Inadequate Truck Maintenance and Texas Truck Accidents

 Posted on March 23, 2024 in 18-wheeler truck accidents

Trucks are an excellent tool for commerce, and they bring people the products that they need. Unfortunately, because they are so much larger than other vehicles on the road, they are also responsible for a great deal of damage caused by traffic accidents. Sometimes the truck driver is at fault for driving in an unsafe manner. Sometimes the company that employs the driver is at fault for making their drivers work too long, with their drowsiness leading to carelessness. Sometimes, the truck itself was not given proper maintenance, and that is the reason why the accident happened. If you were injured in a truck accident, speak with an experienced Bexar County, TX personal injury lawyer to understand whether you have a case for compensation for your accident-related expenses.

Inadequate Truck Maintenance Explained

While it might be easy to blame the truck driver for an accident, sometimes the truck itself might be responsible. All vehicles, including passenger cars, require regular maintenance and servicing. For trucks and their thousands of parts, routine maintenance is essential. If even one part of a large truck is faulty and goes unrepaired, it could lead to driving malfunctions and in turn, to serious accidents. 

Examples of faulty parts that need to be repaired include malfunctioning brakes, broken lights or mirrors, worn-out tires, and issues with the steering mechanism. Any of these problems could result in serious, even fatal, collisions. On the other hand, if any of these issues are discovered during routine servicing, they are easily repaired, thus preventing a catastrophic truck accident.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident

Although this is against federal laws and regulations, some trucking companies fail to ensure that their trucks are brought in for routine maintenance. Whether this is the result of the company’s desire to cut costs or out of pure negligence, it is certainly irresponsible and a threat to general safety. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by inadequate maintenance, you might be able to submit a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney will know what signs to look for to help seek proof of your claims by reviewing company inspection records, maintenance records, and any statements issued by accident reconstruction professionals. If you can prove that there was negligence, you may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Antonio, TX Truck Crash Attorney

If you suspect inadequate truck maintenance had a hand in your accident, a skilled Austin, TX personal injury lawyer can review what happened to you and advise you on your case. Call Alford Law PLLC at 210-951-9467 to schedule a free consultation.