Queens Accident Due to Improper Truck Maintenance

Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are incredibly complicated machines with thousands of individual components, and failing to maintain these parts can lead to a critical failure during operation. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Queens caused by negligent maintenance, you could be entitled to financial compensation for what you’ve suffered. Let the Queens truck accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. help you demand it.

We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, and our tenacious legal team is ready to put everything we’ve learned to work on your behalf. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Federal Regulations Requiring Truck Maintenance

Federal regulations state that trucking companies must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles they “control.” Additional federal rules say trucking companies must have a qualified inspector inspect their vehicles every 12 months. Failure to maintain commercial vehicles according to these and other laws is a form of negligence by trucking companies, which means they can be held financially liable for an ensuing accident.

Common Maintenance Issues With Trucks

Trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe on the road, and certain components are particularly prone to failure if they are not adequately repaired. These include the following:

Brakes – If brake drums, air compressors, and other braking components are not checked regularly and replaced when needed, they can fail in use, leaving the driver unable to bring their vehicle to a safe stop.
Tires – Long hours of operation and heavy weights mean commercial trucks put considerable wear and tear on their tires. Worn-out tires can blow out while driving, leading to a sudden loss of control.
Engines – Another component under a lot of stress is the engine. Dirty oil, old filters, or misaligned cylinders can cause engine failures or even fires.
Lights – Headlights and brake lights need regular replacing. Other drivers can’t see the truck without working lights, especially at night or in bad weather.
Suspension – Stiff leaf springs or malfunctioning air suspensions can make a truck hard to handle, increasing the risk of accidents.
Steering – If a truck’s steering is misaligned or its power-assist fails while in use, the driver might be unable to keep the truck under control.

Who Is Liable for Negligent Maintenance After a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents due to negligent maintenance often involve multiple liable parties, including:

Truck Driver – The truck driver may be responsible if they skipped pre-trip inspections or failed to report maintenance issues.
Trucking Company – The trucking company could be liable if it did not follow proper maintenance schedules or cut corners on repairs to its fleet.
Maintenance Provider – The company or mechanic responsible for maintaining the truck can be liable if they performed faulty repairs or overlooked necessary fixes.
Truck Manufacturer – If a defect in the truck’s parts or systems caused the maintenance issue, the company that manufactured the component might be responsible for the accident.
Parts Supplier – Suppliers who provide faulty or substandard parts that lead to maintenance problems could also be held accountable.

Contact Our Queens Truck Accident Lawyers for Help

The truck accident lawyers with Finz & Finz, P.C. have in-depth experience with these cases and can file a negligent repair lawsuit on your behalf to help you claim compensation for your injuries. Call our Queens personal injury lawyers today or reach out online for a free case review.