Maintenance of commercial trucks is of vital importance in terms of road safety. Some weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and must be in fine shape. Unfortunately, lousy truck maintenance is one of the top reasons for accidents, putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians in danger.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, consult a truck accident lawyer to understand options available to you. A lawyer can help you investigate the causes of the accident, hold responsible parties accountable, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. In this blog, we’ll explore the various ways poor truck maintenance can lead to accidents and the potential risks it poses to everyone on the road.
The Consequences of Neglected Truck Maintenance
Mechanical failures can result in diminished performance of a truck, including contributing to accidents in multiple ways:
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Brake Failures
One of the most important safety components of any vehicle is the brakes. The braking system of a commercial truck undergoes much strain because these trucks are heavy and oversized. They need to be inspected regularly and replaced. However, brake failure from gross neglect of brake maintenance or the use of inferior parts greatly increases the risk of trucking company brake failure. For one, highways are susceptible to large rear-end collisions or catastrophic pile-ups.
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Tire Blowouts
Proper tire inflation and maintenance and avoiding worn tires will go a long way toward avoiding tire blowouts. Though necessary and often overlooked, routine tire checks and timely tire replacements are essential, especially when cost-cutting measures get in the way.
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Steering System Malfunctions
The truck’s steering system ensures that the driver enjoys control of the vehicle. However, if components such as power steering pumps or hydraulic lines fail due to a lack of maintenance, maneuvering the truck safely becomes nearly impossible. This can lead to head-on collisions or rollovers on winding roads or when making emergency maneuvers.
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Faulty Lighting Systems
Proper lighting is needed for visibility at night or under bad weather conditions. Broken headlights, taillights, or turn signals decrease a truck’s visibility and make it more difficult for other drivers to predict its movements. This raises the odds of having an accident in low light or when changing lanes.
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Suspension Failures
Suspension systems support the truck’s load and keep it steady when in motion. Lack of maintenance can result in uneven weight distribution, making vehicle control difficult for the driver. It is even more dangerous to negotiate sharp turns or uneven terrain.
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Cargo-Related Issues
Improper cargo handling often results from neglect concerning maintenance protocols. For instance, worn-out straps or defective securing mechanisms may suddenly cause the loads to shift or fall completely off, occasioning disastrous results.
Why Poor Maintenance Happens
A lack of truck maintenance is typically a side effect of cost-cutting to increase profits. This can be expensive and time-consuming, and some companies opt not to do important maintenance or put it off until the problem becomes unavoidable. Moreover, drivers and companies may be required to complete security checks during tight delivery schedules. Insufficient maintenance staff training can compound these problems.
Preventing Maintenance-Related Accidents
- Adhere to federal regulations like regular inspections and maintenance checks
- Conduct frequent pre-trip inspections to detect faults immediately.
- Regulatory organizations should impose strict penalties for non-compliance.
Conclusion
While poor truck maintenance is often the result of a technical oversight, it is also a serious safety hazard whose potential danger cannot be overstated. If you have fallen victim to an accident involving poor truck maintenance, do not go alone on the trail following the accident. Contact a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer to help you get the justice you deserve.
