When you think about truck accidents, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the driver.
And yes, driver error is a huge factor in crashes, but as the top truck accident lawyers say, another major culprit that is often overlooked is poor truck maintenance.
If trucks are well-maintained, the chances of something going wrong are cut down massively. A lot of people don’t realize that something as simple as tire pressure can keep the truck rolling smoothly.
A simple check that takes a few minutes can make sure you’re not caught with a blown-out tire in the middle of nowhere.
Common Maintenance Problems that Cause Truck Accidents
Here are some ways poor maintenance can lead to truck accidents.
Failing to replace worn-out parts
Brake pads, tires, and filters all need to be replaced regularly. If you let these parts go too long without being replaced, they can cause serious issues.
For example, old tires lose their tread and can blow out unexpectedly, especially when driving at high speeds or when the truck is heavily loaded. This can cause the driver to lose control and lead to a crash.
Lack of lubrication
Trucks rely on oil and grease to keep engines and moving parts running smoothly. If these parts aren’t properly lubricated, they can overheat and fail, causing the truck to break down or even catch fire. An engine failure on the highway is a dangerous situation for everyone.
Not Replacing Bad Tires
Tires are often the cause of truck accidents, especially when they haven’t been properly maintained. They need to be checked regularly for proper air pressure and tread depth.
If a tire is underinflated, it can blow out, causing the truck to swerve or even roll over. If the tread is worn down too much, it can cause the tire to lose grip, especially in wet or icy conditions. These are all preventable issues, but when they’re ignored, they can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Driver Negligence and Maintenance
Even with regular maintenance, a driver can still make mistakes that increase the risk of an accident. Drivers are responsible for making sure their truck is in good shape before they take it on the road. They are required to conduct pre-trip inspections to check the truck for issues like worn-out tires, faulty brakes, or anything else that might be a problem.
If they don’t do this inspection, they could be driving a truck with dangerous problems that could cause an accident.
Another important part of a driver’s responsibility is reporting maintenance issues. If a driver notices something wrong with the truck, whether it’s a strange noise or a performance issue, they need to report it immediately so that repairs can be made.
Ignoring these small issues can snowball into bigger problems later, and when that happens, accidents are much more likely to occur.
Driving recklessly also plays a big part. Even if the truck is in perfect condition, a driver who’s speeding, tailgating, or not paying attention can still cause an accident.
Proper training, following the rules of the road, and staying focused are just as important as maintaining the vehicle itself. A truck with worn-out brakes is only part of the problem if the driver doesn’t have the skills or the discipline to drive safely.
What Can Be Done?
Ultimately, it’s up to the trucking company to avoid accidents related to mechanical issues. A periodic checkup of all components of the truck is vital.
Trucking companies should ensure that any issue, no matter how minor they appear to be, should be dealt with as soon as possible. This responsibility extends to truck owners as well.
The mechanics who service the vehicle also have a role to play. They must ensure that their work meets the highest quality standards, and not skimp out on any issue. They also have to make sure that the parts they use as replacements aren’t defective, as a part failing when the truck is in operation can be disastrous, not just to the driver, but to everyone in their vicinity.
Final Thoughts
Not all accidents are avoidable. However, most of them, like the ones that happen due to maintenance issues, are preventable. Trucking companies and truck owners should be extra vigilant when it comes to the health of the trucks in their fleet. These large machines haul tons of cargo and are prone to wear and tear. Periodic inspections and replacing parts when necessary can save a ton of headaches down the line.
If you’re a victim of a truck accident that happened because of a poorly maintained truck, you must fight back. These accidents are seldom minor and may lead to thousands of dollars in damages. This excludes the emotional repercussions of the truck accident.
This is why truck accident victims should reach out to an experienced lawyer. This legal professional will be an important ally throughout the process, helping victims get fair compensation for their losses.
