Our economy relies heavily on trucks transporting goods nationwide to ensure smooth operations. However, trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely and efficiently, like any other vehicle.
Poor maintenance is one of the top causes of truck accidents in the United States. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident due to negligent maintenance, it’s essential to get assistance from a truck accident lawyer immediately.
Here are some common truck parts that tend to fail due to poor maintenance:
Brake System
One of the most crucial components of a truck is its brake system. Given the weight and size of trucks, strong and functioning brakes are essential to ensuring safe stopping. However, due to long hours on the road and heavy loads, truck brakes experience significant wear and tear.
If not correctly maintained, brake failure while driving can increase the risk of accidents by 13.50%. Regular inspections and timely replacements are necessary to ensure the driver’s and other vehicles’ safety on the road.
Tires
Tires play a critical role in keeping trucks running smoothly. They support the vehicle’s weight, provide traction, and increase fuel efficiency. However, due to trucks’ long distances, tires are prone to wear and tear.
With proper maintenance, such as regular rotations and inspections for tread depth and air pressure, tires can stay dry while driving, causing accidents. Defective tires or tire issues brought on by inadequate truck maintenance account for many transportation accidents.
Steering System
If there is one truck part that should never fail, it’s the steering system. Without proper maintenance and regular checks, issues such as loose bolts or worn-out parts can lead to losing control while driving. The consequences of a steering failure can be catastrophic, especially when carrying heavy loads.
Regular inspection and prompt repair of a truck’s steering system are crucial to ensuring its safe operation. Any signs of abnormal noises or difficulty turning should be addressed immediately.
Engine
The engine is the heart of any vehicle, including trucks. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and filter replacements are necessary for keeping an engine running smoothly. However, many truck drivers may need to pay more attention to these maintenance tasks due to the high cost or time involved.
Neglecting engine maintenance can lead to various issues, including overheating and unexpected breakdowns, which can result in accidents on the road. Truck companies and drivers should prioritize regular engine maintenance to avoid potential accidents.
Final Thoughts
Routine maintenance is essential for vehicles to operate safely on the road. Maintenance neglect might result in serious accidents involving the driver, other cars, and people on the road.
If you have sustained losses in a truck accident caused by no fault of yours, you need to get help from a truck accident attorney so they can make sure you get paid fairly for your losses and injuries.
These professionals excel at securing fair compensation for victims and holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Holding the at-fault parties accountable is a great way to deter them from engaging in such behaviors in the future.
