While multiple factors contribute to trucking accidents in the Lehigh Valley, one often overlooked factor is truck maintenance issues or mechanical malfunctions. Understanding the role of maintenance and mechanical failures in Bethlehem trucking accidents and how Munley Law’s experienced truck accident lawyers can assist with these complex matters can help your case.
Munley Law is the only firm in Pennsylvania to boast three attorneys who are board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Two are also certified by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, in which they serve on the Board of Regents. Our lawyers have secured major victories when holding those responsible for truck accidents accountable for their actions, such as a $26 million settlement and a $20 million commercial vehicle settlement. In recognition of their expertise, our attorneys have been honored by Martindale-Hubbell, the Summit Council, Litigation Counsel of America, the American Association for Justice, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other organizations.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Bethlehem and suspect that a preventable mechanical or maintenance failure was to blame, learn how a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
What Do You Need to Know About Truck Accidents Caused by Failure to Maintain a Commercial Vehicle?
Truck maintenance is critical to protect truck drivers and other road users. Regular and thorough checks serve as the front line against potential incidents that might otherwise arise.
Routine brake inspections, tire pressure checks, and engine diagnostics help identify any potential issues before they lead to accidents.
Other maintenance issues that can lead to a collision include:
- Shredded tires
- Brake failure
- No reflective tape
- Burned-out taillights
- Lack of blind spot mirrors
Part of regular maintenance also abides by safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The regulations keep trucks compliant and reduce risks due to mechanical failures.
Proper maintenance also significantly reduces the risk of emergency situations such as brake failures and tire blowouts, two leading causes of trucking accidents. Being proactive about maintenance issues makes accidents on the highways less likely.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 What are the Most Common Mechanical Failures That Cause Truck Crashes?
Mechanical failure of trucks is one of the primary causes of accidents on Bethlehem roads, yet proper maintenance could significantly reduce the risk. Without specifying the types of vehicles involved, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that 2,210 vehicles were involved in accidents due to mechanical failures in 2024. Of these, 775 vehicles had tire- or wheel-related issues, 641 had brake-related failures, and 367 experienced total steering system failure. Understanding which issues lead to such mishaps is critical for establishing liability and managing/mitigating risks effectively.
The most common mechanical failures that cause truck crashes in Bethlehem, PA include:
- Brake Failure: Trucking accidents frequently result from brake failure due to their immense weight and size, with worn pads, overheated brakes, or insufficient brake fluid levels being among the primary culprits. Regular maintenance inspections to identify potential issues must therefore take place to mitigate disasters.
- Tire Blowouts: This mechanical failure is caused by overinflation or underinflation: worn treads, damaged tire walls, or loss of control at higher speeds, causing serious accidents.
- Steering System Malfunctions: Steering systems on trucks are crucial in terms of both control and maneuverability. Any malfunction could compromise the driver’s control of their truck while hindering effective navigation. Regular checks on steering fluid levels and inspection of the steering column/linkage could detect these malfunctions early and avoid future complications.
- Transmission Failure: This mechanical failure can severely restrict the delivery trucks’ performance. Issues such as shifting gears, unresponsive acceleration, or sudden power losses could signal transmission failure.
- Engine Failure: This issue might not be commonplace, but it should still be taken seriously. Engines should be checked regularly for threats such as overheating, power loss, and stalling due to inadequate cooling systems, oil leakage, and fuel system problems. Routine oil changes and coolant level checks are crucial in protecting against these dangers and keeping engines performing at their optimum levels.
Understanding and responding to mechanical failures are integral steps toward reducing truck accident risk. Routine inspections, proper maintenance practices, and immediate repairs on any identified issues should protect truck drivers and other road users.
“At Munley Law, our mission is simple: to provide all injury victims equal access to justice, even against the most powerful entities. For more than 65 years, we have been the voice for the injured, the forgotten, and those who need someone to stand beside them in their darkest hour.”
Marion Munley
What are the Legal Responsibilities and Regulations for Fleet Operations?
Trucking industry laws and regulations can be complex. Their primary goal is ensuring safety on the roads.
In the US, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national trucking industry regulations covering vehicle maintenance, driver working hours, and cargo loading. Furthermore, Pennsylvania state laws impose additional compliance-related stipulations that necessitate further compliance measures from Bethlehem trucking companies operating here.
Among these are:
- 75 Pa. C.S.A. §§ 1601–1621: These laws cover Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements, testing, and disqualifications.
- 75 Pa. C.S.A. §§ 4901–4982: Included in these sections are legal limits for weight, height, width, and length, as well as rules about securing loads and special permits.
- 75 Pa. C.S. §§ 4101–4108: These laws cover lighting, braking, and safety equipment requirements.
- 75 Pa. C.S. §§ 4701–4732: These sections focus on annual inspections for commercial vehicles.
Legal obligations require drivers to hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and to undergo periodic driver training programs and assessments. Driver training is particularly helpful for handling potential mechanical breakdowns and understanding vehicle limitations.
