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Federal Trucking Regulations Part 4: Improper Maintenance

Representing Injured Victims for More Than 40 Years
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Why Does Commercial Motor Vehicle Maintenance Matter?

We rely on commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to transport people and products across the country. Because they serve such a vital part of our economy, trucks should be in peak working order to ensure businesses get products for their customers. However, CMV maintenance is also crucial because of the potential CMVs have to cause damage. A truck with a bald tire or a defective, for example, might be unable to come to a full stop before hitting a person or another car on the road.

How Does the Government Handle Proper CMV Maintenance?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ensures all companies and truck owners are responsible for systematically checking their trucks for proper function. They are required by federal law to inspect, repair, and maintain all motor vehicles subject to their control.

These federal regulations require CMV owners to check that all parts and accessories are in safe and proper condition always, and that pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights are inspected at least every 90 days.

How is Proper Maintenance Ensured?

To demonstrate these services are rendered, vehicles controlled for more than 30 consecutive days need to maintain records indicating the following:

  • Identification of the vehicle, including company number, make, serial number, year, and tire size
  • Nature and due date of various inspection and maintenance operations to be performed
  • Record of inspection, repairs, and maintenance showing date and type
  • Record of tests conducted on pushout windows, emergency doors, and emergency door marking lights on buses

Drivers are also required to complete a daily written post-trip inspection report at the end of each driving day to identify any defects or deficiencies discovered.

What Happens if Drivers Don't Follow Regulations?

If any of these regulations are ignored, truck owners and drivers can be issued violations and charged fines. Likewise, if improperly maintained vehicles cause property damage or severe injury, the injured party could pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the owner.

What Should You Do if You Were Injured by an Improperly Maintained Truck?

Talk to one of our skilled Wichita truck accident attorneys if you or a loved one were harmed by a poorly maintained truck. Hutton & Hutton Law Firm, LLC can offer you compassionate and reliable representation. Let us see what we can do to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us at (316) 688-1166or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today.

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