Professional Counsel For Truck Inspection And Maintenance Negligence
Before any truck is operated on the road, all parts of the vehicle should be inspected for safety. Afterward, the trucks should be routinely inspected and maintained. Problems with the truck or truck parts must be fixed before the truck is allowed on the road. These requirements are not just common sense — they are the law. There are federal and state laws mandating that trucks be inspected. Logs of the inspections and maintenance must be created and kept current.
At Crandall & Pera Law, our skilled attorneys understand the federal laws and state requirements that apply to all commercial vehicles. We work with professionals who understand how commercial vehicles work, how they are maintained and how they should be repaired.
Our lawyers have successfully obtained substantial verdicts, some over a million dollars, and we have negotiated large settlements too. We fight tirelessly to prove fault and fight for all the compensation the law allows.
The Duty To Inspect And Maintain Commercial Vehicles
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is an agency in the U.S. Department of Transportation. The FMCSA has the following inspection, repair and maintenance requirements for all vehicles, including commercial vehicles that a motor carrier places on the roads, subject to some exceptions.
Motor carriers are required to make sure their drivers fill out a report at the end of each day on the condition of the following truck items:
- Service and parking brakes
- The steering system
- Tires
- Lighting devices and the reflectors
- Coupling devices
- Rearview mirrors
- The horn
- Windshield wipers
- Any emergency equipment
Any defect listed on the report must be fixed before the vehicle can be used again. In some cases, the FMCSA rules also require that these additional vehicle items be inspected:
- Airline connections, hoses and couplers
- Rails or support frames
- Tie down bolsters
- Locking pins, clevises, clamps or hooks
- Sliders or sliding frame locks
Brakes must be repaired by brake inspectors. The driver and the motor carrier must keep inspection reports. Additionally, commercial trucks are subject to roadside inspections. These inspections are in addition to annual inspections that each vehicle must undergo.
The Dangers Of Failed Inspections
In addition to meeting federal and state law requirements, drivers and motor carriers are obligated to use reasonable care. Compliance with the laws is the minimum standard. We bring claims, even when the law was met, if the driver or operator failed to use proper care for the given truck, the load assigned, and the roads and route of travel. Truck companies should review all the appropriate new vehicle manuals and part guidelines.
Defects in any equipment part can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Failed repairs can make it difficult for the driver and others on the road to react to an emergency. All these dangers are preventable if proper care is used.
Protection When A Driver Or Motor Carrier Causes Physical Harm And Emotional Pain
When a truck accident happens, see an experienced attorney as soon as you can. Some drivers and carriers may try to fix the repair before it can be documented. Memories can fade. Witnesses can move. It is often crucial to inspect trucks on a daily basis. We hold drivers and truck companies accountable when they cut corners.
To learn more about your right to compensation for injuries, suffering, lost wages and other damages, call Crandall & Pera Law today at 855-444-6651. We have locations in Chagrin Falls, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Chesterland and throughout Ohio. You can also schedule an appointment through our contact form.