Semi-truck maintenance is crucial for drivers to operate their vehicles safely. If the truck hasn’t been properly maintained, a sudden breakdown or mechanical failure could cause a serious accident. Not only does this put the truck driver at risk, but it endangers all the people on the road around the truck. After all, a semi-truck may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so it can inflict serious damage on other vehicles in an accident.
It’s also important to determine if maintenance issues caused the accident, as this may mean the trucking company is liable. If the company was responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle, even a safe and attentive driver may not be able to prevent the crash. This means that injured parties may be able to sue the trucking company and its insurance provider, rather than just the driver.
Common maintenance problems
To see how this may happen, consider the following maintenance issues that come up frequently:
- Brake failure: Because of the weight of a semi-truck, the brakes need to be in optimal condition to stop the vehicle in time. If the brakes fail or don’t work correctly, the driver could lose control or rear-end another vehicle.
- Tire blowouts: Tires need consistent maintenance. Proper inflation is key, and worn tires need to be replaced. A blowout can cause the semi to lose control, potentially jackknifing or veering into other traffic.
- Mirrors and headlights: Electrical issues could cause the headlights to go out, or poor maintenance could mean that mirrors aren’t positioned properly. This makes it more difficult for the driver to see where traffic is around them, especially in their blind spots.
These are just a few examples of potential maintenance problems that could cause a serious accident. If you’ve been injured, take the time to look into all your legal options to seek compensation.
