How Poor Maintenance Practices Contribute to Truck Accidents
If you have been injured in an accident with a truck driver, you will likely want to know what could have caused the collision. In many cases, poor maintenance practices contribute directly to these unfortunate situations.
Whether the vehicle’s brake pads were worn or its lights were not working properly, you may have a case for negligence. Here, our team of aggressive and resourceful attorneys at Tomeny | Best share how poor maintenance practices contribute to truck accidents—and what you should do next.
Excessive Tire Wear or Damage
Poor truck maintenance increases the risk of an accident by creating mechanical issues that may impair the driver’s control, such as a tire blowout. Tires play a critical role in vehicle safety because they are the vehicle’s only point of contact with the road.
Worn, improperly inflated, or defective tires could directly impact the truck’s traction and the driver’s ability to control it. A blowout could lead to a collision, especially when traveling at highway speeds, due to the difficulty of stopping a 25,000-pound vehicle.
Braking System Failures
Failures within a semi’s braking system are another common way poor maintenance practices contribute to truck crashes. When essential parts such as brake pads and rotors malfunction, it is often difficult or impossible for commercial drivers to stop their trucks before they collide with another car. Studies show that this exact situation is responsible for a significant number of crashes in Louisiana each year.
Damaged Steering Components
Steering system problems could also make it difficult to maneuver the truck. When the driver is not able to control the semi, it may veer off course and strike another motorist. Driving a large commercial vehicle is hard enough, but without properly maintained steering components, it is even harder to avoid an accident.
There are many technical issues that could cause steering problems, such as low or contaminated power steering fluid as well as worn tie rods and ball joints. It is therefore imperative that trucking companies regularly inspect these parts for damage.
Lighting System Issues
Properly maintained lighting systems are vital for more than simply illuminating the road ahead. Like all vehicles, semi-trucks have tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals that are crucial for notifying other drivers of maneuvers such as stopping and turning. Whether the company failed to replace burnt-out bulbs, blown fuses, damaged wires, or faulty switches, failure to maintain the truck’s lighting system could contribute to wrecks.
Problems with headlights may also impact the driver’s visibility, potentially leading to an accident. This is especially true when operating the truck after dark or during adverse weather conditions. If the driver is unable to see your vehicle or obstacles on the road, they may cause a crash.
Reach Out to a Truck Accident Attorney To Learn More About the Effects of Poor Maintenance Practices
If a trucking company puts you at risk through their poor maintenance practices, we are here to help. Contact the aggressive advocates at Tomeny | Best now for advice.
Our experienced attorneys could take a closer look at the facts that caused your collision. Working hard to champion your rights, we could help you secure the compensation you are entitled to under Louisiana law. Call now to learn how poor maintenance practices contribute to truck accidents and discuss the details of your situation.
