Orlando, FL Truck Accident Attorneys for Improper Maintenance

Trusted Attorneys for Accidents Caused by Poorly Maintained Trucks in Orlando, Florida

Commercial trucks cross thousands of miles on a weekly basis as they travel throughout the United States, carrying heavy loads and enduring significant wear and tear. These vehicles require regular inspections, repairs, and upkeep to ensure that they are safe for operation. When trucking companies, drivers, or maintenance providers fail to follow the proper maintenance procedures, the consequences can be catastrophic. The breakdown of a truck or its parts can lead to a devastating truck accident.

The team at The Doan Law Firm provides legal representation for people who have suffered injuries in commercial truck accidents. We can help determine whether an accident was caused by mechanical failures or other preventable hazards, and we will work to hold all responsible parties accountable.

How Improper Maintenance Can Cause Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks are complex machines that depend on dozens of interconnected components to operate safely. When even one part fails, the entire vehicle may become uncontrollable, especially when it is traveling at high speeds or in heavy traffic. Routine inspections and scheduled repairs are critical to prevent mechanical breakdowns and ensure that a truck driver can drive safely.

Common truck maintenance failures that can lead to serious accidents include:

  • Brake System Failures: Trucks rely on powerful air brake systems to slow down and stop. Worn-out brake pads, air line leaks, or other malfunctioning components can prevent proper braking, causing truck drivers to be unable to avoid collisions with other vehicles.
  • Tire Blowouts: Bald tires, improper inflation, or mismatched tire sizes can lead to sudden blowouts. When traveling on highways, a blowout can cause a driver to lose control.
  • Steering and Suspension Defects: A failure in a truck's steering system or suspension can cause the truck to veer off course or respond unpredictably. When drivers lose control, jackknife accidents or rollover accidents can occur.
  • Lighting and Reflector Failures: Non-functioning brake lights, turn signals, or side reflectors can reduce visibility. These issues may lead to blind spot collisions or wide turn collisions when other drivers cannot tell that a truck is turning or changing lanes.
  • Transmission and Engine Failures: Mechanical breakdowns may cause a truck to stall, decelerate unexpectedly, or be unable to move safely off the road. In some cases, a defective engine may catch fire, which could endanger other vehicles on the road.
  • Trailer Coupling Malfunctions: If the hitch connecting the trailer to the cab fails, the trailer may detach, creating a dangerous obstacle that could collide with other vehicles.

Who May Be Liable for Improper Maintenance?

Liability for a truck accident caused by poor maintenance can extend beyond the driver. Several parties may bear responsibility depending on who was responsible for inspecting, servicing, or managing the truck. These include:

  • Truck Drivers: Drivers are required by law to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and they should report any mechanical issues. Failing to do so may make the driver personally liable for the breakdown of a truck or its parts.
  • Trucking Companies: Employers are responsible for ensuring that their fleet is maintained properly. If a company cuts corners, skips inspections, or encourages drivers to operate unsafe vehicles, it may be held liable for a truck accident.
  • Maintenance Providers or Mechanics: Third-party companies that perform inspections or repairs can be held accountable if they perform faulty work or overlook critical issues.
  • Truck Owners or Leasing Companies: When a truck is leased, the vehicle's owner may be responsible for maintaining it. If they fail to meet the proper standards, they may share in liability for a truck accident.

How The Doan Law Firm Investigates Truck Maintenance Failures

At The Doan Law Firm, we understand the complex issues involved in truck accident cases and the importance of uncovering evidence that can demonstrate negligence. Improper maintenance cases often involve technical details, and our team has the experience and resources to build a compelling case for injury victims.

We can take the following steps to investigate and prove maintenance-related liability:

  • Obtaining Maintenance Records: We will analyze logs, inspection reports, repair invoices, and other documentation to determine whether regular maintenance was performed as required.
  • Reviewing Driver Logs and Reports: We can determine whether a driver may be liable for their failure to report or act on known mechanical issues.
  • Inspecting the Truck and Components: In coordination with mechanical experts, we can examine a truck's parts, including brakes, tires, lighting systems, and more, to identify signs of neglect or failures to perform proper maintenance.
  • Consulting Industry Experts: Engineers and mechanics can help reconstruct how a mechanical failure may have contributed to the accident.

Contact Our Orlando, Florida Truck Accident Attorneys for Maintenance Failures

When poor maintenance contributed to the crash, it is important to work with a legal team that understands the intricacies of trucking regulations and safety standards. The lawyers at The Doan Law Firm can help determine liability, file insurance claims, and recover full compensation from the liable parties. Arrange a free consultation today by calling 407-289-0000 or contacting us online.

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