Michael Piri | Texas Accident Attorney | Unmaintained Vehicle Accidents

The Dangers of Poorly Maintained Trucks

Federal and Texas state laws place strict maintenance requirements on trucking companies and their drivers. These regulations are designed to keep everyone on the road safe. Regular inspections and proper upkeep of critical systems are not optional—they are mandatory. When companies cut corners to save money or drivers neglect their duties, the results can be deadly.

Common maintenance failures that lead to serious accidents include:

• Brake Failure: Worn-out brake pads, fluid leaks, or poorly adjusted brakes can prevent a driver from stopping a multi-ton vehicle in time.
• Tire Blowouts: Old, under-inflated, or defective tires are a major cause of catastrophic blowouts, which can cause a driver to lose control of the truck.
• Steering and Suspension Issues: Worn steering components or a failing suspension system can make a truck difficult or impossible to control, especially at high speeds.
• Lighting and Signal Malfunctions: Broken headlights, taillights, or turn signals make a truck less visible, particularly at night or in bad weather, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Coupling Failures: Improperly secured trailers can detach from the cab, creating a massive, uncontrolled hazard on the highway.

Proving that one of these failures caused your accident is a critical step in your claim, but it is often a significant challenge.

Proving Negligence: The Core of Your Claim

To secure compensation, you must prove that the trucking company, the driver, or another responsible party was negligent. In the context of a maintenance-related accident, this means showing that they failed to uphold their duty to keep the truck in safe working order and that this failure directly caused your injuries.

The Challenge of Gathering Evidence

Trucking companies and their insurance providers have powerful legal teams ready to defend against claims. They often act quickly to control the narrative and protect their interests. Important evidence, like maintenance logs, driver records, and the truck itself, can disappear or be altered if not preserved immediately.

This is why it’s crucial to have an attorney who can act swiftly. Michael Piri knows how to send a spoliation letter, a legal notice that legally requires the trucking company to preserve all relevant evidence. This can include:

• Driver qualification files
• Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
• Inspection, repair, and maintenance records
• The truck’s electronic data recorder (the “black box”)
• Driver’s hours-of-service logs

This evidence is vital for building a strong case that demonstrates a pattern of neglect or a specific, critical failure that led to your accident.

Dealing with Aggressive Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible on claims. After an accident, you can expect the insurer for the trucking company to contact you quickly. They may sound sympathetic, but their objective is to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer or make a statement that could hurt your case later.

They might try to argue that you were partially at fault or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Without expert legal representation, you are at a significant disadvantage. Michael Piri handles all communication with insurance adjusters, protecting you from their tactics and ensuring your rights are upheld. He levels the playing field, allowing you to focus on your recovery while he fights for the full compensation you deserve.

How Michael Piri Fights for You

Navigating a truck accident claim requires more than just legal knowledge; it demands a compassionate approach and a relentless commitment to justice. Michael Piri brings both to every case he handles.

A Compassionate Approach to Your Toughest Moments

Michael Piri understands that you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. He takes the time to listen to your story, understand the full impact the accident has had on your life and family, and answer all of your questions. You are not just another case number. He provides personalized attention and support, guiding you through each step of the legal process with empathy and respect.

Expertise in Texas Truck Accident Law

Michael Piri has extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases, including those involving negligent maintenance. He knows the federal and state regulations inside and out and works with a network of industry experts, from accident reconstructionists to mechanics, to build an undeniable case. He meticulously analyzes every piece of evidence to identify liability and calculate the true value of your claim.

Commitment to Securing Maximum Compensation

Your compensation should cover more than just your initial medical bills. Michael Piri fights to secure a settlement or verdict that accounts for all of your losses, including:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

He prepares every case as if it will go to trial, a strategy that often convinces insurance companies to offer a fair settlement without a lengthy court battle. His commitment is to ensure you have the financial resources needed to rebuild your life.

Take the First Step Toward Justice Today

You do not have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. An experienced and compassionate attorney can protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. The legal system can be intimidating, but with the right advocate, you can hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Texas caused by poor maintenance, contact Michael Piri today. He offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Let him help you through this tough moment and start you on the path to recovery.