Proving Improper Maintenance After a Truck Accident in Palm Beach Gardens

Trucking companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to properly maintain their commercial motor vehicles. A truck with mechanical issues poses hazards to motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of our roadways. If you were injured by an improperly maintained truck, you might be wondering how to prove this type of negligence. You can discuss this subject further during a consultation with an experienced Palm Beach Gardens truck accident lawyer.

 Improperly Maintained Trucks Can Be Highly Dangerous

 Improperly maintained trucks can cause all kinds of safety issues. One of the most serious threats is a loose tire that detaches from a semi-truck at high speed. Loose tires can impact other vehicles, potentially going straight through windshields and causing catastrophic injuries.

Another major safety concern involves failing brakes. Trucks already suffer from poor braking distances, and proper maintenance is crucial. If brakes fail at the wrong moment, trucks can barrel through dozens of vehicles in traffic jams. This could easily cause a “mass casualty event.”

 Applicable Insurance for a Truck Accident 

Under Florida’s no fault/PIP statute, victims of a truck accident can access their own insurance policy’s PIP coverage for the first $10,000.00 of their medical bills.  However, people who are injured in truck accidents often suffer serious, catastrophic injuries and even death.  Thus, most injured parties will need to make a claim against the at-fault truck driver and trucking company to recover for their injuries and losses, which can include massive medical bills and loss of earnings.  While trucking companies typically obtain commercial trucking insurance, which is associated with higher minimums compared to normal auto insurance, they also vigorously defend these types of claims.   This is all the more reason it will be necessary to hire a competent, experienced truck accident to fight for you.

 Preserving Evidence is Crucial 

If you need to prove that a trucking company improperly maintained their vehicle, it will be absolutely necessary to preserve and gather evidence.   Many commercial motor vehicles are equipped with cameras that record crashes.  Also, most are equipped with EDR or “black boxes” that store important vehicle data for several seconds before a crash.   Additionally, truck drivers and trucking companies are required to maintain maintenance records and records of vehicle inspections.

It is crucial to contact an attorney right away after a crash so that the attorney can request that key evidence be preserved.  Additionally, an experienced truck accident attorney will hire the necessary expert witnesses to examine that evidence to prove and win your case.

 Contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Today 

If you are serious about pursuing compensation and justice after your Palm Beach Gardens truck accident, contact Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today. We can review your situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. We can also ensure that all critical evidence is preserved and examined. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.

Sources:

 flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/627.7415

tripsflorida.org/docs/Preventative%20Maintenance%20Standards%20Manual%2011012011.pdf