It might surprise you to learn that a significant percentage of truck accidents are deemed to be a direct result of poor maintenance, especially those involving commercial vehicles. Mechanical failures and poorly maintained tires are among the most common. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states the reasons for as many as 35% of truck accidents involving semi-trucks and tractor-trailers are poorly maintained tires and brakes despite routine maintenance and checks being a federal regulation. It seems that many drivers and the companies they work for are guilty of ignoring these requirements.
The Most Common Mechanical Failures Present in Truck Accidents
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is the poor maintenance of the vehicle's brakes. In a recent report, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) suggests that 19% of 18 wheelers have brake defect, which could be very detrimental in the event of an emergency in which the driver must brake suddenly to avoid an obstruction or another hazard on the road.
Tires are another recurring cause of truck accidents. When driving a vehicle on tires that have not been well maintained they become more susceptible to a blowout and other issues. A blowout can be dangerous in a car, but with these larger vehicles, there is a significant weight increase which means that a tire blowout can be catastrophic. It is crucial that drivers maintain their tires regularly and ensure the right tread and air pressure are present. It is also important to check tires regularly for wear and tear. Many commercial drivers have equipment on board to assist with monitoring their tires, but many of them are apparently neglecting this responsibility.
It is not only tires and brakes that can lead to accidents. Another maintenance issue that has been the cause of many accidents is trailer maintenance. If the trailer is not properly secured, it can have an adverse impact on the tire alignment putting additional pressure on the tires and can increase the amount of wear and tear on the tires. This extra wear and tear may, in turn, can affect steering thus raising the risk of a truck accident. Regular maintenance is required to ensure all trailer couplings and the trailer itself are in good working order.
Who is Responsible for Maintenance?
Pinpointing who is to blame for the lack of care and attention that has resulted in truck accidents can be difficult. In some situations, it is the driver who is ultimately responsible for ensuring safety checks are carried out, and it is common for them to deliberately unhook the front brakes to minimize wear and tear on the brakes and tires. These actions are negligent on the driver’s part, and any resulting accident would be the driver's fault. However, ultimately it is also the responsibility of the company employing them to make sure all their vehicles meet regulations, and that drivers are adhering to the appropriate Federal regulations.
Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.butlervinesbabblaw.com or call 866-701-9631.
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