When a commercial truck causes a crash, it’s easy to assume the truck driver made a mistake. But sometimes, the problem starts long before the driver gets behind the wheel. Worn brakes, defective tires, or missing safety equipment can make a truck dangerous, and when trucking companies skip maintenance, they endanger everyone on the road.

To prevent breakdowns and crashes, trucking companies operating in Alabama must follow strict maintenance rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as Alabama law. However, proving that a company ignored those rules, which resulted in your injuries, takes time, strategy, and careful evidence gathering.

Read on to learn what proof you need to win a claim and how a skilled Huntsville truck crash lawyer can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

Critical Evidence in Equipment Neglect Cases

You need documentation to prove that a trucking company failed to maintain its vehicle properly and caused your accident. Several types of evidence can support your claim:

Evidence What It Shows Rules
Maintenance Logs Shows whether the company followed regular maintenance schedules or ignored safety issues. FMCSA requires records of inspections and maintenance to be kept for at least 12 months.
Driver Inspection Reports Reveals whether drivers reported problems and if those issues were addressed. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (DVIRs).
Repair History Helps show repeated problems, repair delays, or failure to fix equipment properly. Companies must correct any defects before the vehicle is operated.
Black Box Data Provides a timeline of speed, braking, engine alerts, and other activity before and during the crash. Event data may be automatically overwritten after a limited number of driving hours or engine cycles.

 

Your Huntsville truck accident attorney may need to act quickly to secure this information. Some trucking companies may lose or discard records unless a preservation letter is sent to protect the evidence.

Understanding Federal Maintenance Requirements

The FMCSA sets detailed rules about truck maintenance. When companies break those rules, it strengthens your case. Common violations in equipment neglect claims include:

  • Brake System Failures: Trucks must be equipped with fully functioning service, emergency, and parking brakes, which should be tested regularly. Brake failure is a leading cause of truck accidents.
  • Tire Issues: Federal rules require that tires meet specific tread depth standards and show no signs of wear that could cause a blowout, such as exposed fabric, sidewall bulges, or deep cuts.
  • Lighting and Reflectors: Trucks must have functioning lights and reflective materials to remain visible, especially at night. Burnt-out brake lights or missing reflectors can create deadly blind spots for other drivers.
  • Coupling Devices: These devices connect the truck and trailer. If a hitch or locking mechanism fails, the trailer can detach and cause catastrophic damage.

When these parts are neglected or repaired improperly, the trucking company may be liable for the accident. Expert analysis from mechanics or accident reconstruction specialists can help show how the failure happened and if it could have been avoided.

How Alabama’s Negligence Laws Impact Your Claim

Alabama follows a contributory negligence standard. This means that if the other side can prove you were even slightly at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering any damages.

It’s a harsh rule, making a thorough investigation even more critical. Trucking companies and their insurers often look for ways to avoid liability because they know how much money is at stake. That’s why it’s essential to build your case on solid evidence that shows:

  • The truck had a known maintenance issue.
  • The company failed to repair or inspect the vehicle properly.
  • That failure caused or contributed to the collision.
  • The crash led to your physical injuries, missed wages, and other losses.

A skilled Huntsville truck crash lawyer anticipates these tactics and can help you gather the records, testimony, and expert input needed to protect your case.

Speak With Tyler Mann Injury Law To Protect Your Claim

If you’re recovering from a truck accident in Huntsville, you don’t need to figure all of this out alone. Proving equipment neglect caused your injuries requires technical knowledge, legal insight, and a team that knows how to request and preserve black box data, maintenance records, and other crucial evidence before it’s lost.

At Tyler Mann Injury Law, our legal team helps crash victims take action against negligent trucking companies. We work with experts who understand vehicle systems, inspection protocols, and federal regulations.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us move quickly to secure critical evidence and hold the negligent company accountable.