Trucking companies and truck drivers provide a vital service to our economy, delivering foods, machinery, and other goods to where they need to go. However, their large size and heavy weight mean that they pose a significant threat to other drivers in the event of an accident. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure that their trucks are adequately maintained. When they fail to perform routine maintenance, the result can be a serious accident and life-changing injuries. If you have been injured in a maintenance-related truck accident, a Raleigh big rig accident lawyer from Martin & Jones can help you get your life back.
Bad Tires Can Lead to Horrific Accidents
Tires are one of the most important pieces of equipment on a truck – after all, it is where the truck makes contact with the road. Because they drive so many miles month in and month out, truck tires wear out much faster than those on your car. As a result, the tires must be regularly inspected and replaced when worn.
Federal regulations actually mandate when truck tires must be replaced. In addition to excessive wear, the following tire-related issues can also lead to an accident:
- Under or over-inflated tires
- Using mismatched tires
- Using the wrong tire size
- Air leaks
- Using improperly retreaded tires
A sudden blow-out can cause the driver to lose control of the truck and result in an accident in the blink of an eye. A Raleigh big rig accident lawyer can help you build your case if you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by faulty tires.
Lights Must Be Kept in Proper Working Order
Lights are another important piece of equipment. Functioning lights allow the truck to be seen at night and in other low visibility situations, as well as help the driver see the road and other vehicles. For this reason, federal regulations require all lights on trucks to be functional at all times. While lights can burn out without warning, malfunctioning lights can also be caused by faulty wiring or other electrical issues, indicative of negligent maintenance by the driver or trucking company. A Raleigh big rig accident lawyer will be able to determine whether negligence played a role in your accident.
Overloaded Trucks on North Carolina Highways Can be Dangerous
Trucking companies make money based on the amount of cargo they can deliver. As a result, trucking companies may overload their trucks to maximize their profits. Overloading a truck beyond its towing capacity can significantly affect the way the truck handles. It can become unstable at speed, make it difficult to maneuver, and require a much greater stopping distance. In addition, overloading the truck may worsen other issues such as worn brakes or tires, leading to additional mechanical failures.
Unsecured Cargo Can Have Deadly Consequences
Like overloaded trucks, trucks with improperly secured loads can also be extremely dangerous. When a truck’s load hasn’t been properly secured, sudden shifts in the truck’s cargo can cause the driver to suddenly lose control, leading to an accident. Even worse, the load could potentially break free, causing a road hazard or even crashing into other vehicles. Whether your accident was caused by an overloaded truck or unsecured cargo, a Raleigh big rig accident lawyer can hold the appropriate party accountable for your injuries.
Steering Failures
For obvious reasons, a steering failure can immediately result in a catastrophic accident. There are many parts in a truck’s steering system that must be regularly maintained to ensure that the truck can be operated safely. Federal regulations have detailed specifications concerning the maintenance of steering systems on trucks. Trucking companies and drivers are negligent when they fail to maintain the steering systems on their trucks or fail to act when they are aware of potential problems. If your accident resulted from their negligence, a Raleigh big rig lawyer can help you get the compensation you need.
Brake Failures
Just like on a passenger vehicle, brake systems are a critical component for ensuring that a truck can operate safely. However, a truck’s braking system is subjected to more stress, wear, and tear than the average passenger vehicle. As a result, truck braking systems have much higher maintenance demands. Many brake failures are caused by the following:
- Failure to replace worn parts
- Incorrect installation or improper repairs
- Negligent or intentional misuse of braking system by the driver
- Installation of worn out or defective parts
Brake failures can easily lead to serious accidents that result in severe injuries. If the brake failure is due to negligent maintenance, you may be entitled to compensation and should speak with a Raleigh big rig accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Defective Tow-Hitch
The tow-hitch is the part of the truck that connects the truck to the trailer. When the tow-hitch fails, the trailer can become disconnected from the truck, creating an immediate hazard for other vehicles on the road. The following issues commonly cause hitch-related accidents:
- Safety chain failures
- Missing safety chains or using safety chains that are the wrong size
- Rusted or malfunctioning components
- Incorrect use or improper attachment
- Locking mechanism failure
These issues are usually the result of a lack of maintenance or other negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company. However, some hitch-related accidents may be caused by defective parts or the defective design of the tow-hitch. A Raleigh big rig accident lawyer will be able to identify the cause of a hitch-related accident and hold the appropriate party responsible.
Injured in a Truck Accident? You Need a Raleigh Big Rig Accident Lawyer
The injuries you suffer in a truck accident can change your life forever. If your accident was caused by negligent maintenance, a Raleigh big rig accident lawyer from Martin & Jones will fight for your future. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-662-1234 or contact us online to discuss your case and how we can help.
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