Urbana Truck Maintenance Safety Regulations Lawyer
Large truck accidents can happen for many different reasons, including truck driver negligence and safety defects like defective brakes or tires. At the same time, collisions involving tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers can also result from improper maintenance or the failure of the truck owner to comply with federal inspection, repair, and maintenance regulations. In order for a commercial truck to operate on the road, certain inspections and maintenance work must be completed. When a truck owner, employer, or employee fails to comply, one or more of those parties may be liable if negligent maintenance causes an accident. Contact our experienced Urbana truck maintenance safety regulation lawyer so that our firm can assess your case for you today.
Required Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance Regulations in Urbana
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains that commercial trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that the vehicle is in compliance with federal safety regulations. Those regulations apply to all of the following parts and requirements cited by OSHA:
- Lamps must be operable, and lamps and reflectors cannot be obstructed;
- Lamps and reflective devices must be functional;
- Certain semis and trailers must have retroactive sheeting and reflex reflectors;
- Hazard warning signals must be working;
- Property battery installation;
- Working and effective brake systems;
- Working and effective parking brake system;
- All wheels have functional brakes;
- Breakaway and emergency braking are functional;
- Warning signals are functional, including air pressure and vacuum gauges;
- Fuel systems are functional;
- Liquid fuel tanks meet safety specifications;
- Compressed natural gas fuel containers meet safety specifications;
- Liquefied petroleum gas systems meet safety specifications;
- Cargo securement standards must be met for certain commercial trucks; and
- Wheels are working effectively.
There are additional requirements for commercial vehicles that carry passengers, including the above plus access to pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights. In addition, commercial trucks must be inspected at the regular intervals set by federal regulations, depending upon the type of commercial truck and its contents. Commercial trucks also must maintain certain required records of inspection, maintenance, and repair.
Liability for a Truck Crash in Urbana Caused by Negligent Truck Maintenance
Who is liable for an accident caused by negligent maintenance or repair of a commercial truck? One or more parties could be responsible for damages, such as:
- Truck driver;
- Employer who runs the truck company;
- Owner of the truck; or
- Negligent mechanic.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the safe operation of a commercial truck is the responsibility of every truck company employer and employee, and OSHA emphasizes that “no employer shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, or cause or permit it to be operated, unless it is equipped in accordance with the requirements and specifications.” Unless a mechanic’s negligence results in a lack of compliance, an employer will almost always be responsible for injuries resulting from the failure to comply with truck maintenance safety regulations.
Contact Patel Law, PC
At Patel Law, PC, we can evaluate your case and determine who may be liable for the injuries you sustained in a truck accident resulting from negligent maintenance. Contact an experienced Urbana truck maintenance safety regulations lawyer for assistance.
