Proving Manufacturer Liability In Truck Accidents

When Is A Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer Liable in a Truck Accident?

When a truck accident is caused by a defective part, the truck’s manufacturer could be held liable for the resulting damages. Proving a manufacturer is liable for a truck accident can be complicated. The Louisiana truck accident attorneys at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards may need to conduct an extensive investigation of the semi-truck involved in the wreck.

This would include reviewing the truck’s maintenance records and other reports. Documents from the truck’s manufacturer detailing the parts used to build the vehicle, any known defects and a recall history associated with those parts will also be evaluated to support your case.

If our attorneys find that a truck’s manufacturer knew or had reason to believe the parts used in the vehicle were defective, we will work to hold them accountable for any injuries or deaths that result from the accident.

Truck accidents are different than auto accidents, with many different parties involved. Because of the size of semi-trucks compared to most passenger vehicles, these accidents often have terrible consequences for other drivers. If you are someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Louisiana truck accident attorney to recover the compensation to put your life back in order.

After a truck accident, many victims are confused, intimidated by trucking company lawyers, and unsure how to proceed with their claim. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure the products that are on our roads work properly and are safe for long-term use. This is particularly true for semi-trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles. An accident involving an 18-wheeler can result in devastating damage, and manufacturers can be held liable if the cause of the collision was a defective vehicle part.

A defective vehicle is one that is unreasonably dangerous due to a flaw or deficiency in the design, manufacture or marketing of the vehicle. A defect in a big rig – such as defective tires, brakes or sudden acceleration – can result in the vehicle crashing, when such an event otherwise would not have occurred.

Commercial vehicles are under strict regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Trucking companies, drivers and commercial vehicles that are part of fleets are required to perform routine maintenance inspections before long drives. Any truck that fails an inspection should not be approved for road use. Among the most common types of defective truck parts include:

Brake systems – A semi-truck’s brake system is critical because it is such a heavy vehicle. If the brakes malfunction, the driver may not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident. Brakes can become defective due to normal use, or lack of maintenance. Problems with brake hoses, lines or other deficiencies can cause brake systems to stop working or perform poorly because of cracks or overheating.

Tires – Semi-trucks travel long distances, so their tires must be frequently inspected for wear and tear. Blowouts can occur when tires are worn out or not inflated properly. Poor vehicle maintenance could also play a part in accidents caused by tire blowouts.

Steering – The steering mechanisms of semi-trucks control the direction which the vehicle travels. Defects in a truck’s steering wheel, gears, hydraulic lines, ball joints, power-steering pump or rods can affect the entire operation. If a driver cannot properly steer the vehicle, he or she may be unable to avoid an accident.

Fuel tank – A defective fuel system can cause trucks to catch fire, and result in serious burns to victims. Defective fuel lines or pumps may be the cause of an accident, or a design defect with the placement of the fuel tank.

Contact Our Louisiana Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

The truck accident attorneys at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards understand how to build an effective case for you after an accident with a semi-truck, including against a negligent truck manufacturer. We will work hard to build a case on your behalf that proves your claim and holds the at-fault party liable for your injuries and losses.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our Louisiana truck accident lawyers will review your claim and help you determine if you have a case. Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we recover compensation for you.

Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Louisiana

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you need an experienced advocate on your side to fight for you. Trucking companies and their aggressive lawyers will not have your best interests in mind. Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles are much larger than the average passenger car, and an accident can leave victims with serious injuries, medical bills and lost wages from missing time at work.

These damages can impact your life and your financial future. The insurance companies for trucking companies will fight injury claims, and work to pay as little as possible to an injured victim. Our award-winning Louisiana truck accident attorneys prepare every case as if we are going to the courtroom, and our law firm has the resources to perform the extensive investigations that are necessary in these cases.  

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Will Help Your Case

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Contact Our Lafayette Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyers Whenever You Have An Issue

Our award-winning lawyers specialize in car accidents, truck accidents and maritime accidents. We have a long history of satisfied clients. Call us today at 337-291-HURT.

MAKE THE WRIGHT CHOICE. LET US FIGHT FOR YOU! 337.291.HURT

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