When a truck accident happens, one of the first questions victims ask is: Who is responsible?
While driver errors like speeding or fatigue often play a role, another major cause lies behind the scenes—poor maintenance.
Commercial trucks are massive, complicated machines that require consistent inspections, repairs, and safety checks.
If a trucking company fails to maintain its fleet properly, devastating accidents can occur, leaving victims with serious injuries, long-term medical needs, and overwhelming financial burdens.
So, can a trucking company be held liable for poor maintenance?
Absolutely—and understanding how liability works can make a significant difference in your ability to obtain compensation.
This guide explains how poor maintenance leads to accidents, how liability is proven, and why hiring an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer may be crucial for protecting your rights.
Why Maintenance Matters So Much in the Trucking Industry
Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles each week.
Their size and weight put enormous stress on brakes, tires, engines, suspension components, and electrical systems.
If any of these parts fail—even for a moment—the results can be catastrophic.
Key Maintenance Areas That Commonly Fail
- Brake systems – One of the leading causes of truck crashes nationwide.
- Tires and wheels – Blowouts can cause a truck to jackknife or tip.
- Steering and suspension – Mechanical failures reduce control and stability.
- Lights and signals – Malfunctioning lights increase the risk of collisions at night.
- Trailer coupling devices – A defective hitch can cause a trailer to detach.
- Fluid leaks and engine problems – These can cause fires or sudden power loss.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules requiring trucking companies to maintain logs, repair vehicles promptly, and conduct daily inspections.
When these rules are ignored, drivers, passengers, and nearby motorists pay the price.
When Is a Trucking Company Liable for Poor Maintenance?
A trucking company can be held legally responsible when its negligence directly leads to a crash.
Some of the most common scenarios include:
1. Failing to Conduct Required Inspections
Federal law requires:
- Pre-trip inspections
- Post-trip inspections
- Regular scheduled maintenance
- Annual detailed inspections
If the company cuts corners, skips inspections, or pressures drivers to ignore problems, it may be liable.
2. Ignoring Known Mechanical Problems
Some companies keep trucks on the road even when:
- The brakes squeal
- Tires are worn
- Warning lights appear
- Drivers file defect reports
If the company knew there was a mechanical issue and failed to act, that is clear negligence.
3. Hiring Unqualified or Inexperienced Mechanics
Improper repairs or rushed work can lead to deadly errors. Maintenance must be done by properly trained professionals.
4. Falsifying Maintenance Records
Sadly, falsifying logs is common in some unsafe trucking companies. However, electronic logging devices (ELDs) and subpoenaed records can help attorneys uncover the truth.
5. Using Old or Unsafe Trucks
Some companies avoid replacing aging vehicles to save money, placing everyone on the road at risk.
If any of these failures contributed to the accident, a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit can hold the company accountable.
How Poor Maintenance Causes Real-World Truck Accidents
Mechanical failures lead to many life-changing crashes, including:
Brake Failure Accidents
If brakes overheat, malfunction, or have worn pads, the truck may not stop in time. These accidents often occur on downgrades or high-traffic roads.
Tire Blowouts
A blowout can cause:
- Loss of control
- Jackknifing
- Rollovers
- Debris-related chain-reaction crashes
Proper tire inflation and rotation can prevent this.
Steering Malfunctions
Even a small steering issue can make an 80,000-pound truck drift into another lane.
Lighting and Visibility Problems
Missing reflectors, broken taillights, or faulty signals increase the risk of nighttime accidents.
Detached Trailers
This is one of the most dangerous failures, often linked to improper maintenance of coupling devices.
Victims injured because of these failures deserve full truck accident compensation in Atlanta, especially when the crash could have been prevented.
How to Prove a Trucking Company’s Poor Maintenance Caused the Crash
Proving maintenance-related negligence requires quick action and the right legal team.
An experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident thoroughly and gather evidence such as:
1. Maintenance and Inspection Logs
FMCSA mandates that companies keep detailed maintenance records.
These documents may reveal gaps in care or evidence of skipped repairs.
2. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
ELDs often contain:
- Driving hours
- Diagnostic codes
- Truck performance issues
- Driver reports
This data is crucial in establishing negligence.
3. Black Box Data
Commercial trucks contain an Event Data Recorder (EDR), which captures:
- Speed
- Brake usage
- Mechanical errors
- Engine performance
This helps determine whether mechanical failure occurred right before the crash.
4. Mechanic and Technician Records
Work orders and repair invoices may expose incomplete or poor-quality repairs.
5. Photographs of the Truck
Visual evidence of worn parts, damaged brakes, or old tires can be powerful in court.
6. Expert Testimony
Mechanical and engineering experts analyze whether the truck was safe to drive.
This level of evidence is essential—especially in cases involving FedEx truck accident claims, where multiple entities may share responsibility.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Poor-Maintenance Truck Accident Case?
Victims harmed by a truck company’s negligence may be entitled to substantial compensation.
A delivery truck accident attorney can pursue damages such as:
Economic Damages
- Medical bills
- Surgery and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Trauma and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
When a trucking company knowingly ignores maintenance issues, punitive damages may be awarded to punish reckless behavior.
This is especially common when record falsification or intentional negligence is found.
A skilled attorney will build a strong case to ensure victims receive the maximum truck accident compensation in Atlanta.
Why Victims Should Act Quickly
Time is critical after a truck accident.
Trucking companies often deploy rapid-response teams to protect their interests.
Evidence like inspection logs, black box data, and mechanical records can disappear if you wait too long.
Georgia law also places deadlines on personal injury claims, meaning victims must act promptly to protect their rights.
Hiring an experienced Atlanta truck accident lawyer ensures evidence is preserved, your injuries are documented, and the trucking company cannot evade responsibility.
How an Attorney Helps Strengthen Your Claim
Here’s what a qualified lawyer does to support your case:
- Conducts an immediate investigation
- Sends preservation-of-evidence letters
- Obtains black box and ELD data
- Reviews maintenance history
- Coordinates with mechanical experts
- Investigates whether the company violated FMCSA regulations
- Handles negotiation with insurance companies
- Prepares your case for trial if necessary
Truck accidents involving poor maintenance are complex, and victims should never attempt to navigate the process alone.
About Us
Finch McCranie LLP is a trial practice firm with a long history of success.
Founded in 1965 by Baxter Finch and Claude Ross, the firm quickly established itself as one of Georgia’s premier plaintiffs’ personal injury firms.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Baxter and Claude traveled across the state, trying cases regularly and earning a statewide reputation for excellence.
Today, Finch McCranie LLP continues that legacy—providing dedicated, skilled representation to clients injured in truck accidents, vehicle collisions, and other serious incidents.