{"id":16448,"date":"2021-04-27T03:25:13","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T03:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/?p=16448"},"modified":"2026-02-02T23:26:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T07:26:58","slug":"defective-parts-a-hidden-cause-of-alabama-truck-crashes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/blog\/defective-parts-a-hidden-cause-of-alabama-truck-crashes\/","title":{"rendered":"Defective Parts: A Hidden Cause of Alabama Truck Crashes"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

It\u2019s easy, as we\u2019re driving down any road, to blame other drivers for everything from no turn signal to a serious accident. Often, carelessness, inattention, and even rudeness are in fact to blame for these issues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, there\u2019s another, less obvious cause of traffic trouble: defective truck parts. Defective or poorly maintained parts can cause serious trouble and play a prominent role in truck crashes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This post will explain how improperly working truck parts can influence crashes and resulting insurance and legal issues. We\u2019ll also show how an experienced Alabama truck crash attorney can help you navigate the more complicated aspects of these cases.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Defective Truck Parts Impact Crashes, Claims, and Legal Outcomes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

According to a study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 141,000 large trucks were involved in fatal and injury crashes over a 33-month period. Of those, nearly 50,000 had brake or tire problems associated with the cause of the crash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Alabama alone in 2019, 417 out of 10,486 truck crashes involved defective truck equipment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These are only two examples of how defective truck parts can affect the safety of our roadways. Such factors are important to any insurance claim or legal case as they place at least some of the blame with those who operate, own, and maintain the truck.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Manufacturers, Distributors, and Retailers May Be Liable for Defective or Dangerous Parts and Products<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When defective braking systems, tires, seatbelts, or other vehicle parts contribute to a crash, you may have a product liability claim against the companies that designed, built, distributed, and sold these products. You can (and should) file these personal injury claims in addition to your claims against the negligent truck driver and trucking company.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To win compensation in a product liability claim, you\u2019ll need to prove that the company was negligent when it designed or manufactured the part. This typically requires hiring experts, like engineers and accident reconstruction specialists, to determine the precise causes of the truck wreck and the errors made during the part\u2019s design or manufacture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You\u2019ll also need physical evidence\u2014the truck parts themselves. However, it\u2019s common for trucking companies to throw out damaged parts when they\u2019re repairing trucks. Your truck crash lawyer<\/a> must act quickly to preserve this evidence\u2014so don\u2019t wait to call a lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Don\u2019t Ignore Possible Negligent Maintenance Claims<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sometimes, a damaged part wasn\u2019t improperly designed or manufactured. Instead, the trucking company used it for too long. Truck drivers and commercial trucking companies must regularly inspect their vehicles and maintain them. In fact, they must keep detailed maintenance logs under the federal trucking rules.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

However, just like damaged parts, truckers only need to keep these logs for a limited time. If you don\u2019t preserve this evidence, you might lose out on valuable compensation and weaken your legal claims.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

RELATED: <\/strong>What Caused My Truck Wreck? Find Out From the Black Box<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Look Out for the 5 Most Common Truck Part Defects<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you or a loved one suffered life-changing injuries in a truck wreck, you want to hold every negligent party accountable and get the compensation you deserve. This might include filing claims against multiple parties and working with experts to prove your case\u2014and Andy Citrin wants to help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Certain truck parts and systems are more likely to be defective due to poor manufacturing, maintenance, or design:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Brake Systems<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Brakes should be regularly inspected, including checking the hoses and lines for correct fit and drum brakes for overheating or cracks. If warning signs like screeching, fluid leaks, vibrations, and dash alerts are ignored by the driver, company or mechanic, a loss of brake control could be fatal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Tires<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Truck tire blowouts can be sudden and disastrous. Tires should be matched to ensure the truck handles properly. Over\/under inflation, worn tread, cracks and cuts can all lessen a driver\u2019s ability to keep full control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hydraulics and Steering<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Defective ball joints, power steering pump, tie rods, hydraulic lines, or steering gear will all make it harder for the driver to control the direction of the massive truck.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If something, even a minor collision, triggers the hydraulics unexpectedly, the truck bed can move. Depending how high it goes and what\u2019s on it, the outcome could be fatal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Visibility<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It goes without saying that a truck driver needs to see clearly and other drivers need to see the truck. Even slightly defective windshield wipers allow water, debris, and other residue to obscure visibility.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Burned out or dimmed lighting makes is harder for drivers to see the road and for other drivers to see the truck. The truck should also have reflective tape to catch other headlights. If the tape is placed incorrectly or worn from time, it will be less effective.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Component Placement<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rear underride guards keep other vehicles from going under the truck in a rear-end collision. If they aren\u2019t up to code, smaller cars could end up dangerously stuck.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Side-saddled fuel tanks, because of their placement in the truck, are far more likely to explode in a collision. A good lawyer knows how to find out if the truck had this kind of fuel tank.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

RELATED: <\/strong>What if My Seatbelt Fails in a Crash?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Experienced Lawyers Root Out Hidden Causes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Crashes involving large trucks are far more complicated than other car crashes. Not only can trucks do more damage with their size and weight \u2013 as commercial vehicles they fall under the responsibility of multiple people and entities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Working with an experienced truck crash attorney means you\u2019ll be able to uncover all the causes of a crash, from driver fatigue and distraction to improper loading to under-maintained equipment and parts. We want to hold every at-fault party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

A good truck crash lawyer knows:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n