Commercial vehicle accidents caused by poor maintenance are a growing concern on Florida’s busy highways. The consequences can be catastrophic when mechanical failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts occur. Not only do these accidents put lives at risk, but they can also result in significant financial losses and legal complications for victims. The trucking companies that fail to maintain their vehicles properly must be held accountable for the damage they cause.
The personal injury attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., have extensive experience handling truck accident claims. Here’s how our legal team aims to hold companies responsible for injuring innocent individuals due to maintenance failures in commercial vehicles.
Common Causes of Truck Maintenance Failures
Several maintenance-related issues contribute to truck accidents, and understanding them can help you in your case. These mechanical failures often result from poor upkeep or neglect by the trucking company, which can lead to severe consequences. Some of the most common issues include:
Brake Failures
Worn-out or improperly maintained brakes can cause a truck to be unable to stop in time. That is one of the most dangerous maintenance failures, as a truck’s heavy weight requires fully functioning brakes to ensure safety.
Tire Blowouts
Insufficient tire maintenance, such as improper inflation, worn treads, or overloading, can result in sudden tire blowouts.
Suspension Problems
Worn or damaged suspension components can cause instability, making the truck more problematic to control and more likely to be involved in an accident.
Steering Failures
A malfunctioning steering system can make it difficult for a driver to maintain control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Lighting Failures
Defective or malfunctioning lights, especially on large commercial vehicles, can make them difficult to see on the road, particularly at night or during inclement weather.
These maintenance failures are often avoidable with regular inspections and repairs, but when trucking companies neglect their responsibilities, the results can be devastating.
Federal Regulations and Their Importance in Preventing Maintenance Failures
To minimize the risk of accidents caused by maintenance issues, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations on commercial vehicles. The following regulations are enforced so trucks on the road are safe and properly maintained, protecting drivers and other road users:
Routine Inspections
FMCSA rules require commercial trucks to undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet safety standards. These inspections help identify maintenance issues early, preventing breakdowns and accidents.
Scheduled Maintenance Programs
Trucking companies are required to implement systematic maintenance programs. These programs ensure that trucks are regularly checked and repaired as needed to stay in good working condition.
Record Keeping
Companies must also keep detailed records of all maintenance activities for at least one year. That allows for accountability and transparency, ensuring that trucks are not neglected or improperly maintained.
By enforcing these rules, the FMCSA helps reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure-related accidents. However, when companies fail to comply with these regulations, they can be held accountable for any accidents that occur as a result.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Maintenance Failure Accidents?
When a truck accident occurs due to maintenance failure, liability can fall on several parties. Depending on the circumstances, the responsible parties may include:
- The trucking company: If the company fails to conduct proper maintenance or neglects necessary repairs, it can be liable for the accident
- The truck driver: If a driver fails to check the truck for maintenance issues or ignores apparent problems, they could be held partially or fully responsible for the accident
- Maintenance providers: Third-party companies that provide maintenance can be liable if they perform substandard work or fail to fix known issues
- Truck manufacturers: This is possible if the mechanical failure resulted from a defect in the vehicle’s design or manufacturing
In any case, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can investigate the accident and determine who is at fault.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a truck’s mechanical failure, you may be entitled to compensation. However, holding the responsible parties accountable requires in-depth knowledge of both the law and the trucking industry. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney increases your chances of maximizing your compensation and navigating the legal process with confidence.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., our legal team is prepared to help victims of truck accidents caused by mechanical failures. We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re in Orlando and need assistance, call us today at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.