Proper maintenance is essential in preventing Miami truck accidents. Although technology now means that some truck parts can outlast trucks, there is still a need for maintenance to prevent Miami traffic accidents. Maintenance helps carriers and truck drivers notice problems – such as brake issues or tire problems – and fix them before they have a chance to cause a Miami car accident or traffic accident. Frequent maintenance also ensures that trucks are working at their best and respond correctly if a truck driver needs to move suddenly to avoid a collision.
Good truck maintenance includes careful attention to the axles and suspension system of a truck. Both are essential for truck safety and both can fail. Axles need to be checked regularly for lubricant and leaks. Suspensions are susceptible to stress cracks and corrosion. They need to be checked and tuned up regularly, especially the steel-spring types of suspensions on most trucks. In addition to the suspension system and the axles, a proper maintenance inspections takes a look at all major systems of a truck, including tires, steering, braking, and other systems.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truck carriers to conduct regular inspections, which include inspections of the steering mechanisms, axles, wheels, frame, and other systems in every truck. The FMSCA also requires push-out windows, bus emergency doors and other systems to be checked at least every three months. Carriers are responsible for maintaining inspection records and repair records for all their trucks for at least 18 months after the trucks are no longer part of the company’s fleet. In addition, the FMSCA requires commercial truck drivers to carry out regular visual inspections of their trucks.
If inspections reveal a problem, carriers are responsible for ensuring that the problem is fixed before the truck is placed back on the road. Truck carriers are expected to keep records of the inspections and any repairs to prove that the proper work has been completed. This system can actually serve truck carriers. After all, maintenance and repairs are far less costly than an accident and subsequent legal claim by injured parties. Properly maintained and repaired trucks can also work more efficiently, use less gas, and last longer than incorrectly maintained trucks, which can help save companies money.
Of course, even with proper maintenance, there can be an increased risk of Miami car accidents involving trucks in cases where specific truck systems are defective. In these cases, if a defect causes a Miami truck accident and the accident causes injuries, the injured parties may be able to launch a Miami products liability case against the manufacturers of the defective truck part. In these cases, there are often multiple parties, which can help injury victims get fairer compensation to help pay for lost income, medical bills, and other expenses.
If you have been injured in a Miami truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group. The legal team at the Flaxman Law Group has worked with thousands of Florida personal injury victims, recovering compensation on behalf of car accident survivors, Miami brain injury survivors, and other injured parties. If you have been injured, don’t be an injury victim – become an injury survivor with the compensation to pay for quality medical care and lost income. Contact the Flaxman Law Group to find out what options are available for you.