When Trucking Companies Cut Corners: How Maintenance Failures Cause Crashes

Large trucks are essential to California’s economy, moving goods through San Diego County and across the state every day. But with their size and power comes a serious responsibility to ensure they are adequately maintained. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save time or money, the consequences can be devastating. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues often lead to catastrophic crashes that injure or kill other drivers on the road.

At National Injury Help, our San Diego personal injury attorneys have represented victims of trucking accidents caused by poor maintenance. Below, we explain how these failures happen, what regulations are in place, and how injured victims can hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Truck Maintenance Matters

Tractor-trailers weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. A mechanical issue that might be minor in a passenger car can turn deadly in a truck of this size. Regular inspections and timely repairs are critical to preventing accidents and keeping everyone safe on the road.

When companies fail to maintain their fleets, they not only put their drivers at risk but also endanger every motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian around them. Maintenance failures are not accidents—they are preventable events caused by negligence.

Common Maintenance Failures That Lead to Crashes

Several types of mechanical problems frequently arise when trucking companies fail to meet maintenance standards.

Some of the most dangerous include:

• Brake failures. Trucks rely on robust braking systems to stop safely. Worn pads, leaking lines, or neglected brake inspections can cause total brake loss.
• Tire blowouts. Overused, underinflated, or defective tires can suddenly fail at highway speeds, leading to loss of control.
• Steering and suspension issues. Faulty steering mechanisms or suspension components can make it impossible to maneuver safely.
• Lighting and visibility problems. Broken headlights, taillights, or reflective devices make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck at night.
• Cargo-related failures. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, straining parts and causing rollovers or jackknifes.

Each of these failures can be directly traced back to a lack of proper inspection and upkeep.

Federal and State Regulations on Truck Maintenance

Both federal and California state laws set strict requirements for truck maintenance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that carriers regularly inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control. Drivers must also perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting issues in writing.

California adds its own rules through the California Highway Patrol’s Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program, which requires commercial carriers to undergo periodic inspections of their fleets.

When companies ignore these obligations, they are violating the law and putting lives in danger.

Why Trucking Companies Cut Corners

Despite the risks, some trucking companies still fail to perform adequate maintenance. Common reasons include:

• Cost-cutting. Repairs and new parts can be expensive, and some companies try to maximize profit by postponing them.
• Pressure to meet deadlines. Trucking companies may push vehicles onto the road without proper checks to keep up with shipping schedules.
• Inadequate training. Drivers may not be appropriately trained to spot or report maintenance issues.
• Negligence. Some companies ignore safety standards, hoping to avoid detection until it is too late.

None of these excuses justifies putting the public at risk.

Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Proving that a maintenance failure caused a trucking crash requires a thorough investigation.

Our experienced attorneys can:

• Obtain inspection and maintenance records from the trucking company.
• Review driver logs and pre-trip inspection reports.
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to trace the cause of the crash.
• Identify all responsible parties, including the carrier, maintenance providers, and manufacturers of defective parts.
• Pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages.

At National Injury Help, we take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers to ensure our clients receive justice.

Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking crash in San Diego or anywhere in California, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Maintenance failures are preventable, and trucking companies that cut corners should be held accountable.

Contact National Injury Help today for a free consultation. Our San Diego truck accident attorneys will investigate your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.