There are strict federal regulations that require trucking companies and truck drivers to be conscious of the current condition of their vehicles. Daily records of the condition of the truck are required. If these daily inspections are done, and records properly kept, it should be easy to be able to see when more air needs to be added to tires, or when tires need to be replaced. The daily inspection reports must be kept on file for three months.
Unfortunately, these daily inspections often are not done. Drivers may be tired, overworked, and anxious to reach their destination. They may complete their “daily” inspection reports at the end of the week or the end of the trip or not at all. Federal law also requires that if there is a broken part listed in the daily inspection report, the broken part must be fixed before the vehicle can be taken out on the road again.
When truckers and truck companies fail to perform their inspection duties that are required under law, a tractor trailer can suffer a mechanical failure, such as a tire blow out. Tire blow outs can be very dangerous because they can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. When a tractor trailer loses control on the highways around Atlanta at speeds of over 70 miles an hour, tragedy can occur.
If you are involved in an accident with a tractor trailer that occurred because of a mechanical problem with the truck, such as a tire blow out, it’s important that you speak with an attorney right away. The attorney may be able to gain access to the truck’s daily inspection reports and show that there was a failure on the part of the driver to complete the reports or perform the necessary repairs, and you may be able to hold the trucking company and the driver legally liable.
In some cases, the blow out is not because of the negligence of the trucker or the trucking company. The tire may have been defectively manufactured or installed. In that case, expert witnesses may be required who can testify that the tire or its installation were defective. If you can prove that the tire suffered a defect, you may be able to hold the tire manufacturer responsible for your damages.
If you are involved in an accident with a tractor trailer that stems from a tire blow out, you may have suffered serious injuries. Semi-trucks and tractor trailers are massive vehicles that travel at high rates of speed. They can cause death, brain injury, permanent disabilities, broken bones, and more.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer, semi-truck, or 18-wheeler, call the personal injury attorneys at Holston & Huntley. Call us today- consultations are free and you are under no obligation to use our services. We serve Metro Atlanta Georgia as well as Birmingham Alabama including surrounding areas.
