Orland Park Poorly Maintained Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Truck Accidents Involving Inadequate Maintenance in Orland Park, Illinois

Commercial vehicles, including 18-wheelers and other large trucks, can inflict a great deal of damage when they collide with other vehicles. There are many reasons why truck crashes may take place, and one common factor involves the breakdown of a truck or its parts due to improper maintenance. The complex systems on a truck need to be functioning correctly to ensure that a truck driver can maintain control at all times. When a truck's owner or a trucking company has been negligent in inspecting and servicing a vehicle, others may be injured in a truck accident.

Victims of truck crashes may need to deal with a variety of serious injuries and other damages, and they may be unsure about how to determine the causes of an accident or the parties who were responsible. At Schwartz Injury Law, our attorneys can perform a full investigation into a truck accident, uncovering all contributing factors that led to a victim's injuries. We will identify issues that caused a truck to be unsafe, such as a failure to perform maintenance when required. By determining who was at fault, we can take steps to hold the negligent parties accountable, and we will fight to ensure that an injury victim will receive the compensation they deserve.

Truck Maintenance Issues That Can Lead to Accidents

All of the parts on a truck need to be functioning correctly to ensure that a driver can maintain control and to prevent issues that could put others at risk. Trucking companies should make sure trucks are inspected regularly, and any issues that are uncovered during these inspections should be properly addressed. Routine maintenance will also need to be performed to ensure that all of a truck's systems are in proper working order.

There are a variety of parts that may malfunction due to improper maintenance, including:

• Brakes: When traveling at 65 mph, a semi-truck can take more than 500 feet to come to a complete stop when its brakes are functioning correctly. If there are any issues that may affect the functions of brakes, such as an air brake or worn brake shoes, additional distance may be needed for a truck to slow down and stop. When a truck driver cannot brake correctly, they may be unable to avoid a rear-end collision or another dangerous accident.
• Tires: Traction is crucial for large trucks, and properly functioning tires will ensure that a truck driver can maintain control and stop when needed. When tires have too little or too much air pressure or have become worn, they may deflate suddenly, or they could even explode. Tire blowouts can lead to a loss of control, which can be very dangerous when a truck is traveling at a high speed.
• Engines: A truck driver needs to be able to regulate their speed, and a properly functioning engine is essential to ensure that they can maintain control. Engine malfunctions can lead to accidents, and in some cases, an engine may even catch on fire and cause harm to people nearby.
• Trailer Couplings: Malfunctions in the devices used to connect trailers to the cabs of trucks can cause a trailer to decouple while a truck is in motion. This can create a massive obstacle in the road that may lead to a multi-vehicle accident.
• Lights and Signals: Proper lighting is important to ensure that a truck will always be fully visible to other drivers. When signals do not function correctly, other drivers may not be aware of when a truck is changing lanes or making a turn, which can lead to a collision

Trucking Accident Liability

Multiple parties may be liable for a truck accident caused by improper maintenance. A truck driver may be responsible for their failure to inspect their truck, identify potential safety issues, and ensure that maintenance was performed. Trucking companies may be liable for failing to perform regular inspections or follow maintenance schedules. Mechanics may be responsible for their failure to perform repairs correctly. If a truck's parts were defective, a manufacturer may be held liable through a product liability claim.

Our lawyers can investigate the procedures followed by a trucking company to determine whether it was negligent in maintaining a truck. We can review maintenance records, inspection reports, and other information to determine who may be held liable for a breakdown that led to a truck accident. We will work to ensure that an injury victim will be able to collect compensation from the liable parties and address the damages they have suffered.

Other Factors in Trucking Accidents

Improper truck maintenance could be one of multiple reasons for an accident involving a truck or its cargo. These issues may combine with other factors, including:

• Driver Fatigue: A truck driver who is tired or drowsy will be more likely to make mistakes that could lead to a loss of control, and when combined with malfunctioning parts, this will make accidents even more likely.
• Speeding: If their brakes are not functioning correctly, truck drivers who exceed the speed limit may not be able to slow down or stop when necessary.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: When a truck is not loaded correctly, additional stress may be placed on tires or brakes, affecting a driver's ability to avoid collisions.

Contact Our Orland Park, IL Truck Accident Attorneys for Maintenance Issues

An investigation by our lawyers can determine if negligent maintenance led to a truck accident. We will work to protect your rights and help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Orland Park truck accident lawyers at 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.