Depending on the circumstances around the truck accident in New York, you may run into some issues when establishing negligence. However, although truck accidents can come with many challenges, they can also provide a great deal of evidence that you can use to prove liability. This is why it’s essential that you work closely with a truck accident lawyer in New York who can help you track down critical evidence, such as truck maintenance records. So, keep reading to find out how you can prove negligent truck maintenance and how this can support your claim.
Why Commercial Truck Maintenance Matters
Commercial trucks are put under a great deal of wear and tear on a consistent basis, which can result in various issues. Because of this, trucking companies must uphold strict maintenance standards to ensure their trucks can operate safely and efficiently.
Maintenance also isn’t just about keeping trucks in tiptop condition; it ensures issues are quickly discovered and addressed before they can increase the risk of an accident. So, without regular maintenance, such as inspections and repairs, even small mechanical issues can quickly become something much more serious.
Maintenance Problems That Can Contribute to Accidents
Now that you know why regular truck maintenance is necessary, here are some examples of the issues that can arise when trucking companies don’t maintain these safety standards:
- Worn or defective brakes
- Tire failures
- Lighting failures
- Steering malfunctions
- Suspension and coupling problems
Any one of these issues could easily lead to a serious collision that would have otherwise been preventable.
Establishing Negligence With Truck Maintenance Records
New York takes trucking company negligence very seriously, making it possible to hold the trucking company liable if the truck wasn’t properly maintenance. This is because trucking companies must adhere to federal guidelines for keeping trucks in good repair and have a duty of care to keep trucks in safe working order.
However, you will still need to gather the necessary truck accident evidence to establish negligence when you file your claim. And in these types of scenarios, the truck maintenance records will become the backbone of your claim, showing things like:
- Reported defects
- The inspection history
- Repair dates
- Delayed or skipped maintenance
- Repeated mechanical problems
- Falsified logs
- Unqualified mechanics
Your truck accident attorney can help you go through the truck maintenance records to find anything that can support your claim. Additionally, you should include other forms of evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, witness statements, expert testimony, and dashcam footage.
Get In Touch With a Truck Accident Lawyer in New York
If a trucking company causes a collision due to things like negligent truck maintenance, you have every right to file a lawsuit. And in many cases, it’s crucial that you take this legal step after a maintenance-related truck crash so that you get access to the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
However, before moving forward with your commercial truck maintenance and negligence claim, you need to get the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
So, if you’re ready to move forward with your claim and pursue compensation, contact us today at Gash & Associates, P.C., in New York, at 914-328-8800 for a free consultation.