Truck accidents in Bethlehem can have devastating repercussions. While multiple factors contribute to these unfortunate occurrences, one often overlooked factor is truck maintenance issues or mechanical malfunction. Understanding their role and how Munley Law, as an experienced Bethlehem truck accident lawyer, can assist with these complex matters can give you the edge in your case.
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 Bethlehem truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.
Truck Accidents Due to 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 lowers the risks of emergency situations like brake failures and tire blowouts, two leading causes of trucking accidents. Being proactive about such matters makes accidents on the highways less likely.
Most Common Mechanical Failures That Cause Truck Crashes
Mechanical failure of trucks is one of the primary contributors to accidents on Bethlehem roads, yet proper maintenance could reduce risks significantly. Understanding which issues lead to such mishaps is critical for managing and mitigating risks effectively.
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 inspection and maintenance inspections for any potential issues must, therefore, take place to mitigate potential disasters.
Tire blowouts are another mechanical failure that often results in accidents caused by overinflation or underinflation: worn treads, damaged tire walls, or loss of control at higher speeds, causing serious accidents.
Steering systems on trucks are crucial in terms of both control and maneuverability; any malfunction could compromise driver 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 can severely restrict delivery trucks’ performance. Issues including shifting gears, unresponsive acceleration, or sudden power losses could signal transmission failure.
Engine failures may not be commonplace but should still be taken seriously and regularly checked for threats such as overheating, power loss, and engine stalling due to inadequate cooling systems or oil leakage as well as 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 mitigating truck accident risk. Routine inspections, proper maintenance practices, and immediate repair works on any identified issues should protect truck drivers and other road users.
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.
Legal obligations require drivers to hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) as well as undergo periodic driver training programs and assessments. Driver training becomes particularly helpful in handling potential mechanical breakdowns as well as 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 in conducting internal audits and maintenance planning processes but are often essential when engaging in legal proceedings after an incident has taken place.
Trucking companies may be held liable in an accident if negligence in maintenance, violation of safety regulations, or safety requirements is proven.
Bethlehem Truck Accident Lawyers Can Play an Important Part In Holding Truck Drivers Accountable
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 navigate complexities arising from the law, regulations, technicalities, and details involved.
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 and offer strong legal arguments on their behalf in pursuit of justice for all parties involved.
Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: Munley Law Firm
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 has helped Pennsylvania families, including those in Bethlehem, 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. Call Munley Law.
Have You Been Injured in a Bethlehem Truck Accident? Contact Munley Law.
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.
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.
