Poor Truck Maintenance

Poor truck maintenance is a leading cause of preventable accidents in Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland. Commercial trucks require regular inspections and timely repairs to operate safely, but when companies or drivers neglect these responsibilities, the results can be catastrophic. Worn brakes, defective tires, and malfunctioning lights are just some of the maintenance failures that put other motorists at risk. A skilled Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer can investigate whether inadequate upkeep contributed to your collision and pursue justice on your behalf.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we are committed to uncovering negligence in truck maintenance and holding the responsible parties accountable. These cases often involve overlapping issues, such as overloaded trucks or defective parts, which make a comprehensive legal approach essential. Contact us today to explore your legal options with an experienced attorney dedicated to protecting your rights.

Poor truck maintenance is a leading cause of preventable accidents on Maryland’s roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) identifies vehicle maintenance as one of the seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) for motor carrier safety measurement. According to FMCSA data, motor carriers flagged for maintenance issues have a 65% higher future crash rate than the national average. Defective brakes, faulty lights, and improper load securement are frequent culprits, each significantly increasing the likelihood of severe accidents.

For example, brakes that fail due to worn pads or damaged components can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions. Similarly, defective lights reduce visibility, making trucks harder to detect at night or during inclement weather. These maintenance failures endanger truck drivers and pose severe risks to passengers in smaller vehicles.

Accidents resulting from poor truck maintenance often involve mechanical failures that make it impossible for drivers to maintain control. Some of the most common accidents include:

Brake Failure Accidents:Brakes account for a large percentage of maintenance-related crashes. Trucks unable to stop in time often cause rear-end collisions or pileups.

Tire Blowouts: Neglected tire maintenance, such as underinflation or worn treads, can result in blowouts that scatter debris and lead to multi-vehicle crashes.

Lights Malfunctioning: Faulty or non-operational lights make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate a truck’s movements, leading to side-impact or rear-end collisions.

Improperly Secured Cargo: Poor maintenance of cargo restraints increases the risk of falling debris, which can create dangerous obstacles for other vehicles.

These accidents disproportionately affect occupants of passenger vehicles, who are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities in crashes involving large trucks.

Liability may fall on multiple parties when poor truck maintenance causes an accident. Establishing accountability is essential to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Common liable parties include the following:

Trucking Companies: Employers are responsible for maintaining their fleets and ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards. Failure to conduct regular inspections or address known issues can make them liable.

Drivers: Truck drivers must perform pre-trip inspections and report maintenance concerns to their employers. Ignoring these duties may contribute to liability.

Maintenance Providers: Third-party maintenance companies hired to service trucks can be held accountable if substandard repairs or overlooked issues lead to an accident.

Parts Manufacturers: If a defective component, such as a brake or tire, contributes to the crash, the manufacturer may share liability under product liability laws.

A thorough investigation by legal professionals is critical to identifying and holding all responsible parties accountable.

Trucking companies often attempt to minimize liability in maintenance-related accidents by shifting blame or presenting various defenses. One common tactic is to blame the driver, arguing that the driver failed to report maintenance issues or conducted an improper pre-trip inspection. Companies may also attempt to shift responsibility to third-party maintenance providers or parts manufacturers, claiming mechanical failures were outside their control. Additionally, employers might argue that they adhered to all state and federal safety regulations, asserting compliance to absolve themselves of liability. These defenses require careful scrutiny, and an experienced attorney can counter them effectively by gathering evidence such as maintenance logs, inspection records, and witness statements to establish accountability.

Neglected truck maintenance leads to dangerous mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, steering issues, or worn tires, often with devastating consequences. If poor maintenance caused your injuries, the Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. are ready to help. Our team investigates the maintenance history of trucks involved in crashes, ensuring negligent companies and drivers are held responsible. We advance all costs associated with your case, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Call 301-441-2022 today or reach out through our secure online contact form to schedule your free consultation.