Truck Defects

Truck defects are a hidden danger on Maryland’s roads, often leading to devastating accidents in Prince George’s County. Defective parts such as faulty brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause a driver to lose control, endangering everyone nearby. In many cases, these defects stem from poor manufacturing, inadequate maintenance , or the use of substandard components. A skilled Prince George’s County truck accident lawyer can investigate whether a truck defect contributed to your crash and help hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we understand the challenges involved in cases surrounding truck defects. These incidents often involve manufacturers, maintenance providers, or trucking companies, requiring a detailed examination of each party’s role. Whether your case involves a defect in the vehicle’s design or a failure in routine inspections, we are here to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started.

Truck defects significantly affect commercial vehicle accidents, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities. According to studies, most deaths in large truck crashes involve passenger vehicle occupants, largely because large trucks weigh 20 to 30 times as much as smaller vehicles. Their height and ground clearance create additional risks, as passenger cars can slide beneath trailers without strong underride guards. Defective equipment, such as brakes or lighting systems, exacerbates these risks, with crash-involved trucks found to have brake defects 42% of the time. These defects are not merely technical issues—they increase crash risk by 200%, making them a critical factor in road safety.

Some truck defects occur more frequently than others, with devastating consequences for road users. Understanding these common issues is essential to improving safety and holding responsible parties accountable.

Brake Defects: Brake issues are the most dangerous and frequent, accounting for 36% of defect-related crashes. A truck with brakes out of adjustment is 1.8 times more likely to cause accidents, especially in rear-end or crossing-path collisions.

Lighting Defects: Broken or nonfunctional headlights and taillights contribute to 19% of defect-related accidents. These issues make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck or predict its movements, increasing the risk of collisions.

Steering Defects: Faulty steering mechanisms impair a driver’s ability to maintain control of the truck, particularly during emergencies or sharp turns.

Tire Blowouts: Worn treads, underinflation, or overloading can cause tires to fail, leading to destabilization and heightened risks of jackknifing or rollovers.

Poorly Maintained Cargo Restraints: Inadequate cargo restraints can fail during transit, spilling debris onto the road and creating hazards for other vehicles.

Each defect significantly compromises a truck’s ability to operate safely. Addressing these issues through proper maintenance, inspections, and enforcement can reduce accidents and save lives.

Truck defects can lead to accidents in several ways, with some scenarios being more common than others. A rear-end collision may occur when a truck’s brakes fail to engage properly, preventing it from stopping in time. Similarly, a lighting defect can result in a side-impact crash if another driver cannot see the truck’s signals or its presence on the road. Cargo restraints that are improperly maintained can fail during transit, causing debris to spill onto the roadway and create hazardous conditions for other vehicles. These examples highlight how even minor defects can have catastrophic consequences, particularly when combined with the size and weight of large trucks.

While defective equipment often points to the trucking company or manufacturer, drivers may still share liability in certain cases. Federal regulations require drivers to perform pre-trip inspections to identify and report any defects before hitting the road. Failing to conduct these inspections or ignoring visible defects can make the driver partially responsible for an accident. For instance, if drivers notice brake wear but continue driving, they could be held accountable alongside the trucking company. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine the extent of each party’s responsibility and ensure accountability.

Liability in truck defect cases often extends to multiple parties, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Trucking companies are typically responsible for maintaining their fleets and ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards. However, when maintenance lapses lead to accidents, these companies can be held liable for failing to address known issues. Manufacturers may also share responsibility if a defect stems from faulty design or production. For example, brake defects or poorly designed underride guards can implicate the manufacturer in a product liability claim. Third-party maintenance providers who perform inadequate repairs or overlook