Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in serious injuries, significant property damage, and, in the worst cases, fatalities. When determining who is at fault in these accidents, one of the most crucial pieces of evidence is the truck’s maintenance records. These logs provide essential documentation showing whether a trucking company followed federal regulations, conducted proper inspections, and took preventive measures to avoid mechanical failures.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict maintenance requirements for trucking companies operating in the United States. When these regulations are not followed, missing or incomplete maintenance records can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in legal claims.
Whether you are an attorney handling a truck accident lawsuit, a trucking company ensuring compliance, or an accident victim seeking justice, understanding the role of truck maintenance records is critical. This guide will explore how truck maintenance records influence liability, how they can impact injury claims, and what trucking companies must do to stay compliant.
What Are Truck Maintenance Records?
Definition and Purpose
Truck maintenance records are detailed logs that document all repairs, inspections, and servicing conducted on a commercial vehicle. These records serve as proof that a vehicle has been properly maintained and that any mechanical issues were addressed in a timely manner.
What Should Be Included in a Maintenance Log?
A complete and legally compliant truck maintenance log should include the following:
- Routine Inspections: Documentation of pre-trip and post-trip inspections, focusing on key safety components like brakes, tires, and lights.
- Brake and Engine Servicing: Records of brake system maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, and engine diagnostic tests.
- Tire Maintenance: Details on tire rotations, pressure checks, replacements, and any noted wear and tear.
- Safety System Checks: Verifications of headlights, turn signals, mirrors, windshield wipers, and other visibility-related equipment.
- Repair Documentation: Logs of mechanical issues, along with information on when and how they were repaired.
Without these logs, it becomes difficult to prove whether a trucking company prioritized safety or complied with FMCSA maintenance requirements.
How Do Truck Maintenance Records Affect Liability?
How Liability is Determined in Truck Accidents
When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, determining liability requires examining various factors, including driver error, road conditions, mechanical failures, and vehicle maintenance history. Maintenance records play a key role in this process because they show whether a trucking company properly maintained its fleet.
How Missing Records Indicate Negligence
If a trucking company cannot provide complete and accurate maintenance records, legal teams may argue that it failed to uphold required safety standards. Missing records can indicate that inspections were not performed, which increases the likelihood that a mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
Impact on Injury Claims and Lawsuits
Maintenance records can be used to prove negligence by showing that a trucking company failed to conduct regular inspections. If records are missing or incomplete, it may suggest that maintenance was neglected or improperly documented.
Trucking companies are required to comply with FMCSA regulations regarding vehicle maintenance. Non-compliance with these regulations can be used as evidence in a lawsuit, demonstrating that a company ignored mandatory safety measures.
Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to experience mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, engine defects, and tire blowouts. If a crash is linked to a mechanical failure and maintenance logs do not show proper servicing, the trucking company may be held responsible for any damages or injuries that result.
FMCSA Maintenance Regulations: What Trucking Companies Must Follow
Overview of FMCSA Requirements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict guidelines regarding truck maintenance and inspection procedures. These regulations are designed to ensure that commercial vehicles are kept in safe operating condition and to reduce the number of preventable accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Legal Responsibilities of Trucking Companies
FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to:
- Keep maintenance logs for at least one year or, if a vehicle is retired, for six months after it leaves the fleet.
- Conduct regular inspections before and after each trip.
- Meet Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection standards, including annual and random roadside inspections.
- Immediately address any identified safety issues—ignoring repairs or delaying maintenance increases liability risks.
If any safety issues are identified during an inspection, they must be addressed immediately. Ignoring mechanical defects or delaying necessary repairs can significantly increase liability in an accident lawsuit.
Common Mechanical Failures That Lead to Truck Accidents
Brake Failure
Brake malfunctions are among the most common maintenance-related causes of truck accidents. Because commercial trucks are significantly heavier than passenger vehicles, they require strong braking systems that must be properly maintained. When a trucking company neglects brake maintenance, it increases the likelihood of brake failure, making it impossible for the driver to stop safely.
