Large commercial trucks pose a serious threat to smaller vehicles on the road. We often trust that the drivers are professionally trained and the trucking companies are focused on safety. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
When trucking companies fail to ensure the safe condition of the trucks in their fleets, these massive vehicles can malfunction on the road, and serious accidents can happen. This is why, under the law, it is the trucking company’s responsibility to properly maintain their vehicles, hire qualified and experienced drivers, and adhere to all safety regulations.
Even with all of these requirements, accidents still happen due to a trucking company’s negligence or oversight. If you or someone you know has been in an accident with a truck and believes that the trucking company may be at fault, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to hold the company accountable for its negligence.
Contact a Somerset truck accident lawyer who understands the liability issues of these types of accidents to discuss your options and get the compensation and justice you deserve.
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Trucking companies have many different responsibilities to ensure the safety of their vehicles before they hit the road. One of their primary responsibilities is to properly inspect and maintain their fleet of trucks. This includes:
Neglecting any aspect of vehicle maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, which can result in serious accidents.
Trucking companies should have a comprehensive maintenance program in place that includes regular inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, and other necessary repairs. These tasks should be performed by qualified and certified technicians trained to identify and address any potential issues before they become serious.
By maintaining their trucks properly, trucking companies can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. Unfortunately, too many trucking companies cut this corner and put others at risk. If you suffered injuries in a crash due to a truck malfunction, consult a highly experienced truck accident lawyer immediately.
To ensure the safety of both truck drivers and other motorists on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict regulations regarding truck inspection and maintenance. These regulations are in place to prevent accidents and promote the overall safety of commercial vehicles.
One of the key regulations enforced by the FMCSA is the requirement for regular truck inspections. Truck drivers and carriers are responsible for conducting pre-trip inspections to ensure that their vehicles are in proper working condition before hitting the road. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, and other essential components of the truck. By thoroughly inspecting the truck before every trip, drivers can identify any potential issues or malfunctions and address them promptly, reducing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
In addition to pre-trip inspections, the FMCSA also mandates periodic inspections by qualified mechanics. These inspections are conducted at approved inspection stations and involve a comprehensive examination of the truck’s major components, including the engine, brakes, steering, suspension, and exhaust systems. By having these regular inspections performed by professionals, potential safety hazards can be identified and repaired before they escalate into serious problems.
The inspection requirements are stringent and can get tedious, especially for drivers on the road. When truck drivers or companies fail to conduct the proper inspections, serious collisions can result. A truck accident lawyer can investigate, review inspection records, and identify when violations of FMCSA regulations occurred prior to your accident and injuries.
Ensuring that cargo is properly loaded and secured is another crucial responsibility for trucking companies to keep trucks safe. Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to cargo loading and securement.
First, companies and cargo loaders must understand the weight limits and distribution requirements for different types of cargo. Overloading a truck can lead to serious accidents, as it negatively impacts the vehicle’s handling and stability. By adhering to weight restrictions and distributing the cargo evenly, trucking companies can minimize the risk of rollovers or loss of control.
Furthermore, proper securement of the cargo is fundamental in preventing shifting or movement during transportation. Unsecured cargo can create imbalances, causing the truck to become unstable and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Using the appropriate equipment, such as straps, chains, or binders, to secure the cargo is crucial for trucking companies. It is also important that they regularly inspect and maintain the securement equipment to ensure its effectiveness.
When loading cargo, it is important for companies to consider how it will be arranged and distributed within the trailer. Properly distributing the weight of the cargo and maintaining a balanced load can have a significant impact on the overall stability of the truck. Unevenly distributed weight can lead to increased stress on certain parts of the vehicle, resulting in mechanical failures or tire blowouts.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their trucks are loaded and secured properly. When cargo shifts, it can cause a driver to lose control, causing a rollover, jackknife accident, or cargo spill. Determining liability for a cargo-related collision can be challenging, but a truck accident attorney can help.
In the event of a trucking accident, no matter what the cause, you should always seek legal assistance from a personal injury attorney in Somerset. Support is available during this challenging time. Reach out to a lawyer in your area who can investigate the cause of your crash and pinpoint the liable parties. Then, they can manage all necessary insurance claims, persuasively presenting your case to maximize your compensation.
Don’t delay, contact a lawyer today. Act now, as valuable evidence can fade or disappear quickly in truck accident cases. Consultations are free and without risk, so schedule yours now.
Marcus & Mack
