Texas Improper Truck Maintenance Accident Lawyer

Texas Improper Truck Maintenance Accident Attorney

Have You Been In a Texas Truck Accident Due To Improper Maintenance?

Call us today at (713) 535-7051. Large trucks spend many hours on the road, delivering cargo all across the United States. So much wear and tear on any vehicle, and especially those capable of causing significant injuries and destruction, can be dangerous. Because of this, it is imperative that trucks used to transport items receive proper maintenance. When they do not, and an accident results, it is time to reach out to the improper maintenance Texas truck accident lawyers at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm.

Common Maintenance Issues That Lead To Truck Accidents

Large trucks consist of many different pieces and parts, all of which need to be kept in good working order to ensure maximum safety on the road. However, there are some parts of the truck where maintenance issues arise more than others.

Brakes

Operating brakes are always essential, especially for large, heavy trucks hauling cargo. Emergency situations requiring the truck to stop quickly can occur at any given moment, and when it does, having brakes that are fully operable can be the difference between life and death. Brake failure on a large truck can easily result in a catastrophic accident. Many large trucks have air brake systems, which also need constant maintenance.

Tires

Trucks need tires that have tread and are inflated to the proper level. When tires are worn and not properly inflated, they can cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck. Tires that are not properly maintained are also more likely to have tread separation and blowout, either of which can lead to a critical situation where the truck driver loses control of his rig. It is also important that the tires on a truck match and are the right type and size for the truck and what it will be hauling.

Fuel System

Large trucks have diesel fuel systems which require regular cleaning and other maintenance. Failure to comply with the recommended maintenance on the fueling system can lead to leakage of fuel. Not only can leaked fuel cause roadways to become slippery, it can also ignite a fire.

Lights & Reflectors

Large trucks need to be seen by other drivers. Truck drivers also need to be able to see their surroundings at all times. To make certain that both of these circumstances occur, large trucks should have working lights and reflectors, especially when driving at night. Lights that are too dim can significantly reduce a truck driver’s ability to see other vehicles on the roadway. Missing reflectors can result in other drivers not being able to adequately see just how large a truck is, as the reflectors are typically found all the way down the trailer.

Mirrors & Windshields

When a truck is missing mirrors, or has damaged mirrors, the driver’s ability to see their surroundings is greatly diminished. The same is true of the windshield, and truck drivers need to be able to see everything that is going on around them as much as possible. They are already dealing with significant blind spots, so any additional preventable problems should be eliminated.

Also, it is important that all windshield wipers be in good working order. Rain increases the likelihood of an accident, and not having adequate windshield wipers only adds to the likelihood of a catastrophe.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Large trucks haul a wide variety of different cargo, from odd shaped bundles to liquids such as gasoline. Whatever a truck is hauling, it needs to be properly secured to the trailer bed. Failing to check to ensure that cargo is properly loaded and tied down can lead to crashes.

Liability In Texas Truck Accidents Due To Improper Maintenance

Determination of who is liable in a truck accident should be made on a case-by-case basis, and is best addressed by improper maintenance Texas truck accident lawyers. However, there are some parties that are often found to be at fault.

Truck Driver

Truck drivers are often found to be at fault, at least partially, in trucking accidents involving maintenance issues. Truck drivers are usually the first to notice when something is “off” with their truck, and they have the responsibility of letting their employer know of the issue and ensuring that the truck is repaired.

It is also a good idea for drivers to have a checklist of common items to inspect to ensure that their truck is performing optimally.

Trucking Company

If the truck driver told the trucking company about a problem with the truck, and the company failed to ensure that the necessary repairs were made, they may be held responsible for any resulting accident. Also, even if the truck driver has not reported any specific problems, the trucking company is responsible for ensuring that their fleet of big-rigs is road-worthy. This typically requires compliance with a strict inspection schedule as well as removing any truck that does not meet safety regulations from the fleet until it is made safe to drive again.

Maintenance Company

Trucking companies may hire independent mechanics or companies to handle the maintenance issues for its fleet of trucks. When that company fails to properly inspect the trucks, or does not repair problems they find, they may be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Determining who is liable in a trucking accident is an issue that requires an attorney experienced in this area of the law. Improper maintenance Texas truck accident lawyers will need to look at the specific issues surrounding that particular accident, and determine who is at fault.

Speak With Our Improper Maintenance Texas Truck Accident Lawyers

A truck that has not been maintained can cause serious destruction. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, or lost a loved one in a trucking accident, don’t try to recover what you are owed on your own. Contact our improper maintenance Texas truck accident lawyers at the Merritt & Merritt Law Firm. We may be reached by calling (713) 535-7051 or via our contact page.