Negligent truck maintenance means not keeping a commercial truck in good, safe condition – a basic requirement for every truck out on Missouri roads. Because big rigs log thousands of miles under heavy loads, even minor maintenance problems like bald tires or bad brakes can quickly become dangerous, leading to crashes that put everyone at risk.
If you were involved in an accident due to negligent truck maintenance, file a St. Louis truck accident claim with our lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth. Schedule your free consultation today.
Federal and Missouri Truck Maintenance Requirements
Both state law and federal rules hold truck operators and companies to high standards when it comes to inspecting and fixing their vehicles.
- Trucking companies must obey the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
- Required tasks include regular inspections, keeping up with scheduled maintenance, and logging repair records for every truck.
- Drivers are supposed to do pre-trip and post-trip inspections each day and report or fix any problems right away.
- Missouri law adds a clear expectation that all vehicles on the road must be kept in a safe, working condition – not just trucks crossing state lines.
It’s every trucking company and truck driver’s legal duty to keep up with these requirements.
Common Examples of Truck Maintenance Negligence
When it comes to truck maintenance, corners are unfortunately sometimes cut to save time or money, but the risk is huge when these shortcuts eventually cause road accidents. Some examples of what truck maintenance negligence can look like include:
Brake Failures
Worn brake pads, bad rotors, or unchecked systems mean a driver might not be able to stop quickly or at all in an emergency. Brakes under constant heavy stress can fail suddenly if not looked after.
Tire Blowouts
Driving on bald, under-inflated, or damaged tires is especially dangerous because of a truck’s size and weight. Blowouts often shred tires and trigger swerving, which can set off multi-vehicle crashes.
Faulty Lights or Signals
When tail lights, brake lights, or turn signals aren’t fixed, other drivers don’t see what a truck driver is planning on doing. This makes major collisions far more likely.
Steering or Suspension Issues
Bad, loose, or ignored steering components, or a failing suspension, make it almost impossible to keep a huge truck in control. When this occurs, accidents are common.
When drivers and companies treat required inspections as a formality, they can miss minor issues that end up snowballing into something much more significant. Proper upkeep on commercial trucks is absolutely critical.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Poor Truck Maintenance?
When a crash is linked to bad truck maintenance, several people or businesses may bear legal responsibility. Figuring out who you can file a claim against is important for your case.
Trucking Companies
Usually, the trucking company is the one with primary responsibility. They must keep every truck in safe working condition, oversee repairs, and follow federal and state guidelines for their entire fleet.
Truck Drivers
Drivers also have the responsibility to make sure their trucks are in good working condition by completing pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If a driver doesn’t do these or ignores clear problems, fakes inspection records, or doesn’t report a concern, that negligence could make them partially liable for later accidents.
Maintenance Contractors or Repair Shops
Sometimes, trucking companies hire outside shops or technicians for regular service or repairs. If these contractors cut corners, use the wrong parts, or do a poor job that causes a mechanical failure, they can potentially be held liable as well.
Parts Manufacturers
It’s not always human error that leads to crashes. Sometimes, it’s a truck part that was poorly designed or made. In those cases, the company behind the defective equipment could also face liability when their product fails and leads to a crash.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash and want clear answers about who is liable, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation. We’ll investigate every angle and fight to hold negligent parties accountable.