Belleville Truck Accidents Caused by Negligent Maintenance
Belleville sees many large trucks traveling its highways and city streets every day. Proper upkeep of these vehicles is essential for keeping roads safe, and neglected maintenance can create dangerous situations. When brakes fail, tires blow out, or other parts wear down due to poor care, the results can be devastating. Our truck accident attorney in Belleville is prepared to assist victims of commercial vehicle crashes caused by negligent maintenance.
What Is Negligent Maintenance?
Negligent maintenance refers to the failure to keep a truck in safe working order. Examples include:
- Worn-Out Brakes: Ignoring squeaking noises or spongy brake pedals can lead to sudden brake loss. This puts the driver and everyone else on the road at risk if the truck can’t slow or stop in time.
- Damaged Tires: Bald, cracked, or underinflated tires can blow out or lose grip on the road. Rapid tire failure can easily cause the driver to lose control and collide with other vehicles.
- Faulty Lighting and Signals: Burned-out headlights, taillights, or turn signals can make it harder to see the truck, especially at night or in bad weather. When other drivers can’t predict a truck’s movements, accidents become more likely.
- Engine or Transmission Issues: Skipping oil changes or ignoring warning lights can lead to sudden breakdowns. A truck that stops without warning can cause chain-reaction collisions on busy roads.
- Neglected Suspension and Steering: Loose or worn steering components and shocks affect how well the truck handles. If the driver can’t steer properly, they may swerve into oncoming lanes or veer off the road.
How Improper Maintenance Practices Endanger Others
Improperly maintained trucks put everyone on the road at greater risk. When something fails at highway speeds, it can produce dangerous situations before other drivers have time to react. Here’s how this can cause accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: When a poorly maintained truck can’t stop in time, it may slam into vehicles ahead. These crashes often result in serious injuries because the force of a large truck striking from behind is so powerful.
- Jackknifing Incidents: If brakes or tires fail, a truck may swerve sharply and fold in on itself like a folding knife. This can block multiple lanes and create sudden obstacles for unsuspecting drivers.
- Lane Departures: Faulty steering or suspension can cause a driver to lose control and drift into neighboring lanes. Nearby cars can be sideswiped or forced off the road, and others could end up involved in a head-on collision with the truck.
- Chain-Reaction Pileups: A stalled or broken truck can set off a series of crashes, especially on busy highways. One collision can trigger another if cars are forced to stop too quickly or dart around the immobile vehicle.
Making sure trucks are properly cared for is a necessary step toward reducing accidents and keeping everyone safer on the roads.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A Belleville personal injury lawyer steps in to handle legal tasks that can be tough to manage on your own. They gather evidence to show how negligent maintenance caused the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if needed, represent you in court. By speaking with witnesses and examining relevant records, they work to build a case that supports your claim.
Their goal is to relieve you of some of the burden and seek a fair settlement for your injuries, lost wages, and pain. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.