Truck drivers and trucking companies only make money when they are transporting their loads from point A to point B. For this reason, any amount of time the truck sits idle is considered lost revenue in their minds. The pressure to keep the trucks moving can lead to driver fatigue and negligent truck maintenance accidents. When a commercial vehicle is not properly maintained, the results can be tragic. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks when they make impact on another vehicle can cause widespread damage and very serious injuries to other motorists and their passengers. Because there may be multiple at fault parties and several complicated factors involved in proving liability, these cases can be very challenging to pursue. For this reason, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced Chicago negligent truck maintenance attorney with a strong track record of success in securing settlements from truck drivers, trucking companies and their insurers.
Common Examples of Negligent Truck Maintenance
Like any other vehicle, a commercial truck must have regular maintenance to operate safely on the road. But when it comes to maintenance, there is one major difference between commercial trucks and regular vehicles; a commercial truck typically logs hundreds of thousands miles each year, necessitating far more frequent maintenance to keep the vehicle safe. Each state has rules and regulations governing maintenance schedules and requiring trucking companies to keep detailed maintenance logs.
Unfortunately, these rules are not always followed, leading to a number of common commercial truck breakdowns, including:
- Tire Blowouts: This is often the result of uneven tire tread wearing and failure to replace overly worn tires in a timely manner.
- Brake Failure: Many truckers transport loads between major cities such as Chicago and Detroit. This requires a lot of “stop and go” driving, putting stress on the brakes.
- Trailer Hitch Separation: When truckers are in a hurry to load up and get on the road, they often fail to properly secure the hitch to their trailer.
- Broken Windshield Wipers: This may seem like a small issue, but when a trucker has a broken or malfunctioning windshield wiper while driving during a storm and especially at night, it can be very difficult to see other vehicles on the road.
- Mechanical Failures: All manner of other engine failures can occur while on the interstate, leading to disastrous consequences.
At Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C., we have over two decades of experience litigating truck accident cases in Chicago and nationwide. We have an in-depth understanding of the trucking industry, how they operate, and the common factors that typically lead to these accidents. Far too often, trucking-related accidents may have been avoided had the truck driver or trucking company simply taken a little extra time to properly maintain the vehicle. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, our Chicago negligent truck maintenance lawyers are here to help. Contact HM&M for a free consultation. We will advise you of your legal rights and the best way forward to secure full compensation for your injuries.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
