How Can a Lack of Truck Maintenance Lead to Road Accidents in Michigan?

Insufficient truck maintenance can increase your risk of an accident, and mechanical issues can create dangerous situations. Inadequate maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, brake failure, steering problems, and lighting issues, causing crashes and other problematic situations. As a driver, it’s important to understand how a lack of truck maintenance can lead to road accidents in Michigan.

Tire Blowouts

Collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, and many serious accidents involve trucks. If a truck’s tires are improperly maintained, tire blowouts can occur. When a tire blows out at high speeds, perhaps while on a freeway, the driver may lose control and cause an accident. Improperly maintained tire issues can include:

• Incorrect tire inflation
• Low tread depth
• Easily observable damage

Trucking companies, drivers, and maintenance providers should be cautious about ensuring tires are in a safe condition.

Brake Failure

When operating a commercial vehicle at high speed on Michigan freeways like I-75, I-69, and US-23, brake failures can cause serious accidents. A commercial truck’s brakes are critical to stopping such a large, heavy vehicle and preventing an accident. When they fail or malfunction, it can lead to brake failure and a catastrophic collision. Brakes can fail due to:

• Damaged rotors
• Worn brake pads
• Fluid leads

Braking systems must be properly maintained so drivers can stop in sufficient time to avoid causing a crash.

Steering Problems

If a driver is unable to steer properly, they can cause severe accidents on Michigan roads and freeways. A neglected truck steering system can develop serious issues. Steering problems often include:

• Worn truck components
• Loose steering system components

A truck driver who can’t steer accurately may veer into other cars on the road. It’s vital for trucks to avoid significant steering issues.

Lighting Issues

Light failures can create major issues for commercial truck drivers and drivers of other large vehicles traveling through our state. A truck is more likely to cause a rear-end collision or another type of accident when the driver cannot see properly. Lighting issues include faulty:

• Brake lights
• Headlights
• Taillights
• Turn signals

Trucks with improperly maintained lights are at risk for reduced visibility, particularly in bad weather or at night. Truck drivers should check their vehicles’ lights often to prevent serious issues that could cause an accident.

Truck drivers are required to participate in training before they operate an oversized commercial vehicle. Trucks can experience serious issues when improperly maintained, which means truck drivers in the United States must follow strict requirements for licensing and truck maintenance. Many trucking accidents happen because of maintenance issues, which could be easily prevented by trucking companies, drivers, or servicers.

Truck Accident Data

Truck accidents remain a major safety concern in Michigan. In 2022, large trucks traveling through Michigan caused seven crash-related fatalities, as reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These accidents account for approximately 1% of all accident fatalities in the Great Lakes State. Also, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that large trucks and buses caused 102 accident fatalities in 2024.

Many of these truck accidents likely involved preventable truck maintenance issues. When trucks neglect routine maintenance, they are susceptible to serious failures. Prioritizing regular and complete truck maintenance can reduce the risk of accidents, and truck companies can promote safer roadways for all Michigan residents.

FAQs

Can a Truck Become Accident-Prone Without Thorough Maintenance?

Yes, a truck can become accident-prone without thorough and routine maintenance. Proper maintenance of a commercial vehicle is a serious concern for Michigan drivers. A significant number of all accidents involving trucks are caused by poor truck maintenance.

If you were involved in a recent accident in Michigan caused by a large truck, contact an experienced truck accident attorney who can help investigate your accident and estimate the value of your claim.

What’s the Most Common Cause of Michigan Truck Accidents?

There are many causes of truck accidents in Michigan, including;

• Truck driver error
• Insufficient driver training
• Equipment failure of commercial vehicles
• Companies prioritizing delivery deadlines over safety
• Driver substance abuse

When any of these components are present, it can result in a higher likelihood of a serious commercial truck accident.

Can an Improperly Serviced Engine Lead to an Accident?

Yes, an improperly serviced engine can lead to an accident. If the oil in an engine is not changed as part of truck service maintenance, engine sludge can build up internally. This can prevent proper lubrication, which can lead to engine failure and a serious truck accident that results in catastrophic injuries, major property damage, and sometimes fatalities.

Should I Call an Attorney if I’ve Been in a Truck Accident?

Yes, it’s important to call an experienced attorney in Michigan if you’ve been involved in a truck accident. An attorney can investigate your accident’s cause, which could include improper truck maintenance or truck driver recklessness. For help after a recent accident, contact an attorney who has handled many commercial truck accident claims in the past. They have the resources and experience to help with your case.

Call the Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys at Wigod & Falzon to Schedule a Consultation

If you or a loved one was involved in a recent accident involving a truck driver, we can help. The experienced truck accident team at Wigod & Falzon knows how to assist you, even if serious injuries or major property damage were involved in your accident.

Truck accidents can quickly become complicated due to the involvement of commercial trucks, many parties, and complex federal trucking regulations. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can help manage your case and protect your rights while you focus on your accident recovery.

It’s important to talk to an attorney about your accident before considering a settlement offer from an insurance company or filing a civil court claim. We can make sure you get the fair compensation you deserve.

With offices in Southfield and Jackson, we proudly represent clients throughout Michigan. Contact Wigod & Falzon right away to schedule your initial consultation with a trusted truck accident lawyer.