At TraumaLaw, we understand that a single moment can change everything. When a commercial truck can’t stop in time and causes an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Injuries, mounting medical bills, and the emotional toll are just the beginning. If you’re facing such a situation, you might be wondering how something as simple as truck maintenance records could help your case. Let’s take a closer look at why these documents are crucial for accident victims seeking justice.
Why Are Truck Maintenance Records Important?
Commercial trucks are subject to strict maintenance regulations, and for good reason. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates regular inspections to ensure that trucks on the road are safe. Some of the key systems that require frequent checks include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Steering
These systems are vital to the safe operation of a truck. Maintenance records show that inspections and repairs were conducted properly, or they may reveal lapses that contributed to an accident.
Trucking companies are usually responsible for ensuring regular maintenance, but this responsibility may also be shared with drivers or contractors. For example, brakes need to be checked periodically, and any issues like worn pads or leaking brake lines must be addressed immediately. Similarly, tire maintenance, including proper inflation and tread depth, is essential for safety. If maintenance records show that a truck was improperly maintained, they can serve as key evidence in your case.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents can happen for various reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding: A truck driver traveling too fast might not be able to stop in time, especially if the truck is fully loaded.
- Drowsy Driving: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to fatigue, impairing the driver’s reaction times and judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Use of mobile phones or other distractions can take a driver’s focus off the road, leading to devastating accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug impairment severely impacts a driver’s abilities and increases the risk of an accident.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded or unsecured cargo can cause the truck to tip or jackknife.
- Maintenance Failures: Mechanical issues like worn tires or faulty brakes are often the result of poor maintenance and can play a major role in accidents.
- Traffic Violations: Ignoring traffic laws, like running a stop sign or red light, puts everyone at risk.
- Hazardous Weather: Rain, snow, and fog make driving conditions more dangerous, especially for large commercial trucks.
Police reports and maintenance records can provide crucial insights into these causes, offering valuable evidence for accident victims.
How Maintenance Records Reveal Negligence
In many cases, poor maintenance is a leading factor in trucking accidents. Faulty brakes can lead to rollovers, while worn-out tires increase the risk of jackknifing. When trucking companies fail to maintain their vehicles properly, it’s not just a safety issue—it’s often a sign of negligence.
Maintenance records can help reveal this negligence. If inspections are missing or repairs were not made on time, it could point to a pattern of neglect. For example, if brake repairs are repeatedly delayed or never done, it can demonstrate gross negligence. This kind of evidence is invaluable in holding the responsible parties accountable.
Obtaining and Using Maintenance Records
Accessing maintenance records can be a challenge. However, your lawyer will work to obtain this crucial evidence, often through subpoenas or legal requests. If the records are missing or destroyed, it can actually work in your favor, as courts may interpret this as an attempt to cover up negligence.
Expert analysis is often necessary to interpret the maintenance schedules and codes. Professionals can identify failures that contributed to the accident, providing solid evidence to strengthen your case.
Types of Damages Supported by Maintenance Records
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, maintenance records can help you pursue several types of damages, including:
- Medical Damages: If faulty brakes or poor tire maintenance caused the crash, these records can directly link the truck’s condition to your injuries. This includes emergency medical care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
- Financial Impact: Truck accidents often result in lost wages or the need for career changes due to injury. Maintenance records can establish fault and support claims for lost income, as well as diminished earning capacity. They can also help with property damage claims, such as vehicle repairs or replacements.
- Personal Impact: Emotional trauma, pain and suffering, and changes to your quality of life may be difficult to quantify, but they are just as important. Maintenance records can provide the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim for these damages.
Building a Strong Case with Maintenance Records
A strong case often involves proving a pattern of negligence, and maintenance records are key to uncovering these patterns. If a trucking company repeatedly neglects necessary repairs, this can support claims for punitive damages.
It’s also essential to have expert witnesses involved. These professionals can help your attorney and the jury understand complex maintenance issues, making your case more compelling and establishing legal liability.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, the evidence you need to build your case may be locked away in maintenance records. At TraumaLaw, we’re here to help you secure that evidence and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 866-608-3601 to schedule a consultation. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery.
