the following:
- The truck’s identifying information, including the company number, make, serial number, and manufacturing year
- Future inspection and maintenance due dates
- Inspection records, maintenance records, and repair records, including dates and what work was performed
Under FMCSA rules, trucking companies must maintain these records for one year or at least six months after a vehicle is no longer under their control.
Signs of Negligent Maintenance
Some signs that a truck may be a victim of inadequate maintenance and repairs include:
- Brake failures due to improperly maintained brake lines or worn brake pads
- Worn or damaged tires, missing tread, or different types of tires on the truck
- Broken lights or burnt-out light bulbs
- Transmission failure due to worn gears
- Trailer hitch failures caused by sudden detachment from the tractor
- Missing parts, including underride guards or reflectors
- Collapsed suspensions caused by worn or cracked components in the suspension system
- Dirty windshields, which may indicate problems with the windshield wipers
- Noises coming from the truck
- Missing records
Seek Legal Assistance from an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a truck accident that might have been due to negligent truck maintenance, you need experienced legal assistance. The legal team at Salango Law, PLLC can investigate to determine who is responsible for your injuries and gather evidence to prove your truck accident claim. Call (304) 342-0512 for a free, no-obligation consultation.