When we purchase a vehicle, it's a given that we will also have to pay on a regular basis to keep the vehicle well maintained. We have our oil changed, check the air in our tires, and replace various filters. Now imagine that maintenance schedule on a much larger scale, and that is what truck drivers across the United States need to keep up with. Trucking companies are required by law to keep their fleet in top, working condition so as to keep the roads and highways safe, but it doesn't always happen that way. With the pressure to have trucks out constantly delivering goods and driving hundreds of miles, required maintenance for many trucks is simply overlooked or ignored. That carelessness can cause a serious or fatal trucking collision.
There are many things trucking companies need to do to maintain their trucks, but common trouble areas include:
- Brakes – If brakes are not serviced properly, they can fail. No one needs an 18-wheeler barreling down the highway with no way of stopping, so it's important that brakes are checked frequently.
- Tires – Tires that do not have enough air in them or are old and worn down can blowout and cause a truck to jackknife.
- Steering – Losing steering in a large truck means the driver will have no control over where the truck is heading. This can have catastrophic consequences.
- Lights – If a driver is out on the road late and night, and their headlights stop working, they won't be able to see the road—and drivers may not be able to see them.
If a negligent trucking company fails to have their trucks inspected, and one of the trucks causes a crash, it is their fault—not yours. Injuries suffered in a trucking collision have a negative effect on your life forever, and you deserve to be compensated for all of your pain and suffering. If you've been injured in a trucking collision in Texas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, call Girards Law today for a free consultation at 888-897-2762.