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Can a Truck Parts Manufacturer be Held Responsible for an Accident?

Inspection needed after truck wreck

There are thousands of trucks on our roadways every day, so it comes as no surprise that they are involved in a good number of crashes. More than 15 million trucks are on U.S. highways, and more than 4,500 people lost their lives in large truck accidents in 2017.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Texas is ranked as one of the states with the highest number of trucks and the largest number of truck accidents. After a truck accident, the cause and contributing factors must be determined in order to assess liability in the crash. If a manufacturing defect is found, the truck parts manufacturer could be held responsible.

Common Truck Part Defects

Trucks have thousands of mechanical parts, so it is not unusual to find that one or more parts are defective.

When one of the defective parts is essential for safe operation, the truck manufacturer could be held responsible for an accident. Some of the most common defective truck parts include:

  • Tires
  • Brakes
  • Lights
  • Steering mechanism

Generally, the truck driver or owner is accountable for truck accidents. However, just like car accidents, in some instances, the manufacturer could be at fault. The cause of an accident may fall into one of three categories including human error, mechanical malfunction, and outside factors, such as road or weather conditions.

Big Rig Mechanical Malfunctions

Mechanical malfunctions can cause or contribute to serious and deadly truck crashes. There are several factors you need to consider when you determine the cause of a crash. The parts themselves could be defective. If that is the case, the manufacturer could be responsible for the accident. If the parts were installed incorrectly, the company that performed maintenance could be partly to blame.

If the truck owner does not properly maintain the parts, the truck company might be at fault. Finally, the truck driver may not have operated the vehicle in a safe manner and the parts could have failed due to human error. Commercial trucks must get inspections and must follow the federal rules and codes that pertain to vehicle maintenance.

The causes of a Truck Wreck Can Be Complex

Truck accidents can be extremely complicated and therefore require help from a qualified truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer will review the details of the case and gather information and documentation to prove if there were defective parts that caused or contributed to the accident. This information can sometimes be difficult to obtain. Remember that the trucking company holds the records for truck maintenance and they may be unwilling to provide this after an accident without being compelled to produce the information. In some instances, your attorney may need to file a motion with the court to get the records that he needs to evaluate the case.

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries as well as money for pain and suffering and lost wages. If you were hurt in a truck crash, it is important to seek legal guidance as quickly as possible from an experienced truck wreck attorney.

Call Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Consultation – (281) 893-0760!

Attorney Greg Baumgartner has obtained millions of dollars in truck accident settlements for our clients. We understand how to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our skilled 18-wheeler accident lawyers today to schedule a free initial case review- at 281-893-0760!

 

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About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.