Poor vehicle maintenance can be a cause of serious or fatal collisions

Among the most common causes of truck crashes is a lack of vehicle maintenance. A truck requires regular maintenance because it goes thousands of miles every year. Trucks may be carrying thousands of pounds of cargo, too, which must stay in place to keep the driver and others around them safe.

Poor vehicle maintenance can mean that the truck becomes worn. When a large truck is worn, it could be prone to collisions. For example, bare tires may slide instead of having the tread needed to stop. Damaged clasps or latches on the truck could come loose or open so that the cargo ends up falling out onto the highway or shifting to cause a jackknife or rollover crash.

Worn brake pads, cracked windshields and other issues make any vehicle dangerous, but trucks are particularly so. Failing to check the rig at the beginning of each shift shows a complete lack of responsibility on the part of the driver and could lead to a fatal collision if anything goes wrong.

What should you do if you’re hit by a poorly maintained vehicle?

If you are hit by a vehicle that was obviously in poor repair, it may be beneficial to take photographs or to discuss the vehicle’s maintenance with the police when you speak with them.

After seeking medical attention, talk to your attorney about the vehicle’s condition. They may be able to help you obtain a settlement for the injuries you suffered due to the driver or company’s negligence. You have a right to be safe on the roads, and if someone else makes it dangerous for you, then they should be held liable.