Common Maintenance Issues That Increase Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
When an 80,000-pound truck is barreling down I-75, I-285, or Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, you expect it to be in safe working order. But in reality, many trucks on Atlanta’s roads aren’t as well-maintained as they should be, and that’s a big problem for everyone sharing the highway. Poor maintenance isn’t just a technical oversight. It’s a major safety hazard that puts lives at risk.
If you’ve been in a truck accident in Georgia, there’s a good chance maintenance failures played a role. Our Atlanta truck accident lawyers explain what you should know and how you can protect your rights.
Maintenance Problems That Increase Atlanta Truck Accident Risks
Georgia law and federal regulations require trucking companies to maintain their rigs so they are in safe, working condition. Unfortunately, not all of them follow the rules.
Whether it’s to save money or meet tight delivery schedules, some skip or delay critical inspections and repairs, leading to dangerous breakdowns on the road. Common maintenance problems that increase Atlanta truck accidents include:
- Brake failure from worn-out pads, broken lines, or neglected fluid systems;
- Tire blowouts due to worn tread or improper inflation;
- Faulty steering components, making it harder to control the truck;
- Burned-out lights that make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck at night or in bad weather;
- Suspension problems that reduce stability and increase rollover risk.
When these issues go unchecked, they can cause catastrophic truck crashes, especially in heavy Atlanta traffic, where there’s little room for error.
Why Truck Maintenance Failures Are Hard to Spot Without Legal Help
After a truck accident in Georgia, it’s natural to assume the truck driver was distracted or reckless. While that’s often true, the real cause might be hiding under the hood.
Maintenance-related cases can be complex because the evidence isn’t always visible at the scene, and trucking companies may not hand it over willingly. If you are injured in an Atlanta truck accident, your lawyer can help by:
- Requesting the truck’s maintenance and inspection records;
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint mechanical failures;
- Investigating whether the company violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety standards;
- Determining if repairs were ignored or handled improperly to cut costs;
- Identifying all responsible parties, including mechanics or third-party maintenance providers.
Trucking companies must keep their vehicles roadworthy. If they fail, they can be held liable for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
To Hold Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable, Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly after an accident with the goal of limiting financial exposure. Without experienced legal representation, you could end up with far less compensation than you need to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income.
At Shiver Hamilton, we investigate maintenance-related truck accidents and fight to get victims the maximum compensation. We handle cases throughout Atlanta and surrounding areas, including Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Decatur, and all of Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Fulton Counties. If you get injured, don’t wait. Contact us today to speak with our experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyers.
Sources:
csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/myfiles/Sections.aspx?ch=22&sec=65
dps.georgia.gov/documents/forms-and-permits/commercial-motor-vehicle-traffic-codes-safety-rules
