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How Defective Truck Parts Contribute to 18-Wheeler Accidents

While many factors can contribute to 18-wheeler accidents, defective truck parts sometimes play a surprisingly significant role in establishing liability. From faulty brakes to worn-out tires, these mechanical failures have the potential to cause serious injuries or damage.

Understanding the impact of these faulty components is necessary for legal recourse, as the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers make them particularly dangerous when equipment malfunctions occur. A single defective part is often all it takes to cause a complete loss of control or reduced stopping ability.

In this blog, David W. Starnes Attorney At Law’s accident lawyers explore the most common defective truck parts, their potential consequences, and the legal implications for accident victims to help you navigate your case.

Identifying Common Defective Truck Parts That Lead to Accidents

While driver error and road conditions are perhaps likelier causes of truck accidents, defective parts constitute a significant yet frequently overlooked proportion. Manufacturers are often liable, as the safety of these vehicles depends entirely on their quality control processes and design decisions. Understanding the most common defective truck parts can help you identify potential hazards and liability factors.

Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Faulty brake systems: Manufacturing defects in the brake system, such as improper installation of components or defective brake pads, can lead to brake failure.
• Defective tires: Tires with design flaws, improper manufacturing or installation processes, or defective materials can lead to sudden blowouts or tread separation.
• Malfunctioning steering components: Defective steering columns, steering gearboxes, or power steering pumps can make it difficult or impossible to control the truck.
• Electrical system failures: Defective wiring or electronic control systems, including issues in the truck’s computerized components, can cause failures in critical systems.
• Flawed coupling systems: Defects in the truck’s hitch or coupling system can cause trailers to unexpectedly impact truck movement or detach, leading to severe accidents involving loss of cargo or trailer control.

How Truck Manufacturers and Maintenance Companies Could Be Held Liable

In 18-wheeler accident cases involving defective truck parts, truck manufacturers, maintenance companies, and trucking companies can be held liable if their negligence directly contributed to the accident.

For manufacturers, liability can be established by demonstrating that a defect in the truck’s parts existed at the time the vehicle left the production line.

In the case of maintenance companies, liability can be proved by showing a failure to perform necessary inspections, repairs, or part replacements as required. Maintenance logs, service records, and witness testimony can all potentially demonstrate that the company neglected its duty to ensure the truck was safe for operation.

Trucking companies or independent owners can also be liable if they’ve failed to book maintenance appointments at appropriate intervals. Maintenance logs and service records can also be used to demonstrate their liability.

The Role of Product Liability Laws in Defective Truck Parts Cases

Product liability laws can hold manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for defective truck parts that contribute to accidents. In other words, these laws often open additional avenues for legal recourse beyond just the driver or trucking company.

As the plaintiff, the burden of proof falls on your shoulders (in most cases), which means you must prove that the product was defective, that the defect caused the injury, and that the manufacturer or seller knew or should have known about the defect.

It’s possible for manufacturers and sellers to raise defenses to product liability claims, including:

• Assumption of risk: If the trucking company knew about the risks associated with the product and voluntarily used it, the liability won’t lie with the manufacturer.
• Contributory negligence: If the plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to their injury, their damages may be reduced.
• State-of-the-art defense: In some cases, manufacturers may argue that the product was designed and manufactured according to the best technology available at the time.

How Accident Lawyers Gather Evidence To Prove a Defective Part Claim

Gathering evidence to prove a defective part claim against truck manufacturers involves a few potential investigative paths. These can include examining the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and the specific part suspected of being defective.

Reconstruction experts can also determine how the defective part contributed to the crash, showing how the malfunction caused the driver to lose control. Photos of the accident scene, eyewitness testimony, and damage reports are also critical pieces of evidence that can support your claims.

To give a brief example, in a case involving a suspected defective braking system, you would first obtain the truck’s maintenance records to check if the brakes were regularly serviced or if the defect was overlooked. Then, an engineer or expert witness can inspect the brakes or testify about any design or manufacturing flaws.

How Expert Testimony Supports Your Case in Defective Truck Accident Lawsuits

Expert testimony for truck part lawsuits comes from engineers or accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the defective part, identify any flaws, and explain how those defects contributed to the crash.

Here’s how their insights add credibility to your claims by offering an objective perspective:

• Technical analysis: Experts provide a detailed examination of the defective truck part, identifying design or manufacturing flaws that caused the accident.
• Clarifying complex issues: They simplify complex mechanical or engineering concepts for the court, making it easier for juries and judges to understand how the defect led to the crash.
• Establishing causation: Experts link the defect directly to the accident, showing that the part’s failure was a key factor in causing the injuries or damages.
• Validating evidence: Expert testimony supports the other evidence in the case, such as maintenance records, accident reports, and black box data, reinforcing the claim.

What Makes an Auto Accident Lawsuit Against Manufacturers Distinct?

The legal process for filing a lawsuit involving a defective truck part differs from other truck accident cases because it focuses on product liability rather than solely on driver negligence or operational error. These cases typically involve both the manufacturer and the maintenance company.

There are cases of shared fault, which is another potential distinction. The driver may be held accountable for negligent behavior, such as speeding or distracted driving, while the truck manufacturer or maintenance company may be responsible for the defective part that contributed to the accident.

In these situations, each party’s level of responsibility is assessed, and compensation is distributed accordingly, where the settlement or verdict may be divided based on fault percentages.

Contact Our Experienced 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

Accidents caused by defective truck parts can be complex. You can rely on David W. Starnes Attorney At Law’s team to fight for your rights and secure maximum compensation for your case.

Reach out now at (409) 835-9900 to start your claim and get the help you need.