There are many federal and state requirements for commercial trucks that help to keep everyone on the road safe. However, it isn’t uncommon for these regulations to go unheeded, which can increase the risk of serious truck accidents.
If you have been the victim of a truck accident due to poor maintenance, you need to get in touch with a Camas truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of commercial truck accident lawyers has extensive experience handling truck inspection failure accidents in Camas, WA.
Keep reading to find out what happens if there is a truck inspection failure in Camas, WA, and how you can prove negligence.
Federal and State Commercial Truck Inspection Requirements
One aspect of truck accident claims that can create greater complexity is the fact that trucking companies are required to follow federal and state-specific requirements. And Washington is known for having strict trucking requirements, including requirements for inspections.
Firstly, all commercial carriers are required to follow Washington’s administrative code rules, which include safety inspection standards, load securement rules, and vehicle maintenance expectations.
Trucking companies are also required to maintain different types of inspections, including:
- Annual DOT inspections: Required every 12 months by a qualified inspector who inspects coupling devices, steering, suspension, tires, brakes, and lights. Once completed, vehicles must display proof of inspection or an inspection decal.
- Daily driver vehicle inspection reports: Truck drivers are required to inspect the truck before and after every trip, repair any damage before the next trip, and complete records regarding their inspection, which must be kept on file for at least three months.
Washington also has specific rules regarding recordkeeping as a way of ensuring compliance. Because of this, trucking companies must keep annual inspection reports on record for at least 14 months. If a trucking company is not compliant with these requirements or cannot produce the necessary records, it could face severe fines or penalties.
Common Inspection Errors That Contribute to Accidents in Washington
It’s easy for trucking companies to overlook the importance of maintenance, especially when the focus is more on efficiency. However, these federal and state-specific inspection requirements are there for a reason, helping to keep other vehicles on the road safe.
Here are some common examples of truck inspection failures that can lead to truck accidents in Camas, WA:
- Faulty or failed brakes
- Trailer hitch failures
- Steering problems
- Unsecured cargo
- Broken turn lights, headlights, or other signal lights
- Tire blowouts
- Wheel and axle misalignment
How to Prove Negligence
Washington is a comparative negligence state, which means that multiple parties can be at fault for an accident depending on their percentage of negligence. Because of this, it’s crucial that you gather the necessary evidence to prove that the trucking company was at fault for a truck inspection failure in Camas, WA.
The good news is that in the state of Washington, trucking companies can often be held liable for poor vehicle maintenance. This is because it is the trucking company’s responsibility to ensure it is following federal and state inspection requirements and implementing the necessary repairs.
Here are some examples of the types of evidence you can use to establish trucking company negligence:
- Blackbox data
- Truck maintenance records
- Truck driver reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- The police report
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam footage
- Collision scene photos
To establish your right to compensation and the extent of your damages, you should also include medical documentation, photos of your injuries, and photos of any property damage.
How a Camas Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
It’s never recommended that you navigate a truck accident claim on your own, as these types of claims are notoriously difficult. Trucking companies are not always easy to work with, especially if they know that they are at fault. And insurance carriers can attempt to shift blame or offer a low settlement amount that doesn’t accurately reflect your damages.
This is where an attorney can help by stepping in and handling the legal side of things on your behalf. When you get the help of a truck accident lawyer in Washington, they will handle almost every aspect of your claim for you.
An attorney will gather evidence to support your claim, which is especially helpful if you have sustained serious injuries and are in the middle of recovery. This includes getting access to crucial evidence in a timely fashion so that it isn’t lost or destroyed. Your attorney will also handle all communications for you so that you do not say something that can be used against you or feel pressured into accepting an unfair settlement offer.
Working closely with an attorney is especially important for more complex truck accident cases, such as claims involving non-economic damages.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Any type of truck accident claim comes with challenges, especially if you need to prove trucking company maintenance negligence. However, by taking the right legal steps, you can prove truck liability due to inspection failures so that you can get the compensation you deserve.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our clients get the best outcome for their defective truck maintenance claims. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
FAQ Section
Are trucking companies required to inspect their vehicles?
Yes, there are both state-specific and federal rules that require annual truck inspections as well as driver inspections before and after trips. Trucking companies and drivers are also required to thoroughly document all vehicle inspections.
What happens if inspection records are missing?
Missing or incomplete inspection documentation increases your chances of a favorable outcome when you file a defective truck maintenance claim. This could also lead to the trucking company being fined, failing audits, or even facing additional legal repercussions.
Can poor maintenance increase compensation?
Possibly. If you can prove poor maintenance on behalf of the trucking company, this can prove greater negligence and possibly increase your settlement amount.