Improper Semitruck Maintenance Lawyers in New Braunfels

Representation for Negligent or Improper Trucking Maintenance Accident Victims

When semitrucks are poorly maintained, the chances that they will be involved in a serious truck wreck on a Texas roadway are increased. While commercial trucking companies are responsible for making sure that their big rigs are regularly inspected and properly maintained, tractor-trailer drivers are also required to perform a basic inspection of their trucks before and after each trip. Tires and brakes are two commonly neglected areas that have the potential to cause a dangerous Texas truck accident. At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we can investigate a truck accident to determine whether improper maintenance was a factor, and we can help ensure that the parties responsible for these violations will be held liable for a victim's injuries.

Truck Tire Maintenance

When an 18-wheeler that is traveling 60 mph down the highway suffers a tire failure, it can cause the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, and it can even result in a rollover crash. There are many reasons that a truck's tires could fail, including tread separation, bent rims, underinflated or improper tires, or the use of a spare tire that is in poor condition. If a personal injury lawsuit is filed based on this type of truck crash, it is important that all potentially negligent parties are identified.

Truck Brake Maintenance

Truck brake systems, whether hydraulic, air, or another type, are complex, and they require regular maintenance to keep them functioning efficiently and safely. When these systems are poorly maintained, a truck driver may experience a truck brake failure, and in some cases, parts of a truck brake system can even detach from the truck and hit other vehicles traveling nearby, causing serious injuries or wrongful death.

In a semitruck accident lawsuit, it is important to determine whether or not a faulty or defective product could be responsible for the tractor-trailer wreck, in which case the manufacturer could be sued. Truck accident lawsuits based on potentially poor truck maintenance require the skills of an experienced New Braunfels, Texas truck crash lawyer.

It is critical that all of the parties who played a part in the truck maintenance problems are held accountable for their actions.

Which Other Truck Parts Increase the Risk of Accidents?

Tires and brakes are the most commonly worn-out parts that lead to accidents. However, accidents can also occur when truck drivers and trucking companies fail to inspect and repair:

• Suspension systems
• Fuel systems
• Lights and reflectors
• Rearview and sideview mirrors
• Connection points between the cab and trailer

Trucks are so large and heavy that nearly every component is critical. There are very few repairs that can safely be delayed.

How Often Do Trucks Need to Be Inspected?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates that all large trucks (over 10,000 pounds) be subjected to a yearly inspection of all vehicle parts. Additionally, truck drivers are required to inspect their vehicles at the beginning and end of each trip, as well as at the beginning of each day during a multiday trip. Trucking companies are required to make prompt repairs when alerted to a problem.

As you can see, most of these inspections are conducted by truck owners and operators, who may cut corners to save time and money. Because of this, truck problems frequently go unreported and unfixed, leading to serious accidents.

Contact Our New Braunfels, Texas Truck Accident Lawyer for Improper Maintenance

The Bettersworth Law Firm aggressively advocates for truck accident victims throughout Comal County and all of South Central Texas. Attorney James Bettersworth is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for his success as a personal injury lawyer. Contact our law firm today by calling 830-606-0404 for a free, initial consultation.