Tire Blowouts
Tire failures are another leading cause of truck accidents. Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles, causing rapid tire wear. If tires are not properly maintained, inflated, and replaced as needed, they can blow out while the truck is in motion, leading to a loss of control and possible rollover accidents.
Steering and Suspension Issues
The ability to steer and control a large commercial truck is essential for road safety. When a truck’s steering or suspension system is not properly maintained, it can result in reduced vehicle control, rollovers, or jackknife accidents.
Lighting and Visibility Problems
Broken headlights, brake lights, and turn signals can make it difficult for other drivers to see a truck’s movements, increasing the risk of collisions. FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to ensure all exterior lights are fully functional, but failure to comply increases liability in an accident.
How Lawyers Use Truck Maintenance Records in Injury Claims
Proving Negligence Through Missing or Incomplete Logs
One of the primary ways lawyers use truck maintenance records is to prove negligence. If an accident occurs due to mechanical failure and the company cannot produce maintenance records, it suggests that required inspections and repairs were not performed.
Building a Strong Legal Case
Attorneys can subpoena truck maintenance logs to:
- Identify patterns of neglected maintenance or overdue repairs.
- Prove that FMCSA violations contributed to the crash.
- Establish that a mechanical defect was directly responsible for the accident.
- Demonstrate that a trucking company prioritized profit over safety by cutting corners on maintenance.
If key records are missing, the court may assume that the company is attempting to hide evidence of negligence, which can significantly strengthen an accident victim’s claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Truck Maintenance Records and Accident Liability
What happens if a truck accident was caused by poor maintenance?
If a truck accident is caused by poor maintenance, the trucking company may be held legally responsible for damages. Federal regulations require companies to maintain their vehicles properly, and failure to do so can be considered negligence. If an accident occurs due to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other preventable mechanical issues, victims may be able to file a lawsuit against the trucking company for failing to meet safety standards.
Can missing maintenance records make a trucking company liable?
Yes, missing or incomplete maintenance records can significantly increase a trucking company’s liability in an accident case. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require trucking companies to keep detailed logs of vehicle maintenance, inspections, and repairs. If these records are missing, it may suggest that required maintenance was never performed. Courts often view the absence of records as an indication of negligence, which can strengthen a victim’s legal claim.
How do lawyers use maintenance records in truck accident lawsuits?
Lawyers use maintenance records to establish whether a trucking company followed required safety protocols. These logs can provide evidence that a vehicle was overdue for maintenance or that previous mechanical issues were ignored. If a trucking company failed to maintain brakes, tires, or other critical components, an attorney can argue that this contributed to the accident. In cases where maintenance logs are missing, a lawyer may argue that the company was trying to hide evidence of negligence.
Are trucking companies legally required to keep maintenance records?
Yes, trucking companies are legally required to keep maintenance records under FMCSA regulations. These records must be kept for at least one year while the truck is in operation and for six months after the vehicle is retired from service. Companies must also conduct regular inspections before and after trips and maintain logs documenting repairs, safety checks, and compliance with federal inspection standards. Failure to maintain these records can result in fines, penalties, and increased liability in lawsuits.
What should be included in a truck maintenance log?
A complete truck maintenance log should include documentation of all routine inspections, pre-trip and post-trip checks, brake and engine servicing, tire maintenance, safety system checks, and any repairs performed on the vehicle. It should also include dates, the names of mechanics or technicians who performed the work, and any compliance reports required by FMCSA. Proper documentation helps ensure that vehicles remain in safe operating condition and provides proof of maintenance in case of an accident investigation.
Contact Fulginiti Law Today
Truck maintenance records play a critical role in determining liability after a commercial vehicle accident. Missing or incomplete records can serve as strong evidence of negligence, leading to significant financial liability for the trucking company.
For accident victims, these records can be used to support personal injury claims by proving that mechanical failures contributed to the crash. For trucking companies, maintaining comprehensive and up-to-date maintenance logs is essential for avoiding legal risks and ensuring compliance with FMCSA regulations.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you obtain maintenance records, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Fulginiti Law today to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.
