Even a well-maintained vehicle can get into an accident, but cars and trucks that are not well cared for can be dangerous to everyone else on the road. This is especially true for trucks, which are larger and heavier than most other vehicles they share the highways with. If a trucking company has poor truck maintenance practices and that leads to accidents, they should be held accountable. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in such a crash, you should talk to a car accident lawyer in Queens.
When Does Poor Truck Maintenance Cause Crashes?
There are many truck parts that can wear down over time. If trucks are properly maintained, these parts are fixed when they break or replaced when their lifespan ends. A trucking company needs to keep an eye on components and systems like:
- Lights, including brake lights and turn signals
- The transmission
- The suspension
- The steering column
- Couplings
- Brake pads and other brake components
- Tires
An issue with any of these parts can lead to an accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable Over Poor Truck Maintenance?
One or more parties could be held liable for an accident if poor truck maintenance was a factor. Those responsible could include:
The driver: A truck driver is supposed to inspect their rig and report any issues to their employer. If they skip their inspection because they are more concerned about making money, they could be blamed when a mechanical problem causes a crash.
The trucking company: Ultimately, the company that owns the truck is responsible for keeping it safe. If they send unsafe vehicles out onto the road they should be held liable when crashes occur.
A mechanic: Mechanics who do not do their due diligence and properly examine a truck could be blamed if a mechanical problem occurs.
Can I Sue For Damages if Poor Truck Maintenance Causes an Accident?
Yes, you can sue for compensation if someone else’s poor truck maintenance habits causes an accident that injures you. We can help you pursue compensation that will help make up for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Pain from disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment
How Long Do I Have to Sue?
New York gives you three years to sue, but we recommend acting as quickly as possible. When you contact our law firm early, we can get to work and start building a case for you right away. You don’t have to worry about missing the deadline to file and there’s a higher likelihood that we’ll be able to secure important evidence, like surveillance footage or maintenance logs.
Schedule Your Case Consultation
If you are thinking about pursuing damages after a truck accident, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and schedule a consultation with our team today.
