Semi-trucks and other commercial trucks are a common sight throughout San Antonio and the rest of Texas. Despite the important role these vehicles play in our economy, they can pose a significant danger to other motorists when they are not properly maintained. These large vehicles weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and a single flawed component can lead to devastating accidents, serious injuries, and even fatalities. If you were injured or lost a family member in a truck accident caused by negligent maintenance, contact our San Antonio truck accident lawyer for assistance.
Truck Maintenance Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies and owners to maintain their vehicles in a safe condition so they don’t pose a danger to other motorists. Among these rules is the duty for every motor carrier to:
- Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control
- Maintain all vehicle parts and accessories in a safe and proper working condition at all times
- Have inspections performed on every commercial vehicle by a qualified professional at least once every year
- Not allow any of their vehicles to be operated in a condition that’s likely to cause an accident or breakdown of the vehicle
- Maintain records showing their trucks have been inspected and repaired
Trucking companies that fail to adhere to these guidelines can be fined and held responsible for resulting accidents.
Dangers of Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Various components can compromise the safety of the vehicle when they are not properly maintained, leading to more truck crashes. Tires can blow out, brakes can fail, steering systems can fail to function properly, the engine can break down, or the suspension can falter. Trucking companies that delay maintenance can allow a large vehicle to be on the road that is unfit and poses an unreasonable risk of harm to other motorists. Truck drivers can lose control of their vehicles and cause serious crashes.
Who Is Responsible for Truck Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance?
Texas’ motor vehicle accident laws hold negligent parties responsible for the damages they cause. If it is determined that negligent truck maintenance caused or contributed to the accident, the party or parties responsible for that negligence can be held responsible for the accident and might be required to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Various parties could be responsible for a vehicle’s maintenance, including the following:
- The truck driver: The truck driver may have failed to conduct required inspections, which could have identified a mechanical problem that compromised safety.
- The truck owner: Vehicle owners are generally responsible for maintaining the trucks they rent out or lease to others.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining the trucks in their possession and control.
- The mechanic: If the mechanic performed negligent maintenance on the truck, they could be responsible for the accident.
An experienced San Antonio accident attorney can review information and gather evidence to prove who is at fault for the crash.
If you were injured in a truck accident in which you suspect negligent maintenance played a role, an experienced truck accident attorney can help get to the bottom of it. George Salinas Injury Lawyers can demand documentation, review it, and argue for fair compensation in light of the trucking company’s negligence. We can also investigate the crash and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish the causal link between the poor maintenance and the truck crash. Get started with your free consultation by contacting us today.