If You Were in an Accident With an Improperly Maintained Truck, You Can Sue the Owner

An 18-wheeler truck is a complicated piece of technology, including electronics, pneumatic brakes, huge, churning gears, and a powerful engine (not to mention the cables connecting the cab of the truck to its trailer). If a truck is not kept in a good state of repair, it’s more likely to cause an accident—and if you have been injured as a result, you may have no choice but to sue the owners of the 18-wheeler for their negligence and recklessness.

A Big Truck Must Be in Good Working Order

The owner of an 18-wheeler, or a fleet of 18-wheelers, is responsible for the upkeep and repair of these vehicles. Over-the-road trucks sustain a lot of wear and tear after five or six consecutive days out on the road. Specifically, attention must be paid to:

• The truck’s braking system, since it’s a tough job to bring a 50-ton load to a complete stop from 70 miles per hour.
• The cables and other equipment connecting the cab of the truck to its trailer, since any malfunction can result in a deadly jackknife accident.
• The truck’s wheels, which have to be inflated to the proper pressure and evenly balanced (since any discrepancy can make the truck more likely to swerve).
• The doors and latches sealing the truck’s trailer, since an open or broken door can spill a deadly load onto the highway.
• The truck’s transmission and steering wheel assembly; no one wants to deal with an out-of-control 18-wheeler whose driver has lost control of the vehicle.

Were You Injured in an Accident Caused by an Improperly Maintained Truck? You Have Grounds to Collect Damages

If you suspect—or if an official investigation has established—that a truck malfunction was the proximate cause of your accident, you may be able to sue the truck’s owner and operator for your medical bills, time off from work, and other damages. Questions? Call the Rockford truck accident attorneys at The Fisk & Monteleone Law Firm (815-962–0044) for a free consultation today.