Poorly Maintained Trucks

Experienced truck accident attorneys will investigate

Large commercial trucks are responsible for transporting goods in and around Jacksonville. Given the amount of time, and number of miles, these vehicles are put into service, trucking companies are required to ensure that their vehicles are safe to operate.

Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, any accident caused by poor maintenance can have serious and fatal consequences. That's why you should consult with the highly skilled truck accident attorneys at Pajcic & Pajcic. We have decades of experience serving the greater Jacksonville area, and our results speak for themselves.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing truck safety standards, has regulations addressing truck maintenance. It is the responsibility of trucking companies to inspect, repair and maintain the trucks in their fleet to ensure safety. Failing to meet this responsibility is negligence that can lead to a serious truck accident.

What are the common defects of poorly maintained trucks?

Common defects that can lead to truck accidents include:

• Truck brake failure: When the brakes on a commercial vehicle give out, the truck may not be able to stop when needed. This can result in a rear-end collision, T-bone accident or head-on collision. A parked truck can also roll away and create a hazard for other motorists.
• Tire blowouts: Poorly maintained tires can result in a blowout. These accidents are especially devastating on highways and highly traveled routes, where trucks often travel at high speeds. Truck tire blowouts often cause lane departure accidents, truck rollovers and jackknife accidents.
• Burned out headlights, taillights or brake lights: Without proper lighting, large trucks can be difficult to see at night or during conditions of poor visibility. Furthermore, lights on the rear of the trailer are needed to alert other drivers when the truck is braking or backing up. If these lights aren't functioning properly, other motorists can be put in danger.
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Trucks carrying large quantities of commercial products must be loaded and secured properly. When cargo spills out onto the road, it can create a debris hazard for other drivers.
• Loose wheels: It is crucial that trucking companies ensure the wheels on their commercial vehicles are secure and up-to-date. Worn out tie rods and axles can cause a wheel to loosen and fall off while moving. Accidents caused by loose wheels can be very dangerous for the truck driver and other motorists.

How often do trucks need to be inspected?

Drivers are required to conduct a pre-trip and post-trip inspection of their vehicles every time they drive. Trucking companies are required to conduct periodic inspections of their trucks, at least once a year.