Commercial truck accidents often result from preventable mechanical failures. Federal and Texas regulations require trucking companies to maintain detailed inspection and repair records, yet truck maintenance violations remain a leading cause of catastrophic crashes. When these violations contribute to an accident, maintenance records become critical evidence for victims seeking compensation. Houston truck accident attorneys like those at SJ Injury Attorneys use these documents to prove negligence, establish liability, and secure maximum settlements for injured clients.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict maintenance protocols for commercial vehicles. Companies must perform regular inspections, address defects promptly, and retain records for at least one year. Failure to comply with these regulations constitutes negligence. If you've been injured in a truck accident, obtaining and analyzing these records should be a priority in building your claim.
Why Maintenance Records Matter in Truck Accident Cases
The FMCSA mandates that trucking companies maintain thorough maintenance and inspection logs. These records can prove whether a truck was safe to operate before a crash. If a company cut corners or ignored regulations, those truck maintenance violations could be key evidence in holding them accountable.
Key reasons maintenance records are critical:
- Proving negligence. Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other components often cause accidents. Records can show if a company ignored repairs.
- Establishing a pattern of neglect. Repeated violations indicate systemic safety failures.
- Countering false claims. Trucking companies may blame drivers or external factors. Maintenance logs can disprove these defenses.
Common Truck Maintenance Violations in Houston
Federal and Texas laws mandate regular inspections and timely repairs. Yet, many companies cut corners, leading to preventable crashes. Some of the most frequent truck maintenance violations include:
- Brake system failures. Worn brake pads, leaking air lines, or malfunctioning ABS can cause loss of control. The FMCSA reports brake issues in nearly 30% of truck inspections.
- Tire defects. Bald treads, improper inflation, or untreated damage increase blowout risks.
- Faulty lighting. Broken headlights or turn signals make trucks harder to see, especially at night.
- Suspension problems. Worn shocks or broken springs affect stability and handling.
- Engine or transmission issues. Mechanical failures can lead to sudden stalls or loss of power.
If an accident involved any of these problems, maintenance records could prove the company knew—or should have known—about the danger.
How to Obtain Commercial Vehicle Maintenance Records
Accessing these records requires legal action. Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Requesting company logs. Trucking firms must keep maintenance records for at least one year. Your lawyer can subpoena these documents.
- Reviewing inspection reports. State and federal inspections (like Texas DOT checks) may note prior violations.
- Analyzing repair orders. These show what issues were reported and whether they were fixed.
- Checking electronic logging devices (ELDs). Some systems track vehicle diagnostics, including engine faults.
Companies may resist releasing records, but an experienced attorney can compel disclosure through litigation if necessary.
Using Maintenance Records in Your Claim
Maintenance records serve multiple strategic purposes in truck accident litigation. A skilled Houston truck accident attorney will use these documents to:
- Establish the legal duty of care. FMCSA regulations (49 CFR §396.3) create a clear standard for vehicle maintenance. Records showing missed inspections or ignored repairs demonstrate breach of this duty.
- Prove actual or constructive knowledge. If a company received multiple mechanic warnings about brake issues but delayed repairs, those records prove they knowingly allowed an unsafe vehicle on the road.
- Challenge comparative negligence claims. When insurers argue the victim shares blame, maintenance records can show the accident would never have occurred with proper vehicle upkeep.
- Support spoliation claims. If a company destroyed or "lost" records, your attorney can file a spoliation motion, potentially leading to evidentiary sanctions against the defense.
- Calculate punitive damages. Willful violations (like falsifying inspection reports) may justify punitive damages under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §41.003.
Act Quickly—Evidence Disappears Fast
Maintenance records can be altered or "lost" after an accident. Key steps to preserve evidence:
- Notify authorities immediately. Police reports help document the scene.
- Seek legal help promptly. An attorney can send a preservation letter to the trucking company.
- Secure the truck’s black box. Like passenger vehicles, many commercial trucks have EDRs that store crash data.
How a Houston Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Proving truck maintenance violations requires legal expertise. At SJ Injury Attorneys, we:
- Investigate maintenance histories thoroughly.
- Work with industry experts to interpret records.
- Hold negligent companies accountable.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t assume the company followed the rules. Let us uncover the truth and fight for the compensation you deserve.