According to 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §396.3:
- “Every motor carrier shall systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles subject to its control.
- Parts and accessories must be in safe and proper condition at all times.
- Pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights must be inspected at least every 90 days.”
When trucking companies and truck owners fail to regularly conduct the federally required maintenance, there is a much higher probability that things will go wrong, resulting in accidents.
Vehicle Inspection Reports
According to 49 CFR §396.11, in addition to the regular federally required maintenance completed by trucking companies or truck owners, the drivers of the trucks must also complete a written post-trip inspection report at the close of each driving day.
This inspection report must provide the vehicle identification and describe any defects or deficiencies noticed by or reported to the driver, which could impact the vehicle’s safety operations or cause a mechanical failure.
The trucking company or owner of the truck needs to certify that any of the defects or deficiencies noted are repaired or that immediate repairs are not needed.
In addition, all original inspection reports must be retained for at least three months.
Lack of Maintenance Can Result in Crashes
While most trucking companies, truck owners, and drivers conduct due diligence, there are outliers that try to cut corners in an attempt to save time. When this happens and critical truck maintenance is not intently completed, accidents can occur.
Sometimes, when trucks get into accidents as a result of inadequate vehicle maintenance, passenger car occupants can be involved and sustain injuries, too.
If this has happened to you, we want to do everything we can to see that you are paid the compensation you are owed for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out right away with any questions you may have.
Contact the skilled team at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law, PC today at (877) 989-4878 or by filling out our online contact form to discuss the details of your case.