Semi-Truck Inspections: Critical for Accident Prevention
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Truck inspections are an important part of regular truck maintenance. Regular inspections can help spot potential signs of trouble before they turn into full-blown problems that can jeopardize the safety of both the truck and the other drivers it shares the road with. While visual inspections should be conducted frequently, they’re a responsibility that’s often overlooked. This increases the risk of a potentially devastating accident. However, it also increases the trucking company’s liability should the missed inspection fail to catch a problem that then results in an accident.
At McNabola & Associates, LLC, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have helped numerous clients navigate the complexities of their cases with confidence. We have put evidence like inspection records to work for our clients, fighting to show that negligence on behalf of the trucking company resulted in our clients’ injuries and the pain and suffering they have endured. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, and we’re extremely proud of our reputation for success that has led so many clients to trust us to defend their rights and their best interests. In fact, founding attorney Ted McNabola has won 97 percent of the cases he’s accepted on behalf of his clients. Let us show you what our trial-tested skills and more than 60 years of experience can do for your case.
FMCSA Inspection Requirements and Maintenance Protocols
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate comprehensive semi-truck inspections every 90 days to ensure commercial vehicle safety. These thorough examinations cover essential systems, including brakes, tires, suspension, lighting, and emergency equipment. Proper documentation of all inspections must be maintained for two years, creating vital truck maintenance records. Negligence occurs when carriers skip these critical checkpoints, increasing accident risks significantly. Drivers must perform daily visual inspections confirming their vehicle's safe operating condition before trips.
Within the first 50 miles, they must verify cargo security, repeating checks every three hours or 150 miles. These protocols prevent shifting loads that cause rollovers - a leading factor in truck accident liability cases. When drivers or companies bypass these steps, they violate federal safety standards and demonstrate clear negligence. Missed inspections often reveal systemic maintenance failures during accident reconstruction investigations.
Our attorneys meticulously analyze maintenance logs to establish patterns of negligence. For example, overlooked brake wear or tire damage documented in inspection gaps directly contributes to catastrophic accidents. Proper commercial truck maintenance isn't optional - it's a legal requirement protecting all road users. When violations emerge, truck accident liability falls squarely on carriers and drivers.
We leverage FMCSA regulations to prove how inspection failures directly caused crashes. Recent cases show companies skipping inspections face 40% higher negligence verdicts. Our legal team specializes in transforming maintenance records into compelling evidence for maximum compensation. If you've been injured, contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers immediately.
We secure inspection reports, dispatch accident reconstruction experts, and build negligence cases against violators. With a 97% success rate in truck litigation, we hold negligent parties accountable. Call now for a free case evaluation and protect your rights.
Call McNabola & Associates, LLC today at (312) 888-8700 and request an initial case evaluation if you’ve suffered serious injuries in a trucking accident.
The Importance of Regular Truck Inspections
Because commercial trucks are so immense and carry such heavy payloads at high speeds, it’s pivotal that every single component is working correctly for the maximum amount of safety. Even a minor flaw could significantly hinder the truck’s ability to stop, turn, slow down, or do other actions it needs to do in order to navigate safely.
Thorough inspections will regularly inspect the following systems:
- Navigation lights
- Turn signals
- Brakes
- Tires
- Suspension
- Electrical connections
- Towing hardware
- Emergency doors & windows
How Often Should Trucks Be Inspected?
A commercial truck needs to be inspected at the very minimum of every 90 days, and records of inspections must be kept for a minimum of two years. Additionally, drivers are required to make minor visual inspections to make sure their vehicle is in “safe operating condition” under 49 CFR §396.13.
Drivers also need to regularly check their payload to make sure it’s safe and hasn’t shifted to the point where it may come loose during transportation. Drivers must stop within the first 50 miles of their trip to check the load and then stop again every three hours or 150 miles, whichever happens first, in order to re-check their payload and make sure it’s secure.
A missed inspection could be seen as negligence on the part of the driver or truck operator, making them liable for the damages that the damaged truck causes.
Contact McNabola & Associates, LLC online now to learn more about truck inspections and find out how they may impact your case!
Real People, Real Stories
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Ted McNabola is the best attorney whom I could ever meet. He never gave up and very very helpful. I’m glad to meet him.- Anna Z.
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- Jason S.
It's hard to know where to begin, as the care, diligence, legal professionalism, and results delivered by Ted and his team were extremely meaningful to my family. Ted's personal attention to my case was beyond expectations and the results show.
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Ted McNabola is an amazing attorney! He handled my mom’s case after she was hit by a car as a pedestrian. The difference between Ted and other attorneys is that he never gave up! It was a long process of 3 years but when other attorney’s would have given up just to make some money on the case, Ted refused to do so!! In the end he got my mother EVERYTHING she was asking for! Thank you Ted for never giving up!!!!- Kat J.
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I had the pleasure of working with Ted McNabola after a serious car accident that left me with a brain injury. From the first time we met, I knew I was in good hands. Ted was kind, patient, and understanding, and he went above and beyond to help me get the compensation I deserved for my medical bills, pain and suffering. Throughout the legal process, Ted was always available to answer my questions and provide guidance. He kept me informed every step of the way and fought tirelessly to ensure that my rights were protected. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, I was able to focus on my recovery and move on from the accident. If you're looking for a lawyer who truly cares about his clients and will fight for their rights, then I highly recommend Ted McNabola’s Team. He is a skilled professional and a kind and compassionate person who will go the extra mile for you. Thank you, Ted, and Tom for all that you did for me! I am forever thankful!- Sammy M
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“Edward W. McNabola, Esq was able to get me the most compensation allowed by the at fault driver.”- William J.
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Working with Ted and his team has been wonderful throughout the duration of my case. I would absolutely recommend his services to anybody in need. Ted and his team are intelligent, quick-working, and determined when it comes to fighting for their clients. Very pleased to have worked with him.- Anthony S.
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“Ted was personable and easy to work with but a bulldog when it came to fighting for us.”- Sherry G.
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“From start to finish they did everything the right way.”- Brad S.
