Does Poor Maintenance Contribute to Truck Accidents?
Posted June 6th, 2024.
Categories: Blog.
18-wheelers and tractor trails are important vehicles in the United States. Without them, and the drivers who operate them, we would not be able to stock the shelves of our favorite stores, receive packages from online orders, and more. Despite their importance, sometimes maintenance to these vehicles can be overlooked. Companies may get lazy or attempt to cut costs by skipping inspections. Lack of maintenance can contribute to more truck accidents. If you were involved in an auto accident that poor truck maintenance contributed to you might be eligible for compensation. Contact a Cherry Hill personal injury attorney to discuss the details of your situation today.
Why is Maintenance Important?
In any auto vehicle maintenance is essential to ensure safe travel and operation. Regular inspections and routine maintenance are vital for trucks because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicle. Any malfunction has the potential to result in an accident with significantly more damage than a crash involving only passenger vehicles.
Regular maintenance also increases the efficiency of the truck’s performance. Fuel efficiency is proven to be higher when inspections are performed and parts are cleaned and changed out. Maintaining the vehicle can also help reduce the need for repairs and save money in the long run. Small problems can add up, so preventing issues through maintenance is a great way to increase the truck’s lifespan and not have to deal with breakdowns, towing, and repairs.
How Does a Lack of Maintenance Lead to More Truck Accidents?
When companies decide to skip out on maintenance and inspections a lot can go wrong. The following can be affected by poor maintenance.
- Brakes and braking system
- Steering system
- Headlights and taillights
- Turn signals
- Tires
- Engine
- Transmission
- Trailer hitch
What Can Go Wrong?
If any of the above is impacted by poor maintenance it can cause malfunctions that lead to harmful accidents and collisions. For example, if the brake pads are worn out and not replaced, it can affect the truck driver’s ability to slow down and stop in a timely manner. If the car in front of them slams on their brakes for any reason, the truck may end up rear-ending them.
Additionally, if tires are not properly evaluated someone may not notice that they are not properly inflated. This can lead to a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The debris from the tire can also cause damage to surrounding cars.
If an issue with the turn signals goes unnoticed, the truck driver may not be able to alert other drivers that they are changing lanes or making a turn. An unsuspecting driver may attempt to pass the truck and inadvertently cause a collision because they could not anticipate the truck driver’s next move.
Various hazards can be caused by a lack of maintenance. When corners are cut companies may believe they are saving money, but in reality, they are creating risks that can cause significant financial losses in the future.
