People trying to make sense of motor vehicle collisions often assess driver conduct. After all, a large percentage of collisions occur because motorists do something negligent or violate traffic regulations.
However, there are other factors that contribute to crash risk, including vehicle maintenance. Large commercial trucks need regular maintenance due to how many miles they travel. In some cases, issues with the vehicle itself might be the reason that a commercial crash occurs.
Vehicle issues are a common safety concern
When looking at federal commercial collision data, vehicle issues are among the top causes of crashes. When looking specifically at wrecks where the commercial vehicle is at fault, approximately 10% of those collisions occur due to vehicle issues.
Maintenance issues are often to blame for semi-truck collisions. When transportation companies delay maintenance or repairs, the vehicle may not perform appropriately in traffic. If tires blow out or brakes fail at high speeds, the driver may not be able to prevent a crash.
Sometimes, the issue relates to the contents of the trailer, rather than vehicle maintenance. Improper loading with imbalanced weight can increase the likelihood of a jackknife incident or a rollover collision. Drivers could also potentially lose control in cases where the contents of a trailer shift during transit.
If improper loading is to blame for a crash, clients or transportation companies might be liable. Maintenance issues could be the responsibility of the transportation company, an owner-operator or even an outside company that provides maintenance services.
Reviewing the circumstances of a semi-truck collision can help people hold the right parties accountable. When vehicle issues are to blame for a wreck, a business might ultimately be liable for the losses other people sustain.
