Trucking accidents can be devastating. The size and weight of a commercial truck make wrecks involving them particularly dangerous, especially for those riding in smaller vehicles. Because trucks have the potential to cause so much damage, there are important safety standards trucking companies and drivers must follow to mitigate the risk of an accident. Some of these safety standards involve performing routine maintenance on trucks to make sure they are safe to drive. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. To preserve your claim, a lawyer will need to begin investigating promptly.
What Duties Do Trucking Companies Have Regarding Truck Maintenance?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets out maintenance guidelines all truck operators must adhere to. These guidelines are meant to minimize the occurrence of accidents caused by unsafe conditions of the truck. Both the truck driver and the trucking company are responsible for making sure that a truck is in a safe condition. Companies are required to routinely inspect their vehicles and make needed repairs. Truck drivers are required to periodically inspect the vehicle they are driving during trips.
However, these federal guidelines only set a minimum level of care required – in some cases, a trucking company or truck driver can be found negligent even if these minimum standards were met.
What Types of Negligent Maintenance Can Cause an Accident?
Most truck maintenance needs are similar to the type of routine maintenance you probably have done on your own vehicle, such as checking the brakes and tires. Others are more specific to commercial trucks, like ensureing the load is properly secured. Accidents may result if trucking companies fail to maintain:
- Tires – Bald or overinflated tires can become damaged and cause a driver to lose control of the truck.
- Brakes – The stopping distance of a truck is already longer than for most vehicles. It is crucial that the brakes work well.
- Cargo Restraints – Having an object fall off a truck when a restraint fails can be incredibly dangerous.
- Cargo load weight – Overloading the truck can cause it to malfunction.
These are just a few examples of how negligent maintenance can cause a trucking accident. Truck accident victims may be entitled to monetary damages for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
Call a Wisconsin Trucking Accidents Lawyer
If you were hurt in a trucking accident, it is critical that you get in contact with an Appleton truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence needed to prove your claim needs to be documented quickly. Accident scene evidence can be lost quickly if an investigation does not start soon enough. Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. has the experience to investigate and aggressively pursue your claim thoroughly. Call 920-739-7366 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/about-us