Every day, trucking companies make critical decisions about vehicle maintenance that directly impact your safety on the road. When these companies cut corners or ignore maintenance schedules to save money, they put profits over people—and the consequences can be deadly.
Negligent maintenance can be a major contributor to Wisconsin truck accidents, and if you were involved in one of these collisions, you may have grounds for legal action with the help of a Milwaukee truck accident lawyer.
Types of Maintenance Failures That Cause Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks endure tremendous wear and tear from constant use, heavy loads, and long distances. When maintenance falls behind schedule or gets performed inadequately, mechanical failures become inevitable.
The most common maintenance-related issues that lead to truck accidents include:
- Brake system failures from worn brake pads, damaged brake lines, or improperly adjusted brakes
- Tire problems such as blowouts, tread separation, or improper inflation
- Steering system defects that cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles
- Suspension failures that affect vehicle stability and handling
- Engine problems that can cause sudden breakdowns or fires
- Electrical system malfunctions affecting lights, signals, or critical safety equipment
Federal Requirements for Truck Maintenance and Inspections
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates commercial truck maintenance to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. These regulations require trucking companies to establish comprehensive maintenance programs that include regular inspections, timely repairs, and detailed record-keeping for all vehicles under their control.
Trucking companies must maintain their entire fleet according to manufacturer specifications and federal standards. This responsibility extends to leased vehicles when companies control them for 30 consecutive days or more.
The regulations also require companies to keep maintenance records that can be produced upon request by federal inspectors and other investigators.
Truck drivers are also required to conduct pre-trip inspections. Before starting their journey, drivers must thoroughly examine their vehicles and cargo to identify any defects requiring immediate attention.
Additional inspections are required within the first 50 miles of travel and again every three hours, 150 miles, or when changing duty status. At the end of each driving day, drivers must complete inspection reports that document any problems discovered.
Your Options for Compensation After a Maintenance-Related Crash
When negligent maintenance causes your truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim. These legal claims allow you to recover damages for the full impact of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Multiple parties may bear responsibility for maintenance-related truck accidents. The trucking company is often liable for failing to inspect its fleet properly or establish adequate maintenance schedules. However, maintenance providers, parts manufacturers, or even the truck driver may also share fault depending on the circumstances.
A truck accident attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case against each one. Your lawyer will examine maintenance records, inspection reports, industry standards, and expert testimony to establish exactly how negligence contributed to your collision.
Start Building Your Case with Cannon & Dunphy S.C.
When brake failures, tire blowouts, or mechanical defects cause devastating accidents, Cannon & Dunphy S.C. can help hold these corporations accountable. We dig deep into maintenance records, inspection reports, and industry standards to expose the negligence that led to your injuries.
If you were hurt in a maintenance-related collision, don’t wait to seek help—contact us at (262) 668-8884 to speak with a Wisconsin truck accident attorney.