Failure to Maintain Commercial Trucks
Truck Accident Attorneys in Columbus Helping You
Commercial trucks require regular and careful maintenance to be deemed safe for use on public roads and highways. If a trucking company fails to properly maintain its fleet, everyone else is put in undue danger of being hurt in a truck accident. If you were injured in such a collision, there is a high chance that inadequate maintenance standards played a part in what happened. Allow our Columbus truck accident attorneys at Rourke & Blumenthal to get to the bottom of your accident. We have more than 150 years of combined legal experience we can use to pinpoint the cause of your accident, and use our knowledge to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Time is of the essence. Contact us today to begin your case.
Regular Maintenance Schedules Keep Everyone Safe
You might not have a mandatory maintenance schedule for your automobile but trucking companies do. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has dedicated their group to officially establishing what is and is not safe practice for all things related to commercial trucks on American highways.
This includes determining how often an 18-wheeler needs to be inspected, maintained, and replaced. It must be considered that if a poorly maintained truck was not a hazard, the maintenance regulations would not exist in the first place. Therefore, a trucking company that does not put in the proper effort to safely maintain its fleet is willfully exposing other motorists to harm.
Most trucks will require frequent maintenance in the form of:
- Tire pressure checks
- Brake system checks
- Steering column realignment
- Checking cargo bed strength
- Checking individual axle strength
- Headlight and taillight replacement
Without routine maintenance, the consequences could be:
- Blown-out tires
- Total brake failure
- Tipping due to freight shifting
- Truck body collapses as axles snap
Everything about a failing commercial truck is dangerous. The driver is put at risk of injury, as are cars next to the large vehicle as it careens out of control. To not do everything they can to prevent this outcome, trucking companies could be found liable for any resulting damage.
Signs of Improperly Maintained Trucks
Identifying a poorly maintained truck before it causes an accident can be challenging, but several warning signs can indicate potential maintenance issues:
- Uneven or Balding Tires: Tires that show uneven wear patterns or are balding can indicate inadequate tire maintenance. This can lead to blowouts, especially at high speeds.
- Squealing or Grinding Brakes: If a truck’s brakes are making unusual noises, it may mean the brake system is compromised. Brake failure is a leading cause of truck accidents.
- Leaking Fluids: Visible leaks under the truck can suggest problems with the engine, transmission, or hydraulic systems, which could lead to mechanical failures.
- Excessive Exhaust Smoke: Black or noxious exhaust smoke can indicate engine trouble, which may arise from poor maintenance practices.
- Flickering or Non-functional Lights: Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals that do not work properly can greatly increase the risk of collisions.
- Steering Issues: Difficulty in steering or unusual play in the steering wheel can indicate alignment or suspension problems, compromising the driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
- Rust and Corrosion: Excessive rust on visible parts of the truck can compromise structural integrity and indicate neglect.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
When a poorly maintained truck causes harm to you or your family, it is important to hold the responsible parties accountable. At Rourke & Blumenthal, our experienced truck accident attorneys are well-versed in determining liability for maintenance-related truck accidents.
Here's how we can help you seek justice:
- Thorough Investigation: We conduct an exhaustive investigation of the accident scene and the truck's maintenance records to identify any lapses in required upkeep and establish negligence.
- Gathering Evidence: Our legal team collects and preserves critical evidence such as inspection reports, repair logs, and testimonies from maintenance personnel to build a strong case.
- Expert Testimony: We collaborate with industry experts who can provide professional insights into how maintenance failures contributed to the accident.
- Advocacy for Maximum Compensation: Using our combined legal experience, we aim to secure the highest possible compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Holding Trucking Companies Accountable: We are dedicated to ensuring that negligent trucking companies face the full consequences of their failure to maintain safe vehicles, thereby helping to prevent future accidents.
Our Columbus truck accident attorneys can support you in holding trucking companies liable. By addressing these maintenance issues head-on, we can help make the road safer for everyone.
Maintaining Your Wellbeing Through Legal Action
Even when it seems clear to you that a poorly maintained commercial truck caused your injuries, the trucker and their parent company will surely try to see things differently. You must expect and prepare for a serious legal battle, possibly against a team of defense attorneys. What they will not foresee is you coming to court with a team of your own—the highly knowledgeable and aggressive Columbus truck accident attorneys of Rourke & Blumenthal.
Let us fight for you. We can begin with a free consultation when you call (614) 321-3212.
A Proven Track Record of Success
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$20,800,000 Drunk Driving Accident
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$6,500,000 Wrongful Deaths Caused By Arson
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Record-Setting $6,000,000 Wrongful Death
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Learn what our happy clients have to say about working with our team
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"You NEED attorneys who are experienced in TBI cases."Wonderful firm! We have worked with other attorneys in the past and Mike and Tim blew us away. If you have a brain injury in the State of Ohio, you NEED attorneys who are experienced in TBI cases, not just motor vehicle accidents or other personal injury matters. It makes a huge difference having an attorney who understands the medical, emotional, and financial issues a family suffers after a TBI. They are professional, compassionate, and great communicators. I would recommend this office to anyone.- Suzanne
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"Attorney Stoudt is the best lawyer I've ever worked with."Attorney Jon Stoudt is the best lawyer I've ever worked with. He did everything he could to help me. From the start, Jon was very responsive and always explained everything in terms I could easily understand. Jon's staff was also kind and responsive. I highly recommend Jon and would use him again in the future. Several months after being done with my case, another lawyer, handling a different part of the case, commented on how well Jon handled my civil suit.- Jillian
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"Mr. Rourke and his team were extremely compassionate, knowledgeable and friendly"From the very beginning and to the very end of a long process, Mr. Rourke and his team were extremely compassionate, knowledgeable and friendly. I found them to be honest and easy to communicate with, day or night, weekday or weekend. Mr. Rourke was always professional but at the same time made you feel important and took as much time that was needed to explain the many steps in this process. Everyone of his team were very respectful and caring of everyone in my family involved in our case. I will have an admiration for Mr. Rourke and his team for the remainder of my life.- Kelly
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"Excellent Counsel"Jonathan Stoudt gave us excellent counsel during our time with him.- Cathy
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"I always felt that he had my best interests as the top priority."Mr Timothy Mahler represented me after a personal injury auto accident. He was professional, knowledgeable, empathetic and experienced. I always felt that he had my best interests as the top priority. I was relieved from the intricate and time-consuming tasks related to the accident, free to focus on healing and recovery. He managed the complicated insurance and settlement to the best outcome. His team always treated me with respect. I would highly recommend Mr Mahler and his team. Thank you.- Cathy B.
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"I will forever be grateful for their help!"I suffered physical injuries and a concussion from an auto accident in December of 2020. The team, from receptionist to attorneys, were nothing less than stellar, professional, kind, and hard working. The accident and aftermath were extremely stressful; but the Rourkes, Michael Senior and Michael Junior, helped me navigate the process while I focused on healing. For me, recovery from the accident was the most important part of the process. While I worked on recovering, Rourke and Blumenthal worked on negotiating a fantastic settlement for me. I will forever be grateful for their help!- Maggie S.
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"These attorneys always do what they promise."Attys. Mike Rourke, Sr. and Mike Rourke, Jr., helped us understand and settle all the legalities after my husband was hit be a car while riding his bicycle. Their extensive knowledge with injury cases, and their professionalism were ever-present, along with their empathy and understanding of what people experience after injuries that change lives. These attorneys always do what they promise, and in a timely and concise manner.. We would recommend Rourke & Blumenthal for anyone who needs legal services related to an accident or injury.- Stefanie M.
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"Our family is so grateful to have Rob Miller represent my daughter’s personal injury case."Our family is so grateful to have Rob Miller represent my daughter’s personal injury case. He is extremely knowledgeable about Ohio Law and was very patient with my numerous questions. Rob was always genuinely concerned about my daughter’s recovery and well being first. He is professional, knowledgeable, understanding, patient and we are so pleased with the outcome of the settlement. I would highly recommend Rob Miller to anyone looking for a top personal injury attorney.- Kathy
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