Anyone discussing the subject of truck collisions in California might mention common causes such as speeding or driving under the influence. However, truck accidents might result from issues related to maintenance, and proof of poor care may support a negligence claim.
Maintenance and truck safety
The driver or a trucking company may own the oversized vehicle, and the owner should know whether there is a maintenance issue that undermines safety. Even if the driver is an employee, they might still be liable. Anyone who takes a truck out on the road knowing there are maintenance issues may knowingly put others at risk for any injuries in an accident.
Routine scheduled inspections and maintenance may uncover problems drivers and owners didn’t realize existed. Skipping routine inspections could indicate negligence, and those who refuse to repair damaged parts or other issues may be grossly negligent.
Remember, even under optimal conditions, it may take a truck a significant distance to come to a complete stop. An accident could become unavoidable if the brakes are worn or suffer from fluid leaks. That said, an accident might never have occurred if the brakes were in good condition.
Further maintenance issues
A similar issue could arise with old or otherwise degraded tires. A tire blowout might not only cause motor vehicle accidents, but the debris could hit vehicles, causing even more injuries, if not fatalities.
A truck that suffers engine problems or other issues that need to become disabled may present a hazard. Other vehicles could crash into the back of the truck, not realizing the situation due to poor visibility or weather conditions.
