Poor Truck Maintenance and Defective Parts

In many crashes, the initial assumption is that a truck driver was at fault. But sometimes, the real culprit is hidden: a brake system that hadn’t been inspected in months, a defective tire that gave out without warning, a trailer coupling that wasn’t properly maintained, or another mechanical failure or defective part.

Insurance companies may be quick to blame driver error to limit payouts. That’s why it is critical to work with an attorney who understands how to dig deeper.

At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we represent individuals and families injured in truck accidents caused by poor maintenance or defective vehicle parts. With almost 40 years of experience, attorney Mark A. Siesel has seen for himself how preventable mechanical failures lead to life-changing injuries. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck crash anywhere in Westchester, Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties, we provide a free consultation to discuss your potential case in greater detail. Just call us at (914) 428-7386 or reach out online to schedule your consultation. We are pleased to offer consultations in English and Spanish.

Why Truck Maintenance Matters

Federal and state laws require trucking companies to perform regular inspections and repairs. Routine checks on brakes, tires, steering systems, and lighting are essential for keeping everyone on the road safe and for keeping trucks and trucking companies compliant with current laws.

Unfortunately, profit pressures often push companies and drivers to skip inspections or delay costly repairs. A worn tire or neglected brake pad might not seem like a big deal until a truck jackknifes on I-87 or loses control on the Bronx River Parkway. If someone is injured in this type of crash, however, truck companies, drivers, and other liable parties can be fined and can be held liable in a civil claim.

Common Maintenance Failures in Truck Accidents

Some parts of commercial trucks are especially vulnerable to mechanical failure:

• Brake failures. Poorly maintained brakes or failed brake lines can turn an avoidable stop into a deadly crash. Overloaded trucks can also place added stress on brakes, causing them to fail prematurely.
• Tires. Tire blowouts are a leading cause of rollover accidents. A simple pressure check or timely replacement could prevent tragedy. Overloaded trucks can also lead to blowouts. A less known cause of tire issues is age. Even unused truck tires can have a shorter lifespan if they are stored in extreme temperatures or for prolonged periods. The rubber can be compromised, which can cause unexpected blowouts.
• Steering and suspension issues. If steering components fail, truck drivers can lose control. Poor wheel alignment and aging ball joints, bushings, tie rods, and shocks can all contribute to these issues.
• Lighting and signal malfunctions. Burned-out headlights or brake lights make trucks nearly invisible in poor conditions, especially on dark rural roads.
• Trailer coupling problems. If the hitch or coupling is defective or not properly maintained, the trailer can detach from the cab.

When maintenance logs are falsified or ignored, your accident and injuries become a matter of negligence. A thorough investigation may also reveal underlying problems. For example, if a truck was routinely overloaded or if an underqualified driver operated the truck incorrectly, this can cause mechanical failure that leads to a crash. While truck companies may claim that a mechanical failure was an accident that no one could have predicted, in fact many of these issues have underlying causes that point to negligence.

Defective Truck Parts and Product Liability

Sometimes, the issue begins before the truck even leaves the manufacturer. Defective tires, faulty braking systems, flawed engine components, and other defective parts can all cause accidents because they can cause systems to fail on the road.

In these cases, claims may involve product liability, meaning the manufacturer, distributor, or designer of the defective part may share responsibility. These cases often require expert analysis, and thorough investigation to determine exactly where in the manufacturing process a flaw was introduced.

Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

The truth is that there is no standard answer about how much your case may be worth without reviewing the facts in detail. If you have a valid claim, damages may include:

1. Pain and suffering.
2. Past and future medical expenses.
3. Past and future earnings and loss of earning capacity.
4. Other losses, including car rental, property damage, and incidental expenses.

The compensation you may be eligible for will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the strength of your claim. The liable parties are also important, since there can be multiple responsible parties, including:

• Truck drivers.
• Trucking companies.
• Maintenance contractors.
• Manufacturers or distributors.

Identifying every liable party can maximize available compensation, which is why it is worthwhile to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can launch an investigation into what caused your collision.

Mechanical Failures Still Happen Despite Modern Technology

Many people assume that new trucks equipped with advanced safety systems are immune to maintenance-related crashes. Unfortunately, technology cannot prevent all failures. There are still many factors that will likely continue to cause these types of collisions:

• High mileage and wear. Trucks often travel hundreds of thousands of miles each year. Even with advanced systems, wear and tear on tires, brakes, and engines is inevitable, and poorly-maintained roads can contribute even further to maintenance issues by putting more pressure on tires, shocks, and other truck parts.
• Cost-cutting pressures. Trucking companies may delay or skip costly repairs to keep vehicles on the road.
• Human oversight. Automated systems still require proper calibration, updates, and inspections. If neglected, even the most advanced safety features can fail.
• Defective designs. Some parts leave the factory with hidden flaws that only emerge after months of use.

Technology can help drivers and maintenance technicians diagnose maintenance issues, but no technology replaces the need for responsible inspection and timely repairs.

What To Do After a Truck Accident Where You Suspect Maintenance-Related Issues

If you are involved in a crash that may have been caused by poor truck maintenance or defective parts, it is important to:

1. Call the police and report the accident. In New York, failure to report an accident involving injury or property damage may violate Section 600 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law. A police report can also be the start of an investigation into what happened.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline may be masking some symptoms or your symptoms may initially be very subtle. Prompt medical care gets you the treatment you need. In the event of a head injury or internal injuries, it can save your life. 
3. Document the scene. Take photos, gather witness information, and note the truck’s condition if possible. Get information about the truck driver, their insurance, and the trucking company. If you can, secure the contact information of any witnesses.
4. Contact an experienced attorney quickly. Trucking companies and insurers move fast to minimize liability. Maintenance records, truck logs, and other information may disappear or the truck may be repaired after the accident, making it harder to determine what really happened. Having a lawyer investigate right away helps protect your rights.

FAQs

How can I tell if poor maintenance played a role in my truck accident?

It is not always obvious. A tire blowout and smoke from the brakes can indicate mechanical problems, but most causes are revealed only after an investigation. Attorneys often request maintenance logs, black box data, and other information to see if the truck was in safe condition. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we also work with experts, including accident reconstruction experts and engineers, to uncover whether neglect or defective parts caused the crash.

Why do trucking companies skip or delay maintenance if it puts lives at risk?

Unfortunately, profit drives many of these decisions. Taking a truck off the road for repairs costs time and money, and some companies choose to gamble with safety rather than spend the money. Others may pressure drivers to keep going despite obvious mechanical issues. When this happens, and someone is injured as a result, the company can and should be held accountable.

Can modern safety technology prevent accidents caused by poor maintenance?

Technology such as automatic braking systems and electronic stability control can reduce risks, but they cannot replace basic maintenance. If brakes are worn or tires are bald, even the best systems will fail. These technologies must also be properly calibrated and maintained themselves.

Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident involving poor maintenance or defective parts, The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel can provide a free consultation to discuss your potential matter in greater detail. Schedule your free consultation today.