Though they can be frustrating to drive behind due to their slow speeds and immense size, semi-trucks are critical to transporting goods and materials around the country. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t intimidating! Many people do not like traveling near these vehicles for good reason, as collisions involving these trucks can be catastrophic. However, many of these accidents can be avoided with property truck maintenance. If you are injured as a result of poor upkeep, you’ll want to keep reading to learn who can face liability and why it’s imperative to connect with a Broward County truck accident lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Are the Most Common Truck Maintenance Problems?
Semi-tucks travel tens of thousands of miles annually, meaning they will likely experience more wear and tear than passenger cars. However, this also means that it is the responsibility of the logistics company to ensure they are performing regular maintenance on the vehicle, frequently inspecting it for major issues, and remedying these problems immediately.
As such, some of the most common maintenance issues revolve around the vehicle’s tires. If tires are not inspected and maintained, such as ensuring they are properly inflated, you may find that this can cause a tire blowout, which rapidly deflates the tire. Additionally, if the tires are balding, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, leading to a collision.
You may also find that failure to inspect and replace brakes can have devastating impacts on those traveling near the vehicle. If brakes are worn or damaged, they can fail while the driver is traveling, meaning they cannot control the vehicle and may not have time to use the emergency brake before colliding with another car.
Finally, if certain elements of the vehicle are broken or not functioning properly, like lights and horns, the coupling that holds the truck and trailer together is broken, or the mirrors are not attached properly, a collision can occur as a result of these oversights.
Who Can Face Liability if I’m Injured?
Determining liability for injuries sustained because of improper and poor truck maintenance may seem easier than it is. In reality, many entities could face liability, so understanding who to pursue legal action against is critical.
Generally, you’ll be able to hold the logistics company responsible, as they are ultimately liable for the injuries their vehicles and drivers inflict. This is because they must adhere to strict safety and maintenance schedules, and failure to do so can result in a collision.
Additionally, if a negligent driver skips the checklist they must complete before departing, they can face liability. Similarly, if a mechanic recently worked on the vehicle but did not accurately repair the vehicle, they may also be held responsible for releasing an unsafe vehicle on the road.
If you have sustained injuries at the hands of a negligent party, understanding your rights is critical. That’s why you must connect with an experienced attorney from the Finizio Law Group as soon as possible. We understand that accidents involving semi-trucks can have devastating impacts on victims, which is why our firm is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to our firm today to learn how we can help you.
