When truck accidents result in severe injuries or tragic fatalities, injury victims and family members of lost loved ones often assume the truck driver or trucking company is to blame. But there can be several other responsible parties, including a negligent truck manufacturer if a defective part caused the accident.
An experienced Penn Kestner & McEwen truck accident attorney will investigate to identify all potentially liable parties and take action against all of them. We’ll do everything we can to maximize your compensation. If you would like to schedule a free evaluation of your case, please contact us online or call (800) 732-3070.
How Can a Manufacturer Cause a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents occur for various reasons, including driver error, mechanical failure, and environmental conditions. However, manufacturers can also play a role in causing truck accidents if they design or produce faulty truck components. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the products they produce are safe for use, and if they fail to meet this responsibility, they may be liable for any accidents.
When a product is designed with a defect, it can cause serious harm and, in some cases, even death. Product designers are responsible for creating safe and effective products for their intended use and minimizing any potential risks or hazards.
Defective product design can occur due to inadequate testing, a lack of proper design standards or regulations, and more. Suppose someone suffers an injury due to the failure of a product with a design defect. In that case, they may have legal options for seeking compensation from the product’s manufacturer, designer, or distributor. It’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can tell you the best course of action.
Defective Products that Cause Truck Accidents
Here are some ways a manufacturer can cause a truck accident:
- Defective brakes: Faulty brakes can cause a truck driver to lose control or fail to stop to avoid a collision. If a manufacturer produces defective brakes, they may be liable for any accidents.
- Tire blowouts: Tire blowouts can also cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially at high speeds.
- Faulty steering or suspension: Problems with the steering or suspension of a truck can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a crash. I
- Electrical system failure: Electrical system failures can cause various problems, including loss of power to critical systems such as brakes and steering.
Understanding Multi-Party Liability
Truck accidents can be complex, and multiple parties may share liability for the accident. The truck driver, trucking company, and other parties, such as manufacturers or cargo loaders, may be involved in many cases. Multi-party liability can make it more challenging to determine who is responsible for the accident and to what extent.
The truck driver might be liable if they were driving negligently or violating traffic laws. The trucking company may also share liability if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver or violated regulations related to hours of service or maintenance requirements.
Determining multi-party liability requires a thorough investigation of the accident, including analyzing the driver’s behavior, the condition of the truck and its components, and the actions of the trucking company and other parties involved.
If you’re involved in a truck accident with multiple liable parties, you’ll need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities of multi-party liability. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence and help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive from a Negligent Truck Manufacturer?
You should never hire an attorney who will promise you’ll obtain a certain amount of compensation – or tell you how long it will take to get your money – without first having all the facts.
Generally, the compensation you receive will depend on several factors. These include the nature and severity of your injuries, the costs of your medical treatment, and the impact of your injuries on your ability to work and enjoy life.
In product liability cases involving manufacturing defects, you may recover compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
The amount of compensation will also depend on the strength of your case, the evidence available to support your claim, and your attorney’s negotiating skills.
What Evidence is Used to Prove that a Manufacturing Company is At Fault?
Proving that a manufacturing company is at fault can be challenging in a truck accident case. But several types of evidence can help support your claim. These include the following:
- Inspection reports: Inspection reports can provide information about the truck’s condition, including any defects or maintenance issues. These reports can help determine whether the manufacturer’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance and repair records: Similar to inspection reports, maintenance and repair records can help establish whether the manufacturer followed proper maintenance and repair procedures and addressed any problems correctly.
- Black box data: Commercial trucks are often equipped with data recorders, which can provide important information about the truck’s speed, braking, and other factors leading up to the accident.
- Expert testimony: Experts such as engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and industry professionals can analyze the evidence and provide an expert opinion on whether the manufacturer’s negligence contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturing records: Manufacturing records can provide information about the production process and can help establish whether there were any defects or design flaws in the truck.
By gathering and presenting this evidence, your attorney can demonstrate that a manufacturing company is at fault in a truck accident case.
Contact Penn Kestner & McEwen ASAP to Speak with an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney if a Negligent Truck Manufacturer Caused Your Injuries
A Penn Kestner & McEwen lawyer is standing by to determine whether or not the manufacturer of a defective part contributed to the accident. Call (800) 732-3070 or use our online contact form for a free case review.
