Ventura Negligent Truck Maintenance Accident Lawyer
Big trucks can cause big problems on the road, especially when they’re not kept in good condition. But not all trucking companies commit themselves to the same level of safety and service, and keeping track of all the trucks in the country is next to impossible. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are over 750,000 active motor carriers in the US; 95.8% of them operate ten or fewer trucks, and 99.7% of them operate 100 or fewer trucks. And according to TruckInfo.net, there are 1.86 million companies in the US with a tractor-trailer, straight truck or hazmat truck; 1.1 million of these companies are for-hire motor carriers. Independent owner-operators, small trucking companies, and massive national fleets all have their own issues when it comes to maintaining their semis in good working order.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident due to negligent maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Zavala Law is your go-to Ventura personal injury law firm for dealing with these types of cases. We have the knowledge, skills, experience and resources to take on the largest corporations and hold them accountable for their inexcusable negligence and the damage it causes. Contact our dedicated Ventura negligent truck maintenance accident lawyer today to find out how we can help.
Bad Tires, Bad Brakes, Bad Results
Negligent truck maintenance is not just something we suspect; we know for a fact what a real problem it is, and we have a hint about its magnitude. Every year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CSVA) conducts a three-day international roadside inspection of commercial motor vehicles in the US, Canada and Mexico. This is not a surprise inspection; trucking companies know the dates well in advance, and you’d think they’d be ready for them. Well…
The CSVA Roadcheck in 2023 played out with similar results as it does every year. Nearly 60,000 trucks were inspected, and over 11,000 were immediately removed from the road. That means that very nearly 20%, or one in five, of the tractor-trailers inspected had at least one safety violation so severe the truck could not be allowed on the road any longer. Over 11,000 trucks had at least one out-of-service (OOS) violation, and some had several. The inspection turned up 17,479 OOS violations in all. Actually, a total of 116,669 safety violations were identified, although not every violation was so severe that it required pulling the big rig out of service.
Here is how the top five vehicle OOS violations broke down in 2023. Again, these results are similar year after year:
- Brake Systems – 4,412 OOS Violations
- Tires – 3,368 OOS Violations
- Defective Service Brakes – 2,468 OOS Violations
- Cargo Securement – 2,171 OOS Violations
- Lights – 2,015 OOS Violations
Remember, the CSVA Roadcheck only pulled over less than 60,000 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles. Millions more went uninspected.
Negligent truck maintenance is a big deal. It’s not just an oversight; it’s downright dangerous. We’re talking about 80,000-pound vehicles here. When trucking companies cut corners to save a buck, the rest of us are the ones at risk. Brake failures, faulty lights, and worn-out tires are all preventable but can lead to disastrous outcomes when neglected. Delayed stops can turn into deadly encounters, a tire explosion at high speed is a recipe for disaster, and a non-functional taillight can make a truck virtually invisible at night.
Zavala Law Is the Law Firm You Need After a Ventura County Truck Accident
At the heart of Zavala Law you’ll find our attorney, Matt Zavala. Matt spent over a decade as an insurance defense lawyer, so he understands insurance claims from the inside out. This is especially important in negligent truck maintenance accident claims, where different lines of insurance might cover different components of the tractor and trailer. In addition, Matt has an extensive amount of trial and litigation experience, so he won’t back down at the first sign of resistance from the other side. Matt is willing and able to go to court when necessary, and the insurance companies know it.
While we focus on getting good results in the end, we equally focus on providing a positive client experience throughout. Matt makes himself accessible to clients and makes sure to keep them updated and informed. We know that you are hurting and likely have lots of questions regarding your claim. We are here to hold your hand and guide you through the process as much as you need.
Contact Zavala Law Today
The bottom line? Zavala Law isn’t just in the business of law; we’re in the business of people. Personal service, accessibility, and positive client experiences are as important to us as getting top results for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Ventura County, call our office at 805-429-4292 for a free consultation. We’ll take the time to hear about what happened and let you know how we can help.
