Palmdale Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations Lawyer

Tractor-trailer accidents can happen for many different reasons. While several of the most common causes relate to truck driver negligence, another leading cause has to do with negligent maintenance of the big rig itself. When it comes to personal injury cases involving 18-wheelers, understanding the rules and regulations around truck maintenance is crucial. Trevino Law Firm is well-versed in handling claims across the spectrum of motor vehicle accidents, including many different types of trucking accidents. Lead attorney Darlene Trevino works diligently to help her clients get the best possible outcomes in complicated cases like accidents involving poorly maintained trucks. Known for her caring and compassionate approach, Darlene and her staff make it a point to treat each client as a person, not a case number. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Trevino Law Firm caters to the diverse linguistic needs of the Palmdale community. Contact our experienced Palmdale truck maintenance safety regulations lawyer today.

Federal Regulations on Truck Maintenance

Throughout the U.S., the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lays down specific regulations that govern the maintenance of commercial vehicles. The FMCSA mandates that all semi-trucks must be regularly inspected, repaired, and maintained to ensure they meet the minimum safety standards.

To ensure that tractor-trailers are adequately maintained, truck operators are required to perform systematic inspections of the vehicles they operate. Inspections must be routinely taken before every trip and at other intervals. These inspections typically cover essential safety features such as:

• Brake systems
• Tires and wheels
• Steering mechanisms
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Windshield wipers
• Emergency equipment

Federal law also mandates the keeping of detailed maintenance records for each commercial vehicle. The records must include:

1. Identification of the vehicle
2. Nature and due date of various inspection and maintenance operations
3. Record of repairs and replacements

Failure to maintain accurate records can result in severe penalties for the trucking company. Despite these strict rules, annual roadside inspections routinely turn up 18-wheelers with severe deficiencies in their tires, brakes and required safety equipment. Too many trucking companies fail to conduct the maintenance they should, and far too often the result is a serious truck crash that could have been prevented.

California State Regulations

In addition to federal guidelines, California has its own set of rules that further govern truck maintenance. For instance, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has stringent emissions requirements that all commercial trucks must adhere to.

Why Truck Maintenance Matters in Personal Injury Cases

Improper truck maintenance can result in catastrophic accidents, causing severe injuries or even fatalities. When you find yourself in a personal injury case involving a semi, understanding the applicable truck maintenance regulations can be critical to building a strong case that holds the responsible parties accountable for the harm done.

1. Evidence of Negligence: If a truck involved in an accident is found to have been poorly maintained, it can serve as compelling evidence of negligence on the part of the trucking company.
2. Liability Assessment: Determining whether the truck was adequately maintained can aid in assigning liability, which is crucial for your personal injury claim.
3. Settlement Negotiations: Knowledge of these regulations can be beneficial when negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to get the best settlement.

How Trevino Law Firm Can Help

Navigating through the maze of federal and state regulations surrounding truck maintenance can be complex. At Trevino Law Firm, we understand these complexities and are well-equipped to guide you through them. Our commitment to each client and case sets us apart from larger, less personal firms. Darlene Trevino and her staff work relentlessly to resolve cases favorably and offer personalized, compassionate service in both English and Spanish.

Contact Trevino Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Lancaster, don’t hesitate to call Trevino Law Firm at 661-526-5012 for a free consultation. We’ll work to determine the cause of the crash and hold all liable parties accountable for the harm they have caused, ensuring you get the care and compensation you need and deserve.