Semis and other large commercial trucks are a common sight on Texas highways and interstates. These vehicles, capable of hauling thousands of tons of cargo hundreds of miles each day are a backbone of the American economy and a marvel of modern engineering.
Like any other vehicle on the road, tractor-trailers and other trucks need regular maintenance in order to be operated safely. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations1 require that every motor carrier systematically inspect, repair, and maintain any vehicle for which it is responsible.
Unfortunately, these regulations are not always followed, sometimes with disastrous results. Some of the kinds of issues that can arise from poor maintenance and cause serious accidents include the following:
- Brake failures
- Coupling device failures
- Steering problems
- Unintended acceleration
- Inoperable windshield wipers
- Cracked windshields
- Cracked or missing mirrors
- Missing reflectors or lights
- Worn tires
- Parking brake failures
- Faulty headlights or taillights
Poor Vehicle Maintenance Can Entitle Victims to Compensation
Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to keep their vehicles in safe operating condition. When they fail to do so, people who are injured as a result of their failure are often entitled to compensation for any losses they have experienced. The kinds of losses that are often recoverable in a truck accident case include medical expenses, property damage, lost income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
Unfortunately, it is not always clear to victims when their accident was caused by poor vehicle maintenance. For this reason, it is critical for anyone that has been hurt in an accident with a semi to speak with a lawyer as soon as they can. An attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case and determine whether you can pursue a personal injury claim2 against the truck driver, his or her employer, or another party.
Truck accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries and significant financial losses. For this reason, if you have been hurt by a truck driver, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. To learn more about how we can help you, call attorney Stewart J. Guss today at 800-898-4877 or send us an email through our online contact form.
