Originally Published: March 15, 2023 • Updated: October 15, 2026
Large commercial trucks travel thousands of miles each week, so routine maintenance is essential to the safety of truck drivers and other motorists sharing the road. Worn, defective, or improperly maintained critical equipment can lead to an accident, and because of a semitruck’s size and weight, equipment failures often lead to severe, life‑threatening injuries.
Truck drivers and motor carriers are subject to frequent inspections of their vehicles. If a truck is found unsafe, it must be repaired before returning to service. Unfortunately, when these standards aren’t followed, dangerous mechanical failures can occur — and innocent motorists pay the price.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident caused by poor maintenance or defective equipment, Nash & Franciskato can help. We offer a free, no‑obligation review of your case.
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Equipment failures can come from improper maintenance, worn parts, or manufacturing defects. Some of the most frequent issues include:
Tire maintenance
Worn tires can result from not being properly rotated, aired to the right level, or changed. This can lead to a tire blowout, causing a truck to lose control and crash. Tire debris from a blowout can strike other vehicles, leading to accidents, too.
Faulty brake systems
Brake pads, brake lines, brake fluid, air brake systems, and parking brakes must be regularly inspected. A brake failure on an 80,000‑lb semitruck can make stopping impossible’
Lighting and Signal Malfunctions
Broken headlights, taillights, turn signals, or reflectors reduce visibility and make it difficult for other motorists to anticipate a truck’s movements. A missed turn signal or invisible truck in low‑light conditions can lead to serious accidents.
Steering failures
If a truck’s steering mechanism fails, the driver may be unable to control or maneuver the vehicle, creating an immediate and dangerous hazard.
Other Critical Components
Truck parts that need to be properly maintained and inspected include, but aren’t limited to:
Equipment failures may also result from manufacturing defects or design flaws, making multiple parties potentially liable.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees many aspects of driving, maintaining, and repairing large commercial vehicles.
Key Requirements (396.3 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
Daily Driver Inspection Reports
Drivers are required to complete a daily written post-trip inspection report at the end of each driving day. In addition:
Accidents involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries, including:
When equipment failures or poor maintenance contribute to a crash, determining liability requires a thorough investigation. Our attorneys examine maintenance records, inspection logs, repair histories, and other evidence to identify negligence.
Equipment‑related truck accidents can leave victims facing long recoveries, medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Nash & Franciskato, a Kansas City‑based personal injury law firm, represents individuals injured in trucking accidents caused by equipment failures, defective parts, and negligent maintenance.
If you need to understand your legal options or the likelihood of obtaining compensation, call (877) 284‑6600. One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and provide a free, no‑obligation case evaluation.
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