SKIP TO CONTENTThere’s a reason so many people feel anxious when encountering a truck on the road. Commercial trucks are several times the size of a normal car and cause that much more damage in collisions. When a truck company or driver doesn’t maintain the truck according to federal standards, it could result in disaster.
Contact a truck accident attorney in Oklahoma if you were injured in a truck accident caused by poor maintenance.
Legal Standards for Trucks in Oklahoma
Recognizing the danger trucks pose on the road, the federal government has clear standards for the regular inspection and repair of commercial trucks.
These standards state that all trucks need regular inspections of their:
- Frame
- Suspension systems
- Axles
- Wheels
- Rims
- Steering systems
The federal guidelines also provide clear directions regarding when to replace certain parts and how often trucks require maintenance. All drivers and companies are responsible for following these guidelines.
You might wonder: If there are rules in place, how do these accidents happen?
Unfortunately, not all truck companies and drivers follow the guidelines as they should. One main reason for negligence is the cost of maintenance. Commercial trucks are expensive to run. Not including maintenance costs, companies must pay for the following:
- Driver’s salaries
- Tolls
- Permits
- Licenses
- Fuel
- And more
Repairs and maintenance can cost an additional $15,000 a year. Some truck companies will try to cut this cost by not maintaining their trucks as outlined in the federal guidelines. This can lead to devastating collisions.
Consequences of Truck Company Negligence
A truck company failing to maintain its commercial vehicles properly could lead to serious injury, property damage, and even death.
There are no small details when it comes to trucks. Something as simple as a defective tire could result in a collision with a devastating aftermath.
Common instances of truck maintenance failures include:
- Not replacing worn brake pads
- Poor tread tires
- Over- or underinflated tires
- Dim or dead headlights
- Poorly maintained coupling devices
- Poorly maintained steering mechanisms
When proving negligence in a car accident case involving a big truck, consider all possibilities of improper maintenance. The more evidence you have, the more likely you can prove that negligence caused the collision.
If you can prove that the truck didn’t have a proper inspection or that any of the above maintenance failures occurred, contact a truck accident attorney in Oklahoma for guidance.
Proving Negligence
Truck companies and drivers are responsible for exercising reasonable care of their commercial vehicles. Negligence includes reckless or distracted driving as well as maintenance failures.
Maintenance failure-related negligence claims are complex because of the number of parties involved. Parties responsible for maintaining a commercial vehicle can include:
- The truck driver
- The truck manufacturer
- The loading company
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- Government agencies
An investigation will determine which parties are liable for the accident. This involves looking at eyewitness accounts, medical records, police records, maintenance records, and the driver’s logbook.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, gathering this evidence as soon as possible after seeking treatment is vital. Working with a truck accident attorney can help simplify this process. You may collect compensation from the liable parties or their insurance companies if you can prove negligence.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact the Distracted Driving Attorneys at Bryan Garrett, PLLC
You can still fight for justice if you were in a truck accident. At Bryan Garrett, PLLC, our law firm will provide you with a truck accident attorney in Oklahoma to represent your case. Contact Bryan Garrett, PLLC in Oklahoma City at 405-591-3508.
