Madison Genthry 
Truck accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in the United States. These accidents result in extensive damage to cargo, property, and, in many cases, grave injuries to the occupants of all the vehicles involved in the crash.
Truck accidents are often also expensive and dangerous to be caught up in, and if you ever find yourself in one, it is best to talk to a truck accident attorney. These lawyers are well-versed in the law, specifically those relating to truck accidents, and can help you determine liability and ensure adequate compensation for the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in the United States occur due to several reasons, including:
- Driver fatigue: Drivers are often forced to drive long hours to meet strict deadlines, which leads to errors on the road.
- Distracted driving: Using a mobile phone or eating while driving causes the driver to take their eyes off the road, resulting in accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs can impair normal brain function and make it difficult for drivers to see clearly, make proper decisions, or even judge distances correctly.
- Poor truck maintenance: A failure to run regular maintenance checks on trucks results in parts malfunctioning or breaking down, causing accidents.
- Improper loading: If the cargo in the truck is not loaded so that the weight is distributed correctly, the truck may tip, causing an accident.
- Speeding: Truck drivers sometimes drive over the speed limit to meet tight deadlines, resulting in accidents from a lack of control.
How Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Truck Accidents
Let’s go over a few truck maintenance tips, as poor maintenance is one of the main reasons for truck accidents.
Check the Battery Regularly
The battery is a crucial component of your truck. In order to keep your truck functioning normally, check your battery regularly and clean the battery box and the electrical wires that connect it. If any of these components are dirty, it could lead to problems on the road.
Look for Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are a common occurrence in trucks due to the wear and tear of the machine. You should keep an eye out for them by checking under your truck regularly and having the oil replaced at the right intervals. Failing to do so could result in a breakdown.
Check the Tires Regularly
Blowouts are another common problem with trucks, and in order to prevent them, you must check your tires every day. Look for signs of damage or wear on the tire treads and repair or replace tires when necessary.
Inspect Your Brakes Daily
Brakes are another component of a truck that wear down over time. As they’re a key component, you must inspect them regularly, and if you see damaged or worn-out brake discs, you should have them replaced. Failing to inspect your brakes could result in them being jammed or not functioning properly on the road.
Examine Air Bellows for Damage
Most trucks come equipped with air bellows, and this is yet another part of your truck that needs to be checked regularly.
You should keep your air bellows clean and look for damage; otherwise, there could be air leakage, and they may not function well.
Change Filters on Time
Oil filters keep your engine running smoothly and need to be replaced on time. Failing to do so would result in them becoming clogged and your truck breaking down. To avoid this, follow your maintenance schedule diligently.
Regularly maintaining your truck not only prevents accidents, it also saves you a ton of time and money on repairs.
Conclusion
Truck accidents can happen due to various reasons; however, properly maintaining your truck can lead to far fewer accidents on the road. Follow the tips listed in this article, like checking your brakes, oil, and filters regularly to avoid a breakdown on the road.
