Truck Accidents Caused by Defective Parts

Truck Defect Accidents

Many trucking accidents in Ohio and across the U.S. are caused by defective parts. Due to the intricacies of commercial vehicles, one error can cause the entire truck to be hazardous. From the correct metal of a small bolt within the engine to the proper tread on the tires, a single mistake could be the reason you went through a terrifying experience and suffered serious injuries.

If you were hurt in an accident because of truck defects, contact the Ohio truck accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW.

Defective trucks have no place on our roads. When they cause crashes, we are here to help you seek compensation for your injuries. By contacting us soon as possible, we can work to preserve evidence, investigate the crash, determine liability, and seek the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Common Defects in Trucks

Commercial trucks rely on a number of complex systems. From shifting to braking, these large trucks are far different than a regular family vehicle. That is why they require special education, training, and licensing to drive. For the truck to be safe to operate, all of these complex systems need to be well-maintained by the driver and motor carrier.

They also need to be free of defective parts. If one or more parts were defectively designed or manufactured, then the risk of something going wrong is significant.

Some common defects that can lead to serious accidents include defective:

Brakes

Brakes are essential on any vehicle. Since brakes are often more complicated systems on trucks, there are many parts and connections in which a dangerous defect could arise.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic systems within trucks are comprised of hoses and pumps moving necessary fluids throughout the vehicle to ensure the mechanical systems function safely and efficiently. If any of the hoses, motors, or other parts fail due to a defect, a number of mechanical systems within the truck could fail and cause an accident.

Engines

The engine of a truck is one of the most essential systems. If even the smallest part is not designed well and built correctly, then the engine may fail and the trucker could lose control of the vehicle leading to a crash.

Steering systems

Without a well-functioning steering system, a trucker cannot properly control the truck and avoid collisions.

Couplings or hitches

When semi-truck cabs are connected to trailers, which is a majority of the time, the two parts are connected by a hitch, also known as a coupling. If any of the parts of the coupling fail, a trailer could become unhitched or jackknife.

Tires

Tires are as essential to a truck as the engine. Without them, the truck is not going anywhere. If the tires are not designed or made properly, then one or more of them are likely to fail during a trip.

Straps and tie downs

Trucks often utilize tie downs and straps to secure cargo. If these security measures fail, cargo could fall off the truck and into traffic.

Types of Defects

There are three types of defects that could affect a commercial truck: design, manufacturing, and lack of warning. Any one of these defects could create a serious hidden danger that increases the risk of a crash.

If you were injured in a trucking accident and there is evidence that a defect may have been at fault, your attorney will gather evidence regarding the type of defect and then who may be responsible for it.

Design defect

A design defect means the intended final design of a part is inherently dangerous and a business could have designed the part in a safer manner.

Manufacturing defect

A manufacturing defect means a part was not built according to its specifications and the resulting difference between the design and actual part creates a hazard. A manufacturing defect can affect only a few parts or many.

Lack of warning defect

Some parts or machines have inherent dangers even when used properly. Businesses need to provide proper warnings to ensure the part or machine is used correctly and safely.

Liability for Truck Defects

If you were injured in an accident caused by a defect within a truck, the type of defect can help you discover the responsible party, which you would need to file an insurance claim against or name in a lawsuit. Regarding liability for a trucking accident, it may not be an obvious person or business.

It may not be a business you have ever heard of, if you are not familiar with the trucking industry. For instance, the trucker is often not responsible for a defect. However, the motor carrier, a maintenance provider, designer, manufacturer, or seller may be liable for the hazard.

Your best chance of successfully obtaining compensation after a truck accident caused by a defect is to work with an experienced Ohio truck accident lawyer at KNR. We have years of experience handling these cases and we are not intimidated by large motor carriers, auto manufacturers, or insurance companies.

How an Ohio Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

After you were hurt in an unexpected collision, you may not be prepared for the time and energy it takes to follow through with a trucking accident claim.

Matters are not helped by the fact that trying to gain compensation after a trucking accident can be difficult and traumatic. You are often up against large businesses and major insurance providers, both of which may have powerful legal teams. Even a relatively clear-cut situation can take months to settle and require tough negotiations.

You can get the time commitment and knowledge you need to successfully seek compensation by working with an experienced Ohio truck accident lawyer from KNR. We understand the intricacies of trucking accidents and defective truck cases.

To learn more about how we can help, call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW and schedule an initial case consultation.