What Role Does Maintenance History Play in Construction Truck Accident Claims?

The maintenance history of a construction truck involved in your accident will be critical evidence in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Poor maintenance often contributes to poor truck performance, which leads directly to an accident. For example, if the truck missed scheduled maintenance on its brakes, this failure could make the truck owner liable for the collision.

A Garden City construction truck accident lawyer will investigate the cause of the crash, which could relate to the truck’s maintenance. Your attorney will determine who is responsible for the collision and your losses, then handle your case from start to finish.

A Shoddy Maintenance History Can Indicate Negligence

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) explains how those responsible for commercial trucks must abide by rigorous inspection and maintenance requirements. These guidelines govern a wide range of components, including:

• Headlights
• Brakes
• Fuel tanks
• Gas systems
• Warning signals

The truck’s maintenance history will show whether the liable parties honored their duty to inspect and service the truck.

Why Truck Companies Skimp on Maintenance Work

If the construction truck in your accident did not receive the regular maintenance that state and federal laws (and best practices) demand, negligence likely occurred. Some underlying reasons (not excuses) for this negligence include the following:

• Ignorance of the required maintenance schedule
• The belief that inspection and maintenance requirements are optional
• The belief that there would be no consequences for violating inspection and maintenance requirements
• Prioritizing profit, as taking the time to inspect and service a vehicle may cost money while the truck is in the shop

Again, there is no valid excuse for failing to service a vehicle. In many cases, a construction truck with a shoddy maintenance history is a dangerous truck.

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Truck Accidents FAQs

What to Do After an Accident Involving a Construction Truck

Construction trucks are among the most dangerous on the road, due entirely to their Herculean weight. You should take these steps if one hits you while on the road.

Get Medical Care Right Away

Your health should be your priority. So, receive medical attention immediately after the construction truck accident, which could include:

• Emergency care at a hospital
• One or more nights in a hospital
• Medical imaging (e.g., MRIs or x-rays) to diagnose injuries
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation

Once you are in the care of a trustworthy medical professional, turn your attention to securing the compensation you deserve. Start by finding the right attorney to represent you.

Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your Construction Truck Accident Case

You should find the first opportunity to research and hire an attorney—perhaps after you’ve received emergency care. Your lawyer will take care of every detail of your case, which might bring much-needed relief and assurance as you recover.

The details of your accident will determine the type of attorney you should hire. Many firms employ lawyers with a range of backgrounds, and you may benefit from hiring:

• A T-bone truck accident lawyer
• A big rig truck accident lawyer
• A workers’ compensation lawyer
• A traumatic brain injury lawyer

A personal injury law firm will partner you with a lawyer whose training and background suit your needs. The sooner you hire them, the quicker they can work toward completing your case.

Report Your Injuries

It is essential to notify certain parties of your injuries. So, if you have not already done so, depending on how your accident happened, you could report your injuries to:

• Law enforcement
• Your auto insurance provider
• Your employer 
• An employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider

There are often deadlines for reporting injuries to any of these parties. That’s another reason why you should hire your construction truck accident lawyer as soon as possible—they will ensure every party that needs to be aware of your injuries receives notice. 

Your Lawyer Will Secure the Truck’s Maintenance History

Obtaining a truck’s maintenance history may be difficult, especially if you seek compensation from the company that owns those records. Attorneys often file letters of spoliation when seeking evidence from third parties. This letter legally requires the party to preserve evidence (such as maintenance records) for potential litigation.

In addition to securing valuable evidence from third parties, your construction truck accident lawyer will:

• Document maintenance failures: Your attorney will secure all relevant evidence, from maintenance records to video of the collision and witness statements.
• Detail your damages: Your legal team will use medical records, bills, salary records, vehicle repair invoices, and more to portray the full extent of your damages.
• Demand a fair settlement: Your lawyer must secure the money you deserve. Their first chance will come during settlement negotiations. However, should your lawyer face resistance from liable parties, they will aggressively fight for the settlement you deserve. 
• Lead a truck accident lawsuit: Construction companies, insurance companies, and other liable parties sometimes won’t settle. If you must file a lawsuit, your lawyer will represent you every step of the way.

Lean on a lawyer after a construction truck accident. They will make your life easier and plan to secure the money you deserve.

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You Deserve Fair Compensation for Your Accident-Related Damages

Those injured in construction truck accidents often deal with:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Repairs for their vehicle

Some accident victims become disabled, which creates a host of new challenges. Attorneys tailor their settlement demands to their clients’ unique damages and work to prepare them for long-term stability. 

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Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today for Your Free Consultation

When you need a construction truck accident lawyer, you deserve the best. Don’t settle for less—hire a proven attorney from Bader Scott Injury Lawyers. We have recovered over $30 million for more than 10,000 injured Georgians. Yet, we have never lost the personalized touch that our clients appreciate as much as our results.

Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today for your free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you. 

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form