Failing to maintain a truck may make it more susceptible to being involved in an accident while traveling in Mississippi or in other states. For example, failing to maintain the vehicle’s brakes may make it difficult to stop or slow down on dry and wet roads alike. Other maintenance issues might make it harder to see people, objects or other vehicles before it’s too late to avoid those obstacles.
Vehicles come with maintenance instructions
Most commercial vehicles come with manuals that explain how to properly care for them. Typically, there will be instructions as to how often tires should be rotated, how much air should be in a tire or how often to change fluids such as engine oil or coolants. It will also likely tell you how long a battery should last or how to replace lights that aren’t working properly.
Improper maintenance is negligence
Generally speaking, failing to maintain a vehicle is considered to be a negligent act. Therefore, if an accident was caused by faulty brakes, underinflated tires or inadequate lights, the driver of the truck may be liable for the motor vehicle accident. The owner of the truck may also be liable for any damages that you might incur in a wreck. Any company that manufactures, sells or installs truck components that failed prior to an accident may also be liable depending on the facts of the case.
If you have been injured as a result of a truck accident, you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.
