Defective Truck Equipment Accidents

Truck accidents have a variety of causes, with driver negligence being the most common. However, crashes occur as the result of manufacturing or design defects as well. This does not mean that no one is responsible. If a manufacturing or design defect causes a truck collision, the manufacturing or design company may be held liable for such negligence. In some cases, the trucking company or truck operator may be held responsible if they failed to properly inspect and maintain the vehicle and its parts.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash caused by manufacturing or design defects, contact the experienced team at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers. Our Maryland truck accident lawyers have the skill and resources to prove that a manufacturing or design defect caused your crash. We commit ourselves to obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call 301-381-2655 today to find out how we can help you. Your initial consultation is free and confidential and we have offices located across Maryland to better serve you.

Truck Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects refer to a number of issues that may result from the production process. These issues can affect a wide range of truck components, whether they are part of the engine, steering system, body, or wheels. Often, these defects are the result of cheap, substandard materials or poor workmanship. Regardless of the reason, defects endanger the lives of every motorist on the road.

Common truck manufacturing defects include:

• Steering system defects
• Poor welding
• Defective underride guards
• Brake malfunction
• Transmission defects
• Tire defects
• Engine defects
• Fuel system malfunction
• Brake, trailer, and turn signal light malfunction
• Trailer hitch defects

Big Rig & Semi-Truck Design Defects

Sometimes the problem is not the materials or how a truck is built, but in its design. A semi-truck made using the highest quality materials, but based on a poor design can still cause essential components to fail. If this occurs while the truck is in operation, then the risk of a collision increases dramatically.

Truck design defects may cause:

• Electrical short circuits
• Engine stalling
• Brake failure
• Cargo shift
• Steering difficulty
• Fire
• Chassis instability
• Tire failure

Negligent Maintenance & Inspections

Equipment failure is not always the result of a defective truck part. Big rig equipment failure may occur as the result of untimely or improper inspection, maintenance, and/or repair. Making sure that the truck is in the best possible condition takes time and money. If a truck is out of service for repairs or scheduled maintenance, it cannot be on the road making deliveries and profits. For this reason, truck drivers and trucking companies may avoid inspections, skip maintenance, and ignore repairs. Unfortunately, this makes an already large and dangerous vehicle even more deadly.

If equipment failure causes a truck accident as the result of negligent inspection, maintenance, or repair, then the trucking company and/or the truck driver may be held liable for the losses suffered by injured victims.

Liability for Defective Truck Parts

Negligence comes in many forms. If a truck manufacturer buys substandard materials to save money or rushes vehicle production and manufacturing defects result, the manufacturer may be negligent. Likewise, if the truck’s design or development was rushed or tasked to an unqualified individual, the company may be considered negligent. When a person is injured in a truck accident due to another’s negligence, the negligent party may be held liable for the losses and damages including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and even lost quality of life.

Visit Our Offices Located in Lexington Park, Bowie, Prince Frederick, Waldorf & Frederick

Suffering a truck crash injury can create undue financial burdens for the victim and his or her family. He or she may have to deal with medical treatments, rehabilitation, prescription medication, and even home care. If the injury causes permanent disability, the victim will likely never be able to work again, as well as have lifelong medical costs.

At Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers, our Maryland truck accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies liable for the injuries they cause. If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, the last thing you should worry about is financial security. We can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. The first step is a free consultation, which can take place over the phone or in person at one of our convenient offices in Lexington Park, Bowie, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, or Frederick. We can also come to you, if you are unable to leave your home or the hospital.

Call us at 301-381-2655 today to find out more about your legal options.