Commercial truck maintenance failure in Georgia is one of the most dangerous causes of catastrophic commercial vehicle accidents. When important trucking parts like brakes, tires, steering, or suspension fail, an 80,000-pound loaded tractor-trailer can become an uncontrollable weapon on busy highways in Georgia.
These failures often lead to devastating outcomes including rollovers, jackknifes, and multi-vehicle pileups. Yet, under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, nearly all of these truck maintenance failures are preventable. Our Georgia truck accident attorneys regularly uncover FMCSA violations, falsified inspection records, and system-wide safety failures that directly lead to these devastating crashes.
FMCSA Part 396 requires trucking companies to inspect, repair, and maintain commercial vehicles before they ever put the public at risk. Unfortunately, many truck companies ignore these requirements to save money or keep trucks moving, and many times Georgia drivers pay the price when a failure causes a deadly accident.
FMCSA Part 396: Federal Rules Designed to Prevent Maintenance Failures
FMCSA regulations exist to allow no margin for guesswork or shortcuts. Part 396 specifically governs inspections, repairs, and maintenance for all commercial motor vehicles. Truck company safety data is publicly accessible through the FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system, which tracks carrier inspection history, safety ratings, and compliance patterns. Our short guide on how to check a trucking company’s safety record after a Georgia truck accident explains how this data can reveal unsafe carriers and repeated violations.
Required Maintenance Under FMCSA Includes:
Daily Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)
Drivers must inspect and report defects related to:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Steering
- Lights
- Coupling devices
- Suspension components
Skipping DVIRs is one of the most common causes of truck maintenance failure in Georgia.
Annual (Periodic) Inspections
Each truck must receive a certified inspection annually. Common violations include:
- Reusing prior inspection documents
- Unqualified inspectors
- Ignoring known defects
- Signing paperwork without physically examining the vehicle
Mandatory Repair & Record-Keeping
Trucking companies must retain:
- Repair logs
- Parts replacement histories
- Inspection reports
- Driver defect documentation
Missing or incomplete records strongly suggest company-wide safety failures.
7 Truck Maintenance Failures That Cause Truck Accidents in Georgia
These violations consistently appear in Georgia truck accident lawsuits and FMCSA enforcement reports. Many of these violations tie directly to negligent hiring and unsafe company practices.
1. Brake System Failures (Most Dangerous Violation)
Brake failures account for over 40% of out-of-service violations and stem from:
- Worn brake pads
- Air pressure leaks
- Out-of-adjustment components
- Cracked drums
- Malfunctioning ABS systems
Brake failures are one of the deadliest causes of commercial truck crashes in Georgia. These violations often overlap with hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue, especially when trucking companies push drivers to stay on the road longer than federal law allows.
2. Tire Blowouts on Georgia Highways
Heat and long-distance freight travel make blowouts especially common on major Georgia interstates due to:
- Bald or underinflated tires
- Overloaded trailers
- High pavement temperatures
- Retread separation
- Poor tire monitoring procedures
A blowout can trigger rollovers or multi-lane collisions instantly.
3. Steering System Failures
When steering systems fail, the truck becomes directionally unstable. Common causes include:
- Worn tie rods
- Ignored alignment issues
- Defective steering gear
- Insufficient lubrication
These failures often cause lane departures and head-on truck crashes.
4. Lighting and Visibility Violations
Lighting defects significantly increase nighttime crash risk and include:
- Non-functioning brake lights
- Broken headlights
- Missing reflectors
- Damaged conspicuity tape
- Electrical system failures
Poor visibility prevents other drivers from reacting in time.
5. Suspension Failures from Overloaded Cargo
Improper weight distribution and overloading can lead to:
- Trailer sway
- Broken suspension springs
- Frame stress fractures
- Rollovers
These suspension failures from overloaded cargo often accompany improper cargo securement violations. This is a perfect example of how liability in trucking accidents extends far beyond the driver and frequently involves system-wide trucking failures such as negligent hiring, unsafe maintenance practices, and illegal pressure from the trucking company.
6. Ignored Fault Codes and Mechanical Alerts
Modern trucks generate safety warnings such as:
- ABS system alerts
- Brake malfunction warnings
- Engine derate warnings
- Tire pressure notifications
Many fleets ignore these alerts to avoid downtime and this directly contributes to truck maintenance failure in Georgia.
7. Fraudulent or Rushed Inspections
Under company pressure, mechanics may:
- Sign inspection sheets without inspections
- Reuse prior reports
- Skip brake testing
- Approve unsafe vehicles
Falsified inspections can be a major cause of fatal truck accidents.
How Truck Accident Lawyers Prove Maintenance Failure in Georgia
Experienced truck accident attorneys know to gather critical trucking evidence including:
- Maintenance Logs
- DVIR Reports
- Annual Inspection Certificates
- Parts Replacement Data
- ECM Black Box & Telematics Files
- Safety Violation Records
Missing or altered records can often demonstrate negligence and misconduct on the part of the trucking company or their subsidiaries.
Why Truck Maintenance Failures Put Georgia Drivers in Immediate Danger
Georgia’s freight corridors rank among the most heavily trafficked trucking corridors in the Southeast, particularly along the I-75 corridor through:
- Atlanta
- Macon
- Warner Robins
- Valdosta
Additionally, the trucking traffic on I-16 from the Savannah Port to Dublin, Macon, and on I-75 to Atlanta, places enormous strain on commercial vehicles. This increases the risk of maintenance-related failures when trucking companies fail to conduct required inspections and repairs.
When trucking companies skip inspections or delay repairs, the risk of catastrophic equipment failure increases dramatically. Even minor mechanical problems can instantly become fatal at highway speeds.
What To Do After a Truck Crash Caused by Maintenance Failure
To protect your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical care
- Photograph the scene and damage
- Record the truck’s DOT and fleet numbers
- Avoid speaking with trucking insurers
- Contact a Georgia truck accident attorney immediately
Important electronic data may be overwritten within days so it is important to contact a truck accident lawyer immediately to preserve the crash evidence and your rights. A trucking lawyer can help preserve evidence by sending a spoliation letter so evidence doesn’t disappear or get overwritten.
Speak With a Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck maintenance failures are not accidents. They are predictable, preventable, and often caused by corporate negligence. If you were injured in a trucking crash due to a poorly maintained commercial truck, the Georgia truck accident lawyers at Brodie Law Group will investigate every detail, preserve critical evidence, and hold the trucking company accountable.
Our attorneys understand FMCSA compliance failures, mechanical negligence, and trucking industry tactics. Contact Brodie Law Group today at (478) 239-2780 or fill out our injury form for a free trucking injury consultation to get a legal assessment of your trucking injury claim and understand your options immediately.
