When large commercial trucks are not properly maintained, the resulting crashes can be devastating. For example, a single brake failure, tire blowout, or steering malfunction can lead to a high-impact collision that leaves victims with catastrophic injuries.
If you were injured in a truck accident caused by poor upkeep of a commercial motor vehicle, you may have the right to seek full compensation from the trucking company or other negligent parties. The St. Louis truck accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group, LLC, stand ready to pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation about your potential improper maintenance truck accident claim.
Reasons to Pick Our Law Firm for a Negligent Truck Maintenance Claim
Truck accident cases require a deep understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations. Our improper truck maintenance attorneys have extensive experience handling complicated truck accident litigation and have recovered millions of dollars for victims across Missouri.
We know how to hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners on safety and maintenance.
At Sumner Law Group, LLC, we often work with leading industry experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and mechanical engineers to uncover the truth about how improper truck maintenance caused a crash. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized representation and keeping you informed at every step of the process.
Check out our positive reviews from previous clients to find out more about what it is like to have our law firm on your side. For example, one of our past clients wrote:
“Brent and his team are the consummate professionals. Within the same day of the call, they were offering to meet in person to understand my case. Great communication and results! Highly recommend for any personal injury cases in St. Louis!”—Darryl T.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident Caused by Improper Maintenance?
Truck maintenance responsibilities primarily fall on the trucking company, but other parties may also be liable depending on the circumstances.
Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, commercial carriers must inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control to ensure safe operation. Truck drivers must also perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any defects or issues that arise. Commercial vehicle inspection violations may lead to serious truck accidents.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- The trucking company, for failing to conduct regular inspections or ignoring known safety issues
- A maintenance contractor, if repairs were performed incorrectly
- A parts manufacturer, if a defective component caused the malfunction
- The truck driver, if they failed to report or address a known issue before the trip
When companies and other parties neglect their responsibilities, they endanger everyone on the road. Holding them accountable through a negligent truck maintenance claim helps promote safer trucking practices in St. Louis and beyond. It also provides injured people with the resources they need to build a better future.
How Can I Prove Improper Maintenance Caused My Truck Accident?
Proving truck maintenance failure accidents requires a detailed investigation and technical evidence. Our truck accident lawyers can gather and analyze maintenance logs, inspection records, repair invoices, and onboard diagnostic data to determine whether a mechanical issue contributed to the crash.
We often consult expert witnesses, such as mechanics, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists who can testify about how a specific failure, like brake system wear or tire degradation, led to the collision. We may also obtain:
- Vehicle inspection and compliance reports
- Black box data showing performance or error codes
- Service schedules and work orders
- Photos or videos of the accident scene and the truck’s condition immediately after the crash
Such evidence allows us to establish that the defendant breached its duty of care and that its negligence directly caused your injuries.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Maintenance Accident?
Victims of truck crashes due to improper truck maintenance may be entitled to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The amount you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the degree of negligence involved, and the long-term effects of the crash.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Property damage
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are ready to calculate the full extent of your losses and pursue every available avenue for recovery through settlement negotiations or litigation.
What Types of Truck Maintenance Failures Lead to Crashes?
Maintenance issues are a leading cause of serious truck collisions. Some examples of mechanical failures related to improper maintenance include:
- Brake failure – Worn brake shoes, leaking air lines, or out-of-adjustment braking systems can cause a loss of stopping power, especially on steep grades or wet roads.
- Tire blowouts – Underinflation, tread separation, or defective tires can lead to sudden blowouts, causing a truck to veer out of control.
- Steering and suspension problems – Broken tie rods, worn bearings, or faulty hydraulics can make the truck difficult to control.
- Lighting or electrical system defects – Non-functioning brake lights or turn signals increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Trailer coupling failures – Faulty hitches or unsecured trailers can result in dangerous jackknife or rollover crashes.
When issues like these are ignored or inadequately addressed, the consequences can be catastrophic for drivers and passengers sharing the road.
How Do Poorly Maintained Trucks Put St. Louis Drivers at Risk?
Missouri’s busy interstates, including I-70, I-64, and I-44, see constant heavy truck traffic. A single maintenance oversight can cause massive chain-reaction crashes, especially during rush hour or in adverse weather conditions. For example, tire blowouts can scatter debris across multiple lanes, while brake failures can send an 80,000-pound vehicle barreling into smaller cars.
In St. Louis, local drivers face increased risk near major freight hubs and industrial areas where commercial vehicles operate around the clock. The city’s steep grades, older infrastructure, and frequent congestion make it even more critical for trucking companies to perform regular inspections and comply with commercial vehicle inspection regulations.
How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Negligent Truck Maintenance Claim
Building a strong case after a truck maintenance failure accident requires speed, precision, and in-depth legal knowledge. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our attorneys act immediately to preserve critical evidence, consult mechanical experts, and identify every liable party. We manage the insurance process, calculate full damages, and fight for fair compensation for truck accident victims through settlement or trial.
If you were injured because of improper truck maintenance, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are ready to stand up to powerful trucking companies and demand justice for your injuries and losses.
To discuss your negligent truck maintenance claim, contact us today for a free consultation.
