Large commercial trucks are a mainstay in the nation’s economy. Driving on a Colorado highway without seeing several 18-wheelers carrying thousands of pounds of cargo is unlikely. While these trucks are essential, they require significant maintenance to operate safely. If a truck is negligently maintained, accidents and injuries often result.
Are Trucking Companies Legally Required to Perform Maintenance?
Yes, trucking companies must maintain their fleets in safe working order. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues federal trucking regulations. These regulations require trucking companies to inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles in their control. Motor carriers must also keep records, including vehicle identification and indications of the nature and due dates of various inspections and maintenance operations. These required records must be kept where the vehicle is housed or maintained for one year and six months after the motor vehicle leaves the motor carrier’s control.
Who is Liable for Negligent Truck Maintenance?
Knowing which parties are liable for negligent truck maintenance is vital for pursuing legal compensation. Several parties can be held liable for truck maintenance, including:
- Truck Drivers: Truck drivers who fail to conduct proper vehicle inspections or knowingly operate a negligently maintained truck could be liable for damages caused by the vehicle.
- Trucking Companies: Trucking companies are legally required to inspect and repair their vehicles to avoid harming motorists. Failure to properly inspect their vehicles leaves a trucking company open to legal liability.
- Repair Shops: The repair shop that performed negligent maintenance on the truck can be held liable. Repair shops can also be held liable if they misrepresent that maintenance was performed when it was not.
- Truck Parts Manufacturers: The manufacturer may be liable if defective parts cause a truck accident. Examples of defective truck parts include faulty brakes or tires.
A skilled truck accident attorney can help you investigate the cause of your accident and determine which parties should be held accountable for their negligent actions.
Common Semi-Truck Safety Concerns
Large 18-wheelers have many moving parts. When not properly inspected, these parts are prone to malfunctioning, causing disastrous effects. Common safety concerns include:
- System-wide braking system failures
- Worn-down or defective tires
- Engine and transmission failures
- Defective steering systems
These issues significantly increase the likelihood that large trucks are involved in accidents. For example, braking failures may cause trucks to swerve to avoid dangers, potentially causing a dreaded jackknife truck accident. Likewise, faulty tires may cause a blowout, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Negligently maintained trucks can cause an array of serious injuries. Due to the sheer size of these vehicles, the force generated during impact is tremendous. Accident victims driving in passenger vehicles are particularly susceptible to suffering severe injuries from an accident with a semi-truck. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Fractures
- Whiplash
Some injuries, like TBIs, may not be readily apparent following a truck accident. Accident victims need to monitor their symptoms and get medical help if necessary.
Colorado Truck Accident Attorneys
Dulin McQuinn Young is a premier Colorado personal injury firm known for securing record-breaking jury verdicts for personal injury victims. Legal representation is available if you’ve been injured in an accident caused by negligent truck maintenance. Contact us today to discuss your options.