Trucks require more maintenance and upkeep than traditional passenger vehicles. They are on the road longer, pull significantly more weight, and travel at higher speeds on a more consistent basis. When trucks lack the necessary maintenance, this can directly impact others on the road with them when the truck breaks down or the driver loses control.
Truck accidents caused by negligent maintenance are not uncommon, but they are serious. Documenting what occurred may be challenging, but a skilled Phoenix truck accident lawyer can help you show exactly what happened.
Types of Maintenance-Related Factors That Contribute to Accidents
A variety of components on a truck can break down and lead to an accident. Some of the most common truck maintenance failures that contribute to accidents include the following:
- Brake failures: Drivers must visually inspect the brakes frequently to ensure they are in good condition. Most braking systems on modern trucks have various sensors that can also alert to concerns. Failure to monitor for and address these risks can make a truck owner responsible.
- Steering and suspension system failures: Trucks’ steering and suspension systems keep them on the road, but these systems are complex and can wear down. It is not uncommon for such accidents to result in the vehicle jackknifing or flipping on its side.
- Tire blowouts: Drivers are to visually inspect tires at the time of each trip. When a tire blows out, it can instantly cause the driver to lose control over the vehicle, causing it to skid into other drivers or surrounding areas.
- Lighting defects: If a truck does not maintain proper lighting, another person may not see it at night. This can cause accidents, especially in dark intersections.
- Engine failures: A truck that suffers an engine failure on the side of the road can become a hazard to anyone else on the roadway with it, increasing the risk of injuries.
If you are involved with a truck at the time of an accident, gather as much information as you can about what happened, take photos, and then call your Phoenix injury attorney. Proving the truck was poorly maintained could help you recover fair compensation.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
In these accidents, evidence is not easy to obtain. Trucking companies do not automatically turn over the information, especially information that may show they violated the federal laws that require proper maintenance and upkeep of trucks. Your attorney will have the resources to help demonstrate liability. This might include:
- Photos and videos of the accident that demonstrate what went wrong
- Documentation of defects on the equipment that may be present on other trucks as well, or known defects that were not cared for properly by the manufacturer
- Witness statements that indicate what happened
- Maintenance and logs of work done that are incomplete or show errors in the process
- Data from the commercial truck that documents what took place right before the incident occurred
Seek Out a Free Consultation If You Were in a Truck Accident
At Sargon Law Group, expect our legal team to fight for you to find out why this incident happened. If the trucking company or driver failed to maintain the vehicle, we will investigate that evidence and take them to court to pay for your losses. Call today to schedule a free consultation.