Were you recently injured in a truck accident? If so, you may wonder whether you have a valid personal injury claim. Often, these accidents are caused by truck driver negligence, but at times, other factors can come into play as well, such as failure to adequately maintain and service trucks, which can lead to the truck becoming unsafe to operate. Please continue reading to learn more about some of the most common truck maintenance issues and how an NYC personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need.

The 10 Most Common Truck Maintenance Issues

The 10 most common truck maintenance issues that we see lead to accidents are as follows:

1. Tire blowouts: These can be caused by underinflation, overinflation, low tread depth, misaligned axles, or road hazards
2. Brake problems: Brake problems are often caused by air leaks, corrosion, wear, water contamination, or overheating
3. Electrical system failures: These can be caused by corroded battery connections, dead batteries, faulty alternators, starter motors, or wiring
4. Refrigerated trailer malfunctions: These can be caused by power loss, coolant leak, thermostat failure, or compressor damage
5. Engine overheating: A low coolant level, radiator leak, a faulty thermostat, water pump failure, or fan belt breakage can all result in engines overheating
6. U-joint failure: This can be caused by a lack of lubrication, excessive torque, vibration, or misalignment
7. Oil leaks: These frequently occur due to worn seals, gaskets, hoses, or filters
8. Wheel bearing and tire wear: These can be caused by improper alignment, balance, inflation, or load distribution
9. Starter failure: Starter failures are frequently the result of a bad solenoid, relay, ignition switch, or battery
10. Transmission issues: Transmission issues are often caused by low fluid levels, dirty fluid, worn gears, clutch problems, or sensor failures

What should I do if I’m hurt in a truck accident?

If you suffered injuries in a collision with a truck that was poorly maintained, you may be entitled to compensation from the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. However, proving that inadequate truck maintenance caused your injuries can be challenging. You will need to gather evidence such as:

• The truck’s maintenance records and inspection reports
• The truck’s black box data and dashcam footage
• The truck driver’s logbook and driving history
• The police report and accident scene photos
• The testimony of eyewitnesses and experts
• The medical records and bills related to your injuries

You will also need to show that the truck driver or the trucking company breached their duty of care to maintain the truck in a safe condition, and that this breach directly resulted in your injuries. This may require establishing a causal link between the truck’s mechanical defect and the accident. For example, if the truck’s brakes failed due to lack of maintenance, you will need to prove that the brake failure prevented the truck from stopping in time and caused it to hit you.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM

Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.