In 2013, there were 3,964 people killed in crashes involving large trucks and an estimated 95,000 people injured involving large trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) [1]. These large trucks are obviously incredibly dangerous, especially when NHSTA states that 71% of people killed in large-truck crashes were the occupants of the other vehicles. This means drivers and passengers. Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, children and all who share roads with these mammoth sized vehicles are at risk of great injury and even death. Though some accidents are due to uncontrollable circumstances, some accidents are avoidable with proper maintenance and protocols for large trucks. The main culprits of semi truck accidents due to maintenance are breaks and tires.

Breaks

If your accident is due to breaks, finding out who is responsible can be tricky. It often depends on many variables such as:

• Improper maintenance- the driver is often responsible for making sure the breaks are in good working condition. Some drivers will cut corners in order to save money or are negligent in checking different components.
• Company that made the truck
• Break manufacturers- the government has break standards that must be adhered to, in the case that the breaks were not up to par, or perhaps were even recalled, there is a good chance that the manufacturers are to blame.
• Another party that is responsible for maintenance (besides the driver such as an truck mechanic)

Tires

An accident could easily happen due to a tire blow out, a fairly common occurrence. Sometimes however, the accidents are from another issue.

• Poor Maintenance- Wrong sizes and parts, not checking air levels, and not using proper protocol
• Low quality- Trucking companies may attempt to save money by buying the bare minimum safety requirement when it comes to tires.
• Pre-trip inspection- a driver may not properly evaluate the truck before embarking on their journey putting others and themselves in danger.

Call a diligent Murfreesboro truck accident attorney now

The negligence of improper maintenance of a semi or large truck can devastate innocent lives with injury and even death. For strategic representation after your truck accident, call Mitchell & Mitchell today at 615-896-4211 or contact us online. We're located in downtown Murfreesboro and we have plenty of parking for your convenience. Contact us today for a free consultation.

National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2015, May). Large trucks: 2013 data. (Traffic Safety Facts. DOT HS 812 150). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.