Ohio Truck Accident Help

A Division of Ohio Truck Accident

Ohio Trucking Regulations & Violations

Failure to Perform Regular Inspections and Maintenance

When large trucks aren’t properly inspected and maintained, they become dangerous to everyone on the road. A worn tire or faulty brake system can turn a routine delivery into a deadly crash. Trucking companies and their maintenance providers have a legal duty to keep their vehicles safe, and when they fail, they should be held accountable.

If you or a loved one was hurt by a failure to perform regular inspections or maintenance, Ohio Truck Accident Help, and our team of truck accident attorneys are here for you.

Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.

Why Does Truck Maintenance Matter?

Before any truck hits the road, it should be checked for signs of wear or malfunction. Skipping these steps creates serious safety risks.

Legal Requirements for Truck Inspections and Maintenance

Trucking companies operating in Ohio and across the country are required to follow maintenance rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules require regular inspections, timely repairs, and proper documentation. Drivers must complete a daily vehicle inspection report (DVIR) before and after each trip. Trucks are also subject to annual inspections and roadside checks.

The law is clear: commercial vehicles must be maintained in a condition that ensures safe operation. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance, they are breaking federal safety rules—and putting others at risk.

Truck Maintenance Failures That Lead to Accidents in OH

Mechanical issues are one of the most common causes of preventable truck accidents—and they often trace back to missed inspections or delayed repairs.

Frequent Issues Seen in Ohio Truck Crash Investigations

Some of the most dangerous maintenance failures include:

  • Brake system failure, which reduces or eliminates the truck’s ability to stop. This is especially dangerous at high speeds or in traffic.
  • Tire blowouts, which often result from worn tread, under-inflation, or improper load distribution. A blown tire can cause a driver to lose control or veer into other lanes.
  • Steering or suspension problems, which make it harder for the driver to safely maneuver the truck.
  • Broken or faulty lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. These failures make it harder for other drivers to anticipate the truck’s movements, especially at night.

Regular inspections can identify and fix each of these problems. When they aren’t, serious accidents happen.

Critical Evidence in an Ohio Truck Crash Investigation

One of the first things a truck accident lawyer will look for after a crash is the truck’s maintenance history.

How Does Maintenance History Help Prove Negligence?

Inspection logs, repair records, and maintenance schedules are all important forms of evidence. These documents can show whether required inspections were performed, what problems were found, and whether those problems were ever fixed.

If a company ignored warnings, failed to make repairs, or faked inspection logs, that’s a strong sign of negligence. Records may also show if a part had repeatedly failed in the past, suggesting a larger issue with the truck’s condition or the company’s repair practices.

Who’s Liable When Poor Maintenance Causes a Crash in OH?

It’s not always just the driver—often, a deeper failure in company policy or outsourced maintenance is to blame for an Ohio truck accident.

Liability of Trucking Companies and Maintenance Providers

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring every vehicle in their fleet is roadworthy. That includes keeping accurate maintenance logs, responding to driver reports, and not allowing trucks with known issues to operate.

Sometimes, the company may outsource repairs to a third-party mechanic or maintenance contractor. If those providers perform poor-quality work or overlook serious problems, they may also share liability for the crash.

A full investigation can help determine who should be held legally and financially responsible when a truck accident happens due to mechanical failure.

Truck Accidents Caused by Maintenance Failures

Truck crashes tied to poor maintenance are more common than many people realize—and the damage can be devastating. For example, at the end of 2023, a tractor-trailer failed to slow for stopped traffic and plowed into a car and a charter bus carrying a high school band. The impact and ensuing fire tragically killed 6 people (including three students and three adult chaperones) and injured others. The semi-truck’s driver had been approaching a construction-related slowdown but never braked in time.

Defective and poorly maintained brakes on the semi were later highlighted as a key factor in the accident. Investigators found the trucking company had a history of brake violations. State records showed the company’s trucks (including the one in this crash) had been cited for “defective brakes” and brake system problems before the accident. The Ohio State Highway Patrol concluded the November 14 crash was initiated by the semi failing to stop – essentially brake failure due to negligence. This case led to wrongful death lawsuits in 2024, underscoring how ignored brake maintenance can lead to catastrophe.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Hold Negligent Parties Accountable

Victims of these crashes deserve justice—and that often starts by hiring a lawyer who knows what to look for.

Preserving Evidence & Investigating Maintenance Failures

A skilled truck accident lawyer can act fast to obtain maintenance records, inspection logs, repair bills, and other documentation that may prove negligence. They may also work with mechanics or accident reconstruction experts to show how poor maintenance directly caused the crash.

When evidence is collected early, it becomes much harder for trucking companies to deny fault or shift blame.

Filing a Strong Claim Against the Right Party

Depending on what the investigation reveals, your lawyer can take action against one or more responsible parties. That may include the trucking company, a repair contractor, or even a manufacturer if faulty parts were involved. The goal is to recover full compensation for your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Injured by Lack of Maintenance? Get Ohio Truck Accident Help

Ohio Truck Accident Help is ready to investigate what went wrong and build a case that gets results. When trucking companies cut corners on inspections or skip critical repairs, they put lives in danger—and we work to hold them fully accountable.

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident caused by poor maintenance, contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation. We’ll help preserve evidence, prove negligence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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