Truck accidents can be devastating. Because they’re significantly heavier and bigger than most vehicles, they often result in serious injuries and deaths.
One of the most significant factors contributing to truck accidents is poor maintenance. Drivers, mechanics, and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good working order.
Truck accidents due to negligent maintenance are preventable. If you or someone you know suffered injuries in one of these accidents, legal help is critical. A poor truck maintenance accident lawyer in Dothan can review your claim and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Parker Trial Law for a free consultation from a truck accident lawyer in Dothan to discuss your poor truck maintenance accident claim.
How an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Legal Claim
At Parker Trial Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys are dedicated to representing victims of serious injuries, especially accidents caused by poor truck maintenance. Since 2016, our firm has been zealously representing clients in Alabama, Georgia, and nationwide.
Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues and strict federal and state regulations. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can help gather the necessary evidence, interpret trucking regulations, and seek to hold the responsible parties accountable.
When we take on a case, we prepare as if we’re going to trial. In this pursuit, our truck accident law firm can:
- Investigate truck maintenance logs, repair records, and driver inspection reports
- Establish liability against maintenance companies, truck owners, or manufacturers with solid evidence
- Advocate for full and fair compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
You don’t have to take our word for it. Here’s what our clients have to say:
“Reliable and courteous. Cares about you and goes the extra mile to see that your case is getting the attention it needs so you can have the justice you deserve.” – Christina R.
“Wonderful attorneys who work hard for their clients. Support staff is excellent at answering questions. This is a great firm to have on your side.” – Annaliese W.
When you’re ready to talk to a Dothan truck accident lawyer about your case, call Parker Trial Law to learn how we can help.
What Is Negligent Maintenance?
Everyone has a general responsibility to avoid causing harm to others. This duty extends to trucking companies, their drivers, and mechanics. If those parties fail in their duty and cause an accident, they can be held liable for the damage they cause. Semi-truck crashes and other accidents involving large commercial trucks are particularly dangerous.
Negligent maintenance occurs when a truck or commercial vehicle is not properly maintained according to safety standards, state and federal regulations, or industry best practices. This includes failure to inspect, repair, or replace parts needed for safe operation. All parties should keep detailed records of their maintenance efforts.
Examples of poor truck maintenance and repair include:
- Failing to replace worn-out tires or brake pads
- Ignoring routine oil changes and engine maintenance
- Not repairing defective lights, signals, or other vital components
How Improper Maintenance Contributes to Truck Crashes
Trucks rely on multiple systems to function properly. Due to their size and weight, they’re more dangerous when not properly maintained. When one or more components break down, this can result in a poor maintenance truck accident.
Accidents can happen for many reasons, but mechanical failures on the road are especially dangerous. Truck drivers and the drivers of other vehicles on the road may not have enough warning to pull over or make evasive maneuvers.
Common Examples of Negligent Maintenance That Contribute to Truck Accidents
While there are dozens of ways negligent maintenance can cause truck accidents, some are more common than others, such as:
- Brake Failure – If truck brakes are not properly maintained, they can fail during critical moments. This leads to the inability to stop in time. Rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups may result.
- Tire Blowouts – Worn or improperly inflated tires can explode, especially when driving at high speeds. Blowouts can cause the truck driver to lose control.
- Engine Failures – When a truck’s engine isn’t properly maintained, it can overheat, stall, or break down. Engine failure in the middle of the road is often catastrophic.
- Transmission Malfunctions – A malfunctioning transmission can cause a truck to shift gears unpredictably. The driver may lose control of the truck.
- Faulty Lights and Indicators – Trucks with malfunctioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals are dangerous during night driving or in inclement weather. Drivers may not be able to see the truck in time to avoid an accident.
- Suspension Failures – Poorly maintained suspension systems can cause trucks to lose stability, particularly when traveling over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Worn-Out or Defective Steering Mechanisms – Poorly maintained steering systems can also fail, leading to a loss of control.
- Cargo Shifting – Tie downs and chains can also deteriorate over time. Improperly secured or unbalanced cargo can shift during transit. This can affect the truck’s handling and balance, potentially causing it to tip over. Trucks may also lose their load, causing accidents for vehicles following behind them.
- Corroded or Faulty Fuel Lines – Fuel line issues can cause gasoline or diesel to leak. This can lead to fires or explosions, especially in the event of a crash.
Who Is Responsible for Negligent Maintenance Truck Accidents?
Determining who’s responsible for an accident is an improper truck maintenance lawyer’s first goal. In many cases, more than one party could share liability for the accident.
Liability could rest with:
- Truck Owners – Truck company owners are responsible for ensuring their trucks are properly maintained. If a trucking company failed to keep the fleet in good shape, it may bear liability for an accident where poor maintenance played a role.
- Maintenance Companies – When a trucking company or owner contracts with a third-party maintenance company, the maintenance company has a duty to inspect and maintain each vehicle according to accepted safety standards.
- Truck Manufacturers – If defective parts or systems caused an accident, the manufacturer can be held liable.
- Truck Drivers – Finally, when a truck driver neglects to perform regular checks or report issues, they may also bear some liability.
The damages you can claim will depend on the facts of your case.
Injured victims typically seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future)
- Lost wages (including future loss of income)
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review
Truck accidents caused by mechanical failures can be devastating. If you’ve been injured, call the Parker Trial Law truck accident attorneys in Dothan. Our primary focus is representing victims of serious injuries, and we’re ready to fight for you in state or federal court. Contact us today for a free consultation.
