Houston Negligent Vehicle Maintenance Lawyer
Commercial trucks are very large and they always have the potential to cause an accident that is very dangerous for other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. After an accident involving a big rig, it is natural for accident victims to blame the truck driver. However, it is not uncommon for negligent vehicle maintenance and inspections to be the cause of a crash.
All vehicles must be regularly inspected and properly maintained, and it is even more important for commercial trucks. It is for this reason that federal law outlines very strict rules for these vehicles. When trucking companies, drivers, or maintenance companies do not comply with these laws, it is important to speak to a Houston negligent vehicle maintenance lawyer that can help.
Federal Law on Truck Maintenance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines very strict rules on the inspection and maintenance of commercial trucks. State law also mirrors many of these regulations. For example, under the law, all truck drivers are required to perform a full inspection of their truck before they head out on the roads, and they must inspect the truck once again after the trip and at the end of every day. During these inspections, drivers should look for mechanical issues and other problems that could cause an accident.
Trucking companies are also required to keep records for every vehicle it leases, owns, or operates. These records must show:
- The owner’s identification
- The style of vehicle
- A listing of the nature and due date of different inspection and maintenance tasks to be performed on every truck
- A record of repairs, maintenance, and inspections on every vehicle
The above records must be kept by the trucking company for one year while they are still using the commercial truck. After the truck is no longer in the company’s control, they must still keep those records for at least six months.
Common Maintenance Issues in Commercial Trucks
There are many technical and mechanical issues that can cause a commercial truck accident. Many of these problems are preventable and only occur because truck drivers, trucking companies, and inspection companies are negligent in maintaining their vehicle. Some of the most common maintenance issues that cause crashes are as follows:
- Trailer hitch failure
- Brake failure
- Suspension failure
- Poorly aligned wheels or worn treads that cause tire blowouts
- Broken signal lights, headlights, or missing reflective surfaces
- Steering column failures
- Parts or cargo falling from trucks onto other vehicles or the roadway
- Improperly secured cargo, which is often compounded by trucks exceeding weight limits
- Faulty, worn, or improperly maintained brakes
The above issues make trucks harder to slow down, stop, and control, which can all lead to a serious accident.
Our Negligent Vehicle Maintenance Lawyers in Houston are On Your Side
After an accident, the trucking company, driver, and other potentially liable parties are not on your side. At Gilde Law Firm, our Houston negligent vehicle maintenance lawyers are and they fight for the rights of accident victims. To learn more about how we can help you claim the maximum compensation available, call us today at 800-973-3106 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
