Large commercial trucks traverse our roads daily, traveling great distances—intrastate, interstate, and even from coast to coast—and for weeks or months at a time. When a semi-truck is constantly driven, it is possible that the truck is not being periodically inspected and properly maintained. When tractor trailer trucks are not maintained or repaired regularly, truck drivers and trucking companies not only violate the law but they substantially increase the likelihood of causing a serious trucking crash.
Failure to perform vehicle maintenance on commercial motor vehicles, including regular inspections and repairs of parts and accessories, accounts for a large number of trucking accidents in Florida and nationwide. As trucks age, equipment on trucks can fail. Potential trouble spots include:
- Tires – When tires are old or not maintained or replaced, a tire can blowout and cause a truck to jackknife.
- Brakes – When brakes are not serviced, or if they are improperly adjusted, could fail and cause a rear-end crash.
- Lights – When a truck’s lights do not work because of an electrical issue or from burning out, it can cause other drivers not to see the truck on the road.
- Transmissions – A transmission can quit due to lack of service or age, which can lead to a wreck.
- Steering – When steering failure occurs, it can cause the truck driver to lose control of the rig and crash.
This list is not comprehensive. There is so much more that a truck driver and trucking company should do to ensure their trucks are kept up in order to reduce their risks of equipment failure, break downs, and crashing. Sadly, many truckers and trucking companies do not replace parts or entire trucks regularly because of budget concerns. Everyone wants to make money, not spend money; however, truck drivers and trucking companies nationwide have a responsibility to maintain their commercial trucks for the safety of the public.
When negligent truckers and trucking companies fail to have their semis inspected, repaired, and maintained, innocent motorists may suffer the results. Sadly, Sarasota trucking accidents often produce catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you suffered a broken bone, broken clavicle, femur fracture, herniated disc, spinal cord injury, head trauma, or traumatic brain injury, you need to speak with a Sarasota personal injury law firm today. Also, if your loved one was killed by a negligent truck driver, you should to call Mallard Perez immediately to find out how we can help you. For a free legal consultation, call 888-409-3805. Also our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck or Bike Accident, can be accessed from this website for free.