Maintaining accurate records is both necessary and legally mandated, including documenting maintenance schedules, repair works, driver logs, and inspection reports. Not only are such documents important for conducting internal audits and maintenance planning, but they are also often essential in legal proceedings after an incident.
Trucking companies may be held liable for an accident if negligence in maintenance, a violation of safety regulations, or a failure to meet safety requirements is proven.
How Can Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyers Hold Truck Drivers Accountable?
Munley Law’s Bethlehem truck accident lawyers play an essential role in dealing with the legal aftermath of trucking accidents caused by mechanical failures or maintenance issues. Their knowledge helps deal with various complexities arising from the law, regulations, technicalities, and details involved.
Our truck accident lawyers offer expert legal representation for victims who have been involved in truck collisions. A practicing truck accident law firm can advocate on their client’s behalf, making sure that their rights are safeguarded while fair compensation for damages or injuries sustained is granted
Personal injury attorneys who work in commercial truck law also possess expert knowledge in trucking regulations, mechanical aspects, and accident investigations. They will collect evidence, including maintenance records, driver logs, and accident reports, to build strong cases for their clients.
Munley Law Bethlehem truck accident lawyers also specialize in understanding federal and state trucking regulations to navigate regulatory complexities for clients effectively. When truck accidents are caused by mechanical failure, poor maintenance, truck driver fatigue, overloaded trucks, driver error, etc., victims need an experienced attorney to handle their personal injury lawsuits.
Further, if no settlement agreement is possible, a Bethlehem truck accident lawyer possesses the expertise needed to represent their clients before the court system, offering strong legal arguments on their behalf in pursuit of justice for all parties involved.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyer?
Having built a solid reputation since our founding in 1959, Munley Law has become synonymous with trucking accident litigation in Lehigh County, Northampton County, and greater Pennsylvania. We’ve negotiated with insurance companies and fought trucking companies and other parties responsible for accidents in court, securing impressive client victories.
Among them are an $11 million settlement, a $9.95 million settlement for a mother who was hit head-on by a tractor-trailer, A $9 million settlement, an $8 million settlement, a $6.9 million settlement, and a $6.5 million settlement for a man who suffered a brain injury in an accident involving a garbage truck.
Our board-certified attorneys have been honored by some of the most prestigious legal organizations. The National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania and named Marion Munley and Daniel Munley among the state’s Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers. Lawyers of Distinction named Daniel a Lawyer of Distinction, while Best Lawyers named Marion Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation. Several of our lawyers have received awards from the American Association for Justice, including:
- Marion, who received the Board of Governors Outstanding Achievement and Distinguished Service awards, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus Marie Lambert Award, Above and Beyond Award, and the Trucking Litigation Group’s Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice Award
- Daniel, who received the Trucking Litigation Group’s Robert W. Munley Pursuit of Justice and Ring of Honor awards
- Mackenzie Wilson, who received the New Lawyers Division’s Excellence and Above and Beyond awards
Marion is a member of The Summit Council and, along with Caroline Munley, the International Society of Barristers and Litigation Counsel of America. All our attorneys are members of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and all our partners were named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Robert Munley III, Marion, and Caroline are members of the Multi-Million-Dollar Advocates Forum/Million Dollar Advocates Forum. If you’re looking for a law firm you can trust when you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Bethlehem, PA, look no further than Munley Law.
What Compensation Can You Pursue in a Truck Accident Case in Bethlehem, PA?
Motor vehicle accidents involving large commercial vehicles are complex and can be catastrophic. Accidents with large trucks require a dedicated team of legal professionals to get to the bottom of the cause. At Munley Law, we handle each personal injury claim with the care and compassion it deserves. We know that crashes involving large trucks are physically damaging and can financially ruin a family.
Our team has decades of experience taking on the truck manufacturers, trucking companies, and truck drivers for their involvement. Be it a mechanical failure, inadequate maintenance, an overloaded truck, or other negligent act, our lawyers will ensure that justice is served. Munley Law’s Bethlehem truck accident lawyers have helped Pennsylvania families seek compensation for their losses for decades. We’ve helped victims recover compensation for:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
If you suffered injuries, don’t delay- waiting can lead to you missing the deadline to file a claim under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations, which under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524(2) is two years from the date of the accident. Call Munley Law.
Talk To a Personal Injury Attorney Now
Schedule a Free Consultation with Munley Law
These personal injury cases are complicated and can often be buried under legal nuance by trucking companies and insurance providers. Do not let them take advantage of you. If you or a family member were hurt in a trucking accident, contact Munley Law’s Bethlehem truck accident lawyers immediately for a no-obligation, free initial consultation.
Marion Munley
Marion Munley has been practicing personal injury law for nearly 40 years. She is triple board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy for Truck Accident Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Practice Advocacy. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Association for Justice, an organization dedicated to safeguarding victims’ rights. Marion has won many multimillion-dollar recoveries for her clients, including one of the largest trucking accident settlements in history. She has been named a Top 10 Super Lawyer in Pennsylvania since 2023, a Best Lawyer in America, and was recently inducted to the Lawdragon Hall of Fame.
