Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles each week, carrying heavy loads across Georgia’s highways. With so much wear and tear, routine inspections and repairs are critical to keeping these massive vehicles safe. When trucking companies or contractors cut corners on maintenance, the results can be catastrophic.
For victims of truck accidents in Augusta, Georgia, maintenance records often play a crucial role in proving negligence. At Burnside Law Firm LLP, our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined trial experience and have been recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for our work in personal injury and truck accident litigation.
Why Maintenance Matters in Truck Safety
A tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If its brakes, tires, or steering systems are not properly maintained, even a minor defect can lead to a devastating crash. According to federal studies, mechanical issues are a factor in about 10% of truck-related accidents.
In Georgia, where 244 people were killed in truck crashes in 2021, missing a required inspection or delaying a repair can mean the difference between a safe trip and a multi-vehicle disaster.
Federal Requirements for Maintenance and Inspections
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict requirements for truck upkeep. Carriers must:
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
- Keep detailed repair and maintenance records.
- Ensure critical systems like brakes, tires, and lighting are in safe working order.
- Maintain records for at least 12 months and keep them available for review.
If these records reveal skipped inspections or falsified logs, they can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in an accident claim.
How Maintenance Records Impact Liability
Maintenance records can help prove:
- Negligence by the trucking company for failing to perform regular inspections.
- Liability of third-party mechanics who improperly serviced the truck.
- Violation of federal safety rules, showing the company prioritized profit over safety.
At Burnside Law Firm, we’ve handled cases where incomplete or missing maintenance logs revealed serious lapses. In many situations, this evidence was key to holding both the driver and the company accountable.
Why Burnside Law Firm LLP
Truck accident cases involving maintenance failures demand a law firm with litigation strength, statewide recognition, and credibility in Georgia’s courts. Burnside Law Firm LLP offers all three.
- Firm-wide recognition in Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, Atlanta Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Georgia, and repeated listings in Super Lawyers.
- Attorneys with trial experience across Georgia’s state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
- Leadership roles such as serving on the State Bar of Georgia’s Disciplinary Board and as Past Presidents of the Augusta Bar Association.
- Deep community involvement, including nonprofit leadership through organizations like Turn Back the Block, which revitalizes neighborhoods in Augusta.
- Offices in Augusta and Athens, allowing us to serve clients across the Augusta Judicial Circuit and beyond.
This combination of courtroom skill, professional accolades, and local commitment makes Burnside Law Firm LLP the trusted choice for truck accident victims seeking justice.
FAQs: Truck Maintenance Records and Liability
Q: How can maintenance records prove fault in a truck accident?
A: They can show missed inspections, skipped repairs, or falsified logs — all of which may demonstrate negligence by the trucking company or maintenance provider.
Q: Who is responsible for keeping maintenance records?
A: Trucking companies are required by federal law to maintain detailed repair and inspection logs, and to keep them available for at least 12 months.
Q: What if a trucking company refuses to release maintenance records?
A: Attorneys can use legal tools like spoliation letters and court orders to compel the company to preserve and produce this evidence.
Q: Can mechanics or third-party contractors also be liable?
A: Yes. If a repair shop failed to properly service the vehicle, they can share responsibility for the crash.
Q: Why should I hire Burnside Law Firm for my truck accident case?
A: Because we combine decades of trial-tested experience, national and state-level honors, and strong local ties in Augusta. Our attorneys know how to obtain, interpret, and present maintenance records as compelling evidence in court.
Takeaway: Maintenance Records Can Make or Break Your Case
Improper or missed maintenance isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a matter of life and death on Georgia’s roads. For truck accident victims, maintenance records often hold the key to proving liability and securing compensation.
At Burnside Law Firm LLP, we bring the experience, recognition, and community trust needed to stand up to trucking companies and insurers. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Augusta or anywhere in Georgia, contact Burnside Law Firm LLP today for a free consultation.
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