Pre-Trip Inspection

The pre-trip inspection is a systematic check of the semi-truck's parts and systems that must be completed by a truck driver before every trip, or at the start of the driver's day. It's governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Although it's mandatory and critical, the pre-trip inspection rules are often ignored by drivers, and not enforced by trucking company safety officers and even compliance officials.

That's why there are still far too many dangerous and defective trucks on Michigan roads. The latest estimate is that one out of every four trucks today has a serious mechanical defect that would have been uncovered during a proper inspection. These defects often play a critical role in causing preventable and tragic truck accidents.

The truck driver should begin the pre-trip inspection by reviewing previous vehicle inspection reports. If anything was marked for repair by a company mechanic, the driver must double-check to see if the problem was in-fact, addressed and repaired. The driver should then check the overall condition of the semi-truck or tractor-trailer for any damage. For example, if the vehicle is leaning to one side, there may be a suspension problem or a flat tire that could lead to a crash. The driver also needs to check underneath the vehicle for signs of fresh oil, coolant, grease or fuel leaks. Daily maintenance checks include lubrication oil, water, fuel, air cleaner, air compressor, air brake system, tires, slack adjusters, lights, mechanical brakes, shift controls, automatic transmission, warning stickers, ammeter, horn, windshield wipers, clutch pedal and the electrical starting system.

Our lawyers understand the pre-trip inspection process and how it is often related to causing serious truck accidents. An attorney pursuing an accident investigation following a serious injury or wrongful death should always review the pre-trip inspection report. Often, the report will show the inspection was never completed, was not performed properly, or that a safety defect such as defective brakes was discovered but the truck was taken on the highway regardless.

An experienced truck accident attorney should also consider deposing the company safety director, and depending on how the truck accident occurred, the company mechanics and the employees who repaired the truck after the defect was found. Our lawyers also understand how the pre-trip inspection plays a role in far too many catastrophic truck accidents if it's not completed properly.

To request a free, no obligation case evaluation with one of our Michigan truck accident attorneys, please fill out our contact form and we will respond to your inquiry within one business day. Or to speak to an attorney immediately, please call (800) 777-0028.