Although less common than collisions caused by driver error, a number of truck accidents can be attributed to the malfunctioning of a poorly designed or incorrectly manufactured truck part. Trucks are already more difficult to operate by nature of their size and limited turning radius, so when a failing brake system, damaged cargo straps, or weakened axel leads to a truck accident, the consequences for other motorists can be catastrophic, or even deadly.
At Osborne & Francis, we understand that a truck accident can change your life in an instant, saddling you with unexpected medical bills, compromising your physical and emotional health, and jeopardizing your career. We can offer the legal expertise you need to maximize your compensation. Our team can be reached at (561) 678-0156 or you can contact our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident claim in greater detail and explain the personal injury claims process.
Truck Accidents Are Notoriously Catastrophic for Other Road Users
Truck accidents, especially those that occur at higher speeds, often involve life-altering injuries and fatalities. This can be mainly attributed to the fact that a loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds while the average passenger vehicle is between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds. The additional weight works against the truck driver in an accident, as the momentum of a heavier vehicle is more difficult to disrupt by braking or turning. As a result, the heightened impact of a truck on a passenger vehicle is more likely to cause serious or life-threatening injuries, such as:
These types of injuries can often entail complications, leading to issues like infections, organ damage, and permanent disability. Truck accident survivors should always request evaluation by a medical professional even if their injuries appear minor, and seek follow up care if symptoms persist. In some cases, insurance companies will attempt to avoid liability by saying that the plaintiff purposefully allowed their injuries to worsen before seeking treatment. Having a record of prompt medical treatment helps safeguard against that argument and protects the value of your claim.
How Defective Products and Manufacturing Errors Lead to Truck Accidents
There are a number of explanations for how a defective truck part could lead to a collision. For instance, the products may have been made with materials that caused it to deteriorate under heat, damaged in transit, or rendered incompatible with existing parts due to a sloppy design. Some of the most common issues related to negligent manufacturing include:
- Steering column failure
- Tires with inadequate tread
- Faulty brake system
- Damaged cargo straps/clips
For example, say that a truck driver is operating their vehicle with due caution and slows down to come to a safe stop. The trailer hitch, which is weaker than it should be due to the use of insufficient materials, allows the trailer to swing too far to one side causing a jackknife truck accident. The trailer topples over, taking the cab with it, and the cars in adjacent lanes do not have enough time to stop before colliding with the side of the overturned trailer. In this case, the manufacturer of the faulty trailer hitch would likely be held liable for the truck accident in a product liability lawsuit.
Manufacturers Can Be Held Liable for Defective Truck Parts
As experienced truck accident attorneys, we know that truck accidents require careful investigation, as multiple factors may have contributed to the crash and it is not always the driver’s fault. Once the determination has been made that a defective part caused the truck accident, the injured parties may consider filing a product liability lawsuit which targets the makers or distributors of the faulty product rather than the truck driver or their employer. Product liability lawsuits can be brought on the basis of a:
- Design flaw
- Manufacturing defect
- Distribution error/damage
- Failure to warn
It should be noted that Florida is a comparative negligence state, which means that multiple parties can share liability in a civil claim. In the case of a truck accident involving defective parts, other parties, such as the truck company responsible for conducting regular maintenance inspections, may also shoulder some liability if their actions or inactions are found to contribute to the truck accident. In cases with shared liability, the process can be stalled as the negligent parties argue about who should be responsible for what amount of damages, so it is in your best interest to seek out a tenacious truck accident lawyer to represent your interests.
Why Should I Choose Osborne & Francis to Represent Me?
As truck accident attorneys, we have seen a wide variety of claims involving defective products, from tires to brake systems to trailer hitches. We are familiar with the complex process of litigating these types of claims and have a long record of successfully maximizing our clients’ compensation. The truck accident lawyers of Osborne & Francis have decades of combined experience helping injured clients navigate the personal injury claims process, and we are prepared to do the same for you.
Our team is composed of formidable negotiators who will utilize our investigative resources, bring in expert witnesses, create a persuasive argument for compensation, and unapologetically stand up for your right to seek compensation for your damages. As our former clients will attest to, you can trust the personal injury lawyers of Osborne & Francis to maximize your compensation for your damages in a truck accident lawsuit.
Osborne & Francis Specializes in Truck Accident Lawsuits
At Osborne & Francis, we make it a priority to provide your claim with the attention it deserves. For us, that means capitalizing on our resources and years of experience, relying on our network of experts, and keeping in close contact with you throughout the personal injury claims process. We believe that each case should receive our best effort, regardless of size.
The trial attorneys of Osborne & Francis are not threatened by the prospect of taking your truck accident claim to court. Our team has successfully settled complex truck accident claims at the negotiating table and in court by leveraging the available evidence to hold negligent manufacturers liable for their defective products.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Florida truck accident, we encourage you to take advantage of a free consultation with our team to explore your legal options. You can set up a free case evaluation by calling us at (561) 678-0156 or contacting our offices in Boca Raton or Orlando. Our team of expert truck accident attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve.
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