Negligent Truck Maintenance
New York ranked among the ten states with the highest average of fatal truck crashes from 2014-2106. That's according to the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA). While
trucking accidents can happen for various reasons, improper maintenance is one of the most concerning for others on the road.
Truck drivers, trucking companies, and the third-party maintenance companies they hire must ensure that these large, heavy vehicles and their systems are in proper working order before allowing them to hit the road.
A simple inspection often makes the difference between a safe trip and a severe injury or fatal tractor-trailer accident. Some of the most common causes of accidents caused by improper maintenance include:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Headlight failures and broken taillights
- Defective fifth-wheel couplings
- Faulty mirrors
- Steering malfunction
- Lack of reflective tape
Trucking companies are required by FMCSA regulations (Section 396.3 - Inspection, Repairs, and Maintenance) to:
"Inspect, repair, maintain, and keep suitable records for all vehicles subject to its control for 30 consecutive days or more, or cause another party to perform such activities. The motor carrier is solely responsible for ensuring that the vehicles under its control are in safe operating condition and that defects have been corrected."
Trucking companies must put their fleet through systematic inspections and maintenance schedules. But the FMCSA does not specify which intervals they need to follow since they are usually fleet-specific and, oftentimes, vehicle-specific. The regulations clearly state that trucking companies must perform this work routinely and regularly. If they fail to do so, they could be held accountable for crashes caused by improper maintenance.
You could be owed significant compensation if you or someone close to you suffered severe injuries in a
truck accident caused by failure to inspect or maintain the vehicle. The trucking company, third-party maintenance company, or another entity could be liable or share liability for the crash and the harm you've suffered.
When someone's negligence causes you harm,
Hach & Rose, LLP will be there to help. Let
our team of experienced New York truck accident attorneys get you the answers, compensation, and justice you deserve. We have extensive experience handling these cases. So contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation immediately. You can reach us any time, day or night, when you call
212-779-0057, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live.