Houston Truck Accident Lawyer

Pre-trip Checks to Avoid Truck Accident Liability

Posted on 30. Oct, 2009 by Admin in Uncategorized

Accidents happen every day on the roads and highways. The deadliest accidents involve trucks. Commercial trucks are the largest vehicles on the roads, about forty times larger than most cars. When accidents happen that involve a truck, investigators will analyze the crash details to determine who is liable. Truck drivers need to have a regular routine they do before every trip to lesson their liability. They need to perform a thorough inspection check of their truck, paying close attention to these four areas.

General Maintenance and Service Check

Truck drivers need to be sure that their trucks are running well before starting a trip. If they work for a trucking company this may mean making sure the truck they are assigned was properly serviced after its last trip. If the driver is independent then they need to take responsibility for seeing that their truck is serviced. This service check should include routine maintenance such as checking the fluids, brakes, and system. It is especially important to make sure brakes are in good working condition.

Visibility Check

Poor visibility is one of the main causes of truck accidents. Drivers need to inspect the reflectors and lights on their truck. They need to ensure that the truck is in compliance with all laws and that it is visible to other drivers, especially at night. They will also want to check their mirrors and windows to make sure they will have good visibility when driving.

Tire Check

Tires can cause truck accidents in several ways. Drivers need to check the condition of all of their tires before each trip. They want to look for worn tires which may break apart on the road at high speeds. They should make sure that any spares they carry are in good condition and ready for use. They also want to check to make sure all tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires case many trucks accidents, so tires should be checked before each trip and also while on the road.

Load Check

Excessive and unstable loads are the cause for a lot of truck accidents. Drivers need to check their loads before the trip to ensure that they are not too large. If they have an open trailer or bed they will want to securely cover the load to prevent fly offs. They should see that the load is balanced, with the weight evenly distributed. This can help prevent loads from shifting and causing rollovers.  They also need to check door latches to be sure they close and lock securely and will not open on the road.

Truck drivers are responsible for their rigs, and so may be liable in the event of an accident. For their own protection drivers need to be diligent about checking their truck thoroughly before each trip. They should keep a log documenting these checks. They need to have their truck routinely serviced by a professional. Most importantly, they need to pay attention to their truck out on the road, and be aware of any changes in performance that could hamper the safe operation of the vehicle.

This article should not be construed as legal advice.

Additional Legal Tools: For more information regarding truck accidents please visit TruckAccidentLaw.org. Serving clients nationwide and in Northern Florida.

Tags: accident liability, truck accident lawyer, truck maintenance