What You’ll Learn
In this article, you’ll discover how truck accident lawyers uncover poor fleet maintenance, what federal safety laws require, and how this can impact your case and compensation.
The Legal Duty to Maintain Commercial Vehicles
Federal law — particularly under 49 CFR § 396 — requires trucking companies to inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles regularly. These are not suggestions; they are mandatory safety regulations.
When companies violate these rules and an accident occurs, this can establish negligence per se, meaning the court may automatically consider the company negligent for breaking a safety law.
A truck accident lawyer will look into whether the company:
- Failed to conduct routine inspections
- Ignored known mechanical issues
- Used unqualified maintenance personnel
- Falsified or failed to keep maintenance records
Each of these failures can become powerful legal evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
How Fleet Maintenance Failures Lead to Truck Accidents and Injuries
Neglected maintenance is a common cause of serious truck crashes. Some frequent mechanical failures include:
- Brake failure – The deadliest and most common cause.
- Tire blowouts – Often due to worn tread or improper inflation.
- Steering malfunctions – Causing loss of control.
- Lighting failures – Making trucks nearly invisible in low-light conditions.
If any of these defects are involved, your attorney may argue that the company — not just the driver — is legally at fault.
Real-World Example
Imagine a trucking company knows a vehicle has faulty brakes but allows it on the road anyway. When that truck crashes and injures someone, the company could be held fully responsible — not just morally, but legally and financially.
Building a Strong Legal Case
To prove poor maintenance caused your accident, your lawyer will:
- Request the truck's maintenance records
- Interview mechanics and fleet managers
- Hire expert mechanics to review the failure
- Compare the company’s behavior with FMCSA standards
If it’s proven the company had a pattern of neglect, the court may award punitive damages — additional compensation to punish extreme recklessness.
Quick Checklist After a Truck Accident
- 🔲 Was the accident caused in part by a mechanical failure?
- 🔲 Did the driver mention issues like brakes or tires?
- 🔲 Has your lawyer reviewed the company’s maintenance logs?
- 🔲 Does the company have a history of similar crashes?
FAQ
Q: Can I sue the trucking company if poor maintenance caused my accident?
A: Yes. If a maintenance failure led to the crash, the company may be held liable under federal and state law.
Q: What if the driver didn’t know the truck was unsafe?
A: That doesn’t remove the company’s responsibility. It's their legal duty to ensure all vehicles are safe before use.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, don’t assume it was just “bad luck” or driver error. A skilled truck accident attorney can uncover hidden maintenance violations and hold the company accountable — helping you recover full compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering.