Large trucks are only as safe as their equipment. Thousands of parts must work seamlessly together to allow a big rig to safely make it to its destination. If any elements of a commercial truck are left without adequate maintenance, the truck could experience a dangerous part breakdown that causes a devastating truck accident.
The Importance of Proper Truck Maintenance
A semi-truck or 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In an accident, a vehicle this large and heavy can inflict an immense amount of damage on a smaller car. For this reason, truck accident victims often suffer catastrophic and fatal injuries.
One of the most important safety protocols in the trucking industry is consistent truck maintenance. Cargo-carrying trucks can traverse thousands of miles in a day. Significant wear-and-tear makes it imperative for all of a truck’s critical components to be regularly checked, inspected and maintained.
Negligent or inadequate maintenance by a trucking company puts everyone on the road at risk. Maintenance failures dramatically increase the risk of equipment failures and part breakdowns on the road, such as tire blowouts, brake failures, steering problems, electrical malfunctions and trailer detachment.
What Are the Standards for Truck Maintenance?
Commercial trucks or “motor carriers” must comply with strict regulations and standards for vehicle maintenance, repair and upkeep. There are standards in place by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure proper maintenance, including:
- Every motor carrier must regularly inspect, repair and maintain all motor vehicles subject to its control.
- Commercial vehicle parts and accessories must be in safe and proper working order at all times.
- No truck may be operated in a condition that is likely to cause an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle.
- Emergency equipment, such as pushout windows, emergency doors and door marking lights must be inspected every 90 days or less.
- Truck drivers are required to complete daily written truck inspection reports.
- Motor carriers are required to maintain records of the nature and date of various vehicle inspections and repairs performed.
- Every 12 months, a commercial motor vehicle is required to pass a comprehensive inspection to make sure it is FMCSA-compliant.
If a motor carrier fails to meet its vehicle maintenance obligations, this constitutes negligence in the eyes of the law. When negligence causes a truck accident in California, the trucking company can be held legally and financially responsible (liable).
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Caused By Maintenance Failures?
If a trucking accident occurs in California due to a part breakdown or equipment failure, an investigation will be conducted to determine who was responsible for ensuring that the part was in good working order prior to the drive. This responsibility often falls to:
- The motor carrier (a trucking company)
- A private truck owner/operator
- The truck driver
- A maintenance crew
- A truck mechanic
- A truck part manufacturer
If one or more parties are guilty of negligent truck maintenance, they can be held liable for all injured victims’ losses. To discuss your legal options after an accident caused by a dangerous or defective truck part in Southern California, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian for a free consultation about your legal options.