Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles every year, which means they require constant maintenance. These trucks must be inspected on a regular basis to identify and correct issues that could be dangerous. Unfortunately, trucking companies often fail to maintain their trucks, which puts everyone on the road in danger. Here are some of the most common mechanical errors that lead to truck accidents:
Brake Problems
Brake problems can be traced back to either an issue with the design and production of the part or an issue with maintenance. If the brakes were designed or produced poorly, the manufacturer is to blame for any accident that occurs. However, many accidents occur due to the trucking company’s failure to maintain the brakes.
Before hitting the road, drivers are required to inspect their brakes to look for loose or broken components and to listen for air leaks. If these inspections are not done, problems could go unnoticed and the brakes may begin to malfunction. Brake problems can also occur when the weight of the truck’s cargo is not evenly distributed. An uneven distribution of weight can cause the brakes to overheat and malfunction, making it difficult or impossible for the driver to stop the truck.
Tire Problems
Tire problems are another type of mechanical error that could lead to disaster on the road. Similar to issues with the brakes, tire problems can be caused by either defective design or production or inadequate maintenance. During the pre-trip inspection, truck drivers must examine their tires to check the air pressure and look for signs of extreme wear and tear. If the air pressure is way off or the tires are rapidly deteriorating, they could easily blow out once the truck is in motion. A sudden tire blow out can cause the driver to lose control of the truck, meaning it is very likely that a collision with another vehicle will occur.
Tire problems can also occur if the trucking company chooses to use tires that do not match each other or meet the Department of Transportation’s requirements.
Sadly, tire and brake problems often occur together. This is because companies that do not inspect the brakes probably don’t inspect the tires either, and vice versa.
Have you been injured in a truck accident? Get in touch with the personal injury attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today. We will thoroughly review the details of your case to identify the liable parties. Then, we will aggressively pursue the compensation that you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
