Poorly-Maintained Trucks

According to regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain each vehicle. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, any accident caused by improper or poor maintenance could have devastating consequences for those on the roadway.

Some of the most common defects of poorly-maintained commercial trucks include the following:

• Truck brake failure: Vehicles as large and heavy as commercial trucks must continually have their brakes maintained. If a braking failure is caused by a lack of inspections or maintenance, those responsible could be ordered to pay compensation to those affected.
• Tire blowouts: Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and replacing tires in accordance with both state and federal regulations. Tires that are deflated or worn can blow out on the roadway and lead to significant damages or injuries.
• Burned out headlights, tail lights, or brake lights: Any malfunctioning light on a large commercial truck could cause significant problems on the roadway. All lights and reflectors can affect a commercial truck’s visibility and other driver’s ability to predict the movement of the commercial truck.
• Improperly loaded cargo or overloaded truck: The FMCSA publishes rules for how cargo should be secured on a commercial truck. Anytime the cargo of large commercial truck shifts or falls, it could throw off the vehicle balance and cause serious accidents. Often, accidents are caused by improper loading or by overloading the truck in an effort to increase profits.
• Loose wheels: It is crucial that trucking companies regularly inspect their wheels to ensure that they are secure and up-to-date. If there is a worn-out tire rod or axle, this could cause the wheel to loosen and even fall off while the truck is moving. Accidents caused by loose wheels can be devastating.