Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers: The Consequences of Improper Truck Maintenance
September 13, 2016Part of owning a motor vehicle is making sure that is it properly maintained in order to extend the life of the vehicle and ensure that it is safe on the roads. This includes regular oil changes, having the brakes checked, and making sure the tires are aligned. Failure to maintain a vehicle can put the driver, and other motorists in the vicinity, at risk of being seriously injured. Baltimore truck accident lawyers caution that this is especially true for truck drivers because the consequences of a truck accident in Maryland can be catastrophic, resulting in devastating, often fatal injuries.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to keep their trucks in top working order at all times. The following are examples of poor vehicle maintenance and what could happen if these parts are not serviced regularly:
- Defective Tires: It is crucial that all tires on big rigs and tractor-trailers are inspected and inflated on a regular basis. Large trucks can easily become unpredictable if the tires are defective or become deflated. If a truck loses control, it can quickly become a very dangerous situation for other vehicles in the vicinity.
- Defective Brakes: When the brakes on a semi-truck or tractor-trailer are not functioning properly, it becomes very difficult for the truck to come to a complete stop in enough time to avoid hitting another vehicle. Checking a truck’s braking mechanisms on a regular basis is essential due to the size and weight of large trucks.
- Missing or Defective Lights: When a truck’s headlights are missing, or they are not working, it makes it very difficult for other drivers to see approaching traffic when it is dark. In addition, the truck driver is less likely to see other vehicles if the road ahead is not adequately lit. Making sure that the headlights are working is a simple way to prevent a life-threatening truck accident.
- Defective Hitch: If the truck’s hitch is defective, the cargo could detach, causing massive damage and potentially fatal injuries to the other drivers on the road.
Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Truck Accident Victims Obtain Maximum Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, the experienced and compassionate Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton know what it takes to negotiate a fair settlement for you and your family. Whether it is the truck driver or the trucking company who is at fault, all responsible parties will be held accountable for their negligence. We will continue fighting on your behalf until justice has been served. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent injured truck accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.
