No matter what type of vehicle you drive, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the vehicle functioning properly. Large commercial trucks—sometimes called 18-wheelers, big rigs, or semis—generally require more maintenance than the average passenger car due to the rigors of the road and the many thousands of miles large trucks typically cover in a very short period of time. Proper maintenance costs trucking companies money and time, both of which directly affect the bottom line of such companies. Unfortunately, many truck drivers and transport carriers cut corners regarding maintenance in an attempt to reduce costs, but doing so puts others in danger.
At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we know all too well that improper and inadequate truck maintenance can be deadly. In most cases, however, those in other vehicles are at the most serious risk for injuries. If you or a loved one have been hurt in a crash caused by improper truck maintenance, our skilled personal injury attorneys are prepared to help you.
The Importance of Proper MaintenanceThe trucking industry largely represents the lifeblood of the American economy. Each year, more than 3.5 million large commercial trucks travel more than 450 billion miles, carrying over 10 billion tons of cargo to destinations across the country. These numbers suggest that the average truck will cover more than 100,000 miles in any given year. As a result, truck drivers and trucking companies must pay close attention to the condition of their trucks and perform regular maintenance checks and service.
Truck drivers are responsible for conducting an inspection of their vehicles before each trip and at various intervals along the way. Failure to identify and rectify a problem could lead to the driver being held accountable for any accident that may be caused as a result. If the driver reports a problem to the truck transport company but no action is taken, the transport company could be held liable as well.
Improperly maintained trucks present dangers to everyone on the road, including the driver of the truck. When a truck driver was killed in 2017 on Highway 33, the team at Cerri, Boskovich & Allard recognized that the driver’s employer had failed to maintain the vehicle properly. Combined with a pattern of overloading the truck, the lack of maintenance led to a tire blowout, which caused the truck to veer off the road, flip over, and kill the driver. By examining maintenance records and other documents, Attorneys Mark Boskovich and Robert Allard were able to negotiate a $3.75 million settlement for the driver’s widow and two young children.
At Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, we understand the importance of conducting a full investigation when a truck accident causes injury. If you have been injured, we will explore every detail of the crash, as well as driver logs, maintenance records, and other important documents. We will identify the party or parties responsible for the accident and work hard to hold them financially liable.
Since 2006, our firm has been helping truck accident victims throughout Northern California. We are proud to have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our team is equally proud that each success is a step toward making the roadways of our beautiful state safer for everyone.
Schedule a Free Consultation TodayIf you or a member of your family has been injured as the result of improper maintenance of a commercial truck, contact our office. Call (408) 289-1417 to schedule your free, confidential consultation today. You have nothing to lose because there are no fees unless you collect compensation. We have successfully handled truck accidents throughout the San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, including but not limited to Highway 17, Highway 152, Highway 101, Highway 1, Highway 680, Highway 580, and Highway 5.
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