Defective Truck Parts that Cause Accidents

, , Virginia Truck AccidentsLeave a commentvirginiatruckaccidentlawyer

Although driver error and overloaded tractor-trailers are common causes of truck accidents, defective truck parts are also a frequent cause of catastrophic truck accidents. If you have suffered an injury from a crash that occurred because of a defective part or mechanical failure, contact us immediately. Our Virginia truck accident lawyer can file an injury claim or a lawsuit on your behalf against the manufacturer and any other responsible parties.

Legal Remedies for Truck Accident Victims

When a defective part causes a truck accident, victims may be able to pursue a truck accident claim or lawsuit against the liable trucking company. It is up to the company to ensure that all their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. They are also required to make sure any mechanical issues are addressed immediately.

In some cases, the defective truck part is not caused by failure to maintain on the truck owner’s part, but by a defect in the design or manufacturer of the part itself. In these cases, the truck part manufacturer can be held liable for damages. A truck accident lawyer will investigate your case to determine if the manufacturer should be held wholly or partially responsible for your injury.

Common Defective Truck Parts

The following are some of the most common defective truck parts:

  • Brakes – Failure of a truck’s brakes can result in a catastrophic accident involving several vehicles in addition to the truck itself. There are often warning signs that should alert the truck driver and trucking company’s mechanics that there is an issue with the vehicle’s brakes. These signs include screeching sounds or vehicle vibrations when the driver applies the brakes. The pooling of brake fluid beneath the truck when it is parked also signifies something may be wrong with the brakes.
  • Tires – It is also critical for truck drivers and trucking companies to regularly inspect the tires on their vehicles. Tires with worn-out treads or which are not inflated properly can restrict the driver’s control of the truck. Truck tire inspections should include checking the air pressure and the tire tread depth as well as looking for any signs of tread separation and cracks. A tractor-trailer traveling down a highway that has a tire blowout can be deadly for all concerned.
  • Steering mechanism – The steering wheel mechanism is critical for the driver’s control of the truck. Its failure can cause the driver to lose control and result in a deadly crash. There should be regular inspections of the truck steering gear, steering pump, hydraulic lines, and tie rods to make sure they are in good working order. In a truck accident case, the truck’s maintenance logs can be introduced into evidence if they show a lack of proper care of the vehicle.

Call a Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer for Help

If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident caused by a defective vehicle part, contact Shapiro, Appleton, Washburn & Sharp today to set up a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse you may have.

Truck accident cases can be complex, and it is not uncommon for there to be multiple at-fault parties who are responsible for the payment of financial damages you may be entitled to for your injuries. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated Virginia truck accident attorneys. Our personal injury firm has successfully represented many injured victims and their families and we are happy to meet with you and offer legal guidance on what the best options may be for your circumstances.

 

RELATED CONTENT