Common Defects & Malfunctions Found in Truck Accidents

If you were involved in a truck accident and sustained injuries, more than just the driver might be found liable for your injuries and any property damage you sustained. In fact, it is common for there to be multiple defendants in such cases, given the amount of elements and variables involved, especially if defects or malfunctions are to blame.

While there are certainly numerous defects possible in truck accidents, some are more common than others. Below are some of the most commonly encountered truck defects: 1. Defect in Underride Guards or Crash Bars: The underride guard, which is attached to the rear-end of a trailer, was designed to prevent passenger vehicles from going underneath the back of a semi-truck’s trailer during a rear-end collision. If this crucial piece is broken, cracked, or simply does not meet the required safety standards, this defect can be potentially deadly.

2. Defective Semi-Truck Tires: This type of case can involve multiple defendants, including the driver of the truck, the owner of the truck, and the tire manufacturer. When tires cannot withstand normal wear and tear, have poor traction due to a design defect, or are showing signs of tread separation, the tire’s manufacturer can be held liable. If the owner or driver of the truck failed to inspect tires, or improperly repaired a tire, however, that person can be held liable instead of the tire manufacturer.

3. Defective Semi-Truck Fuel Systems: Defective fuel systems are often responsible for trucks catching fire, causing severe burn injuries. This is not as common an occurrence as the aforementioned defects, but when they happen, the results can be disastrous. Some of these specific fuel system defects include design flaws, defective fuel lines or pumps, lack of anti-siphoning instrument needed to prevent fuel leakage, and unregulated fuel-tank add-ons. Any of these defects, if present, can cause a fire or explosion and require extensive investigation.

When a large commercial truck has a mechanical defect or malfunctioning part, the chances of a fatal accident are high, especially given the sheer size of them. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a truck defect, you can take legal recourse and pursue compensation for the damages you have suffered.

18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in New Orleans

The personal injury team at The Womac Law Firm is ready to hear your case. Injuries caused by 18-wheelers can be devastating, leading to costly medical bills, lost wages, or even diminished quality of life. You should not have to pay for the negligent actions of another party or suffer in silence. Our firm is committed to helping injured clients fight for the fair and just compensation they deserve, and we would be honored to do the same for you. Cases involving truck defects can be incredibly complex, requiring extensive investigations and an in-depth knowledge of the law. Do not leave the results of your case up to chance. Seek the skilled and experienced representation of one of our New Orleans attorneys today.

In addition, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us any legal fees unless we win your case, giving you the chance to focus on recovery.