Lake City Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations Attorney
A variety of factors can contribute to a truck accident, and some are more obvious than others. While most people often think of distracted driving, impaired driving, and other acts of driver negligence, there are other causes, as well. One of the lesser-known causes of crashes involving commercial trucks is improper maintenance of a truck. Trucks must be properly maintained to ensure all systems are in proper working order and that none of them break down and cause a serious crash.
It is not always easy to determine when maintenance safety regulation violations have caused a crash and it usually requires a full investigation. A Lake City truck maintenance safety regulations attorney can determine if there was a violation and if so, help you claim the full damages you deserve.
What are the Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) outlines the truck maintenance safety regulations truck drivers and trucking companies must follow, along with several other laws. One of the most important of these laws is that truck drivers are required to fully inspect their vehicle before they leave for any trip, and after they have taken one. Truck drivers must inspect many specific areas of the truck and if there is a problem, have it fixed so improper maintenance does not cause a crash.
The rules set forth by the FMCSA also require truck drivers, as well as truck owners, to keep full records pertaining to any inspection, maintenance, or repairs. These records are often integral when determining the cause of a crash, but they are also not easy for accident victims to obtain. A Lake City truck maintenance safety regulations lawyer can subpoena these records to determine if the truck involved in a crash was properly maintained. If the records show improper maintenance, the trucking company could be held liable.
Trucking companies and truck owners must keep maintenance records for a period of one year if they are still using the vehicle. If they transfer or sell the truck to another party, they must still keep maintenance records for a minimum of six months. Violating these records can also mean the trucking company or owner is liable for an accident.
Common Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations Violations
Any time a tractor-trailer is improperly maintained, it can result in a serious crash. Still, there are some maintenance issues that are more likely to cause an accident than others. These include:
- Broken headlights
- Unsecured cargo
- Tire blowouts
- Steering column issues
- Trailer hitch issues
- Faulty or failed brakes
It is very difficult for accident victims to know when improper maintenance caused a crash. This is just one reason it is so important to work with a lawyer that can identify the cause of the crash, and determine who is liable.
Call Our Lake City Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations Attorney Today
At Meldon Law, our Lake City truck maintenance safety regulations attorney knows how devastating a commercial truck accident is, and is committed to helping individuals make things right. If you or someone you love has been hurt, call us today at 800-373-8000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
