Imagine an 80,000-lb. 18-wheeler barreling down the Interstate at 60 miles an hour. If you were near that massive hunk of steel and cargo, the last thing you’d want is for it to malfunction. Proper and regular maintenance of trucking fleets not only promotes safety and demonstrates ethical business practices, but it’s also federally mandated.
When truckers and carriers don’t keep their semi-trucks in good working order and quickly tend to any defects or disrepair then they put everyone on the road at risk and leave themselves open to federal penalties and civil liability.
Federal Law Mandates Proper Maintenance of Commercial Trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency tasked with regulating the trucking industry. Amongst other duties, they provide detailed regulations regarding the inspection, repair, and maintenance of commercial trucks, as well as recordkeeping practices for the maintenance performed.
Specifically, CFR § 396.3 provides that “every motor carrier and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.”
Additionally, the statutes state that the “parts and accessories shall be in safe and proper operating condition at all times.”
The FMCSA’s rules stipulate that any part or accessory that may affect the safety of operation has to be in good repair.
- Frame
- Frame assemblies
- Suspension systems
- Axles and attaching parts
- Wheels
- Rims
- Steering systems
Types of Poor Maintenance that Lead to Accidents
Bressman Law handles truck accident cases on a regular basis. When investigating a client’s case, David Bressman has found that poor truck maintenance can contribute to many of the accidents. Hiring a Columbus truck accident lawyer gets you an investigator on your side, looking for evidence of negligent truck maintenance practices.
Some of the types of negligence of fleet maintenance that can lead to devastating truck crashes include the following.
- Not replacing worn and ineffective windshield wipers
- Not keeping the tires at the correct PSI or not replacing worn tires
- Not checking the brakes on a regular basis or waiting too long to replace them
- Not replacing worn or damaged cargo restraints
- Not fixing any electrical or engine issues
- Not replacing burned out lights on the truck
- Not quickly addressing recommended remedies for any truck part recalls
Injured in a Truck Accident? Call Bressman Law Today
If you or your loved one suffered a poorly maintained truck-related injury, you will likely have grounds to pursue a civil case against the truck company or other party responsible for the maintenance. Contact Bressman Law today at 877-538-1116 to schedule a meeting with a truck accident lawyer.