Failure to Maintain the Vehicle

Truck accidents are oftentimes the result of a truck driver or trucking company’s failure to properly maintain their vehicle. Tire blowouts, failing brakes, and worn windshield wipers can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles and lead to devastating collisions, causing those involved to suffer serious injury.

If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by improper vehicle maintenance, you may have grounds to file a claim in pursuit of monetary compensation. At Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC, our highly trained Wichita truck accident attorneys understand your suffering and can help you pursue maximum financial recovery for your losses.

If you were injured in a crash involving improper truck maintenance in Wichita, call (316) 688-1166 or contact our office to discuss your legal options and protect your right to compensation.

Many crashes involving poor maintenance happen on busy routes such as I-35, I-135, and K-96 where heavy commercial traffic moves through Wichita and Sedgwick County every day. When a tractor-trailer is not inspected before a long haul, a worn tire or faulty coupling can quickly turn into a life-changing collision at highway speeds. In these situations, having a truck accident lawyer who understands how to investigate maintenance records, driver logs, and applicable federal and Kansas regulations can make a real difference in building a strong claim.

Forms of Improper Truck Maintenance

ruck drivers and trucking companies are required to adhere to rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of other drivers and pedestrians. Several of these federal trucking regulations address routine inspection, repair, and documentation requirements for commercial vehicles. Failing to follow federal trucking regulations can expose a company to liability when mechanical failure leads to a collision.

Unfortunately, pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines can lead to skipped inspections, incomplete maintenance logs, or delayed repairs. When safety compliance is treated as optional, the risk of brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, and lighting defects increases dramatically.

Skipping maintenance can have serious consequences. Since commercial vehicles can spend thousands of hours on the road each year, the resulting wear-and-tear can greatly increase a vehicle’s risk of malfunction and lead to a collision on Wichita roadways.

Drivers must routinely repair, replace, and inspect the following:

• Air brakes
• Windshield wipers
• Trailer hitches
• Hydraulic brakes
• Headlights
• Taillights
• Tires

When defective parts or neglected repairs contribute to a wreck, liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or parts manufacturers. In some cases, evidence may reveal issues related to broader mechanical problems addressed in claims involving truck defects.

If your collision was caused by a commercial truck’s lack of maintenance, our firm can help you pursue compensation for lost wages, medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation expenses. In severe cases where a fatal crash occurs, families may need guidance regarding a potential wrongful death claim. During an initial consultation, we can review the available evidence and explain the legal options that may apply to your situation.

Improper maintenance cases often require swift action to preserve critical evidence such as the truck itself, its electronic data recorder, inspection files, and internal maintenance logs. We may work with accident reconstruction professionals and mechanical engineers to determine how a worn brake component, defective tire, or lighting issue contributed to the crash. When handling a claim involving an 18-wheeler, we also evaluate whether the company complied with its own safety policies and industry standards, including rules governing driver scheduling and fatigue that are often addressed in cases involving truck driver fatigue.

Schedule a free consultation or contact our office today to get started.

What To Do After a Wichita Truck Accident

After a collision involving a poorly maintained truck, your first priority should always be your health and safety. If you are able, call 911, accept medical care at the scene, and consider follow-up treatment at a nearby facility such as Ascension Via Christi St. Francis or Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. Try to document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible defects on the truck, and gather contact information for witnesses. You should also avoid giving detailed statements to the trucking company’s insurer before you have had a chance to speak with a semi-truck accident attorney who can advise you about your rights.

In the days following the crash, it is helpful to keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, towing bills, and any correspondence you receive from insurance companies. Writing down how your injuries affect your work, daily activities, and family life can also support your claim for pain and suffering. If the collision occurred on a major route such as Kellogg Avenue, I-235, or near downtown Wichita, we may also want to obtain any available traffic camera footage or police reports from local agencies as part of our investigation. By reaching out promptly, you give us more opportunity to protect important evidence and start building a clear picture of what happened and who should be held responsible.

We Have Recovered Millions in Wichita – Contact Us Today

Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC has represented injured clients in Wichita and surrounding areas for decades. Many individuals come to us feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, lost income, and communications from insurance adjusters attempting to limit their claims. When we represent you, we handle discussions with the trucking company and its insurer so you can focus on treatment and recovery.

Claims involving improper truck maintenance often require a detailed review of inspection reports, maintenance schedules, driver qualification files, and company safety policies. By carefully analyzing whether the trucking company followed required maintenance procedures and FMCSA guidelines, we work to present a clear explanation of how negligence contributed to the crash and the impact it has had on your life.

You can also read our client reviews to learn how others have described their experience working with our firm.

If you or a family member were hurt in a Wichita truck accident involving improper vehicle maintenance, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss the next steps in your case.

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