If mechanical failure or poor maintenance causes a truck accident in Georgia, the company responsible for the issue may be liable. The truck driver might also be liable, as truckers are required to inspect their vehicles before each trip. If the trucking company skipped regular maintenance, it could also be liable.
What Are Some Examples of Mechanical Failures in Georgia Truck Accidents?
One common mechanical issue that can cause a truck crash is brake failure. Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles have complex braking systems that need regular inspections and maintenance. When brakes wear out, overheat, or fail to function correctly, a truck may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially on steep hills or in heavy traffic.
Tire blowouts are another common problem that can cause truck accidents. Bald tires, underinflated tires, or those with hidden damage can suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Steering and suspension problems are also significant safety risks. If a truck’s steering system malfunctions or the suspension wears down, the vehicle may pull to one side, sway unpredictably, or become harder to control.
Other mechanical failures include lighting and signal issues, which make it hard for other drivers to anticipate turns or lane changes. Similarly, engine or transmission failures can cause a truck to stall or slow down suddenly in fast-moving traffic.
What Are Signs of Poor Truck Maintenance?
Poor maintenance can leave clear warning signs that a truck isn’t safe to be on the road. One obvious sign is worn-out tires. Cracks in the rubber, uneven tread, or low air pressure can all signal neglect. These issues make a blowout more likely, especially when a truck is moving at highway speeds.
Brake problems are another major red flag. If a truck makes loud grinding noises, takes too long to stop, or leaves long skid marks, its braking system may be worn or damaged. That’s a hazard when a vehicle weighs tens of thousands of pounds.
Dim or broken lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, might also indicate that a truck isn’t being inspected regularly. These lights are crucial for visibility, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions.
Leaking fluids, strange odors, or smoke emanating from the truck could indicate engine trouble, transmission issues, or overheating. These issues could lead to a breakdown or loss of control.
Finally, a truck may have suspension issues if it appears to lean to one side or bounce excessively on rough roads. Loose or noisy steering is also a sign that the vehicle hasn’t been adequately maintained.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Poor Truck Maintenance?
Multiple individuals and groups are responsible for maintaining trucks properly and may be liable for a crash resulting from inadequate maintenance. They include the following:
- The truck driver might be liable if they ignored clear warning signs, such as strange noises, warning lights, or performance issues, and continued driving anyway. Drivers are required to inspect their vehicles after each trip, and failing to do so can have catastrophic consequences.
- A trucking company might be liable for a maintenance-related collision. These companies are responsible for maintaining the safety and roadworthiness of their fleet. If they cut corners, skip scheduled maintenance, or put off repairs to save money or time, they can be liable for a crash. Failing to maintain proper records or hiring unqualified mechanics can also constitute negligence.
- Maintenance providers may also be liable for a crash. If a company hired to inspect or repair a truck fails to do so correctly or neglects to fix a known issue, it may be held responsible for any subsequent crashes.
How Do You Prove Poor Maintenance Was the Cause of the Truck Accident?
Proving that poor maintenance caused a truck accident hinges on collecting the proper evidence. One key piece is the truck’s maintenance and inspection records. These documents show whether the vehicle was regularly serviced and if any issues were reported or ignored. Missing or outdated records can suggest a pattern of neglect.
The truck driver’s inspection reports are vital. Truck drivers are supposed to check their vehicles before and after each trip. If they failed to log problems, or if they logged issues but the company failed to act, that can point to negligence.
Another source of evidence is the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), also known as the “black box.” It stores data about how the truck operated before the crash, including braking, speed, and engine performance. ECM data can reveal mechanical issues that were present at the time of the collision.
Photos from the crash scene may also reveal signs of poor maintenance, such as worn tires, leaking fluids, or malfunctioning lights. In some cases, a mechanical inspection after the crash can uncover problems that contributed to the accident, such as brake failure or a faulty steering system.
What Are Some Possible Types of Claims for a Truck Accident Caused by Mechanical Failure?
You have several legal options to seek compensation after a truck accident resulting from mechanical failure. The first option is a personal injury claim against the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, or another party that may be responsible for the accident. To win these cases, you must show that someone’s careless actions caused the accident.
If a defective part caused the accident, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor of that part. These claims focus on design flaws, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings.
Finally, you might have cause for a wrongful death claim if a family member died in a crash resulting from a truck’s mechanical failure or poor negligence.
Does Georgia Have a Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Claim?
In most cases, you have two years after you are injured in a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If someone in your family died in the crash, you have two years from the date of their death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The truck accident lawyer handling your claim can make sure to fill out all necessary legal paperwork and submit it in time, allowing you to focus on healing.
Contact a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer
Spiva Law Group has served Savannah and the entire state of Georgia for over 40 years, recovering more than $500 million for our clients. We are familiar with the signs of poor maintenance or mechanical failures and know how to hold the party responsible for your truck crash liable for your injuries. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney.
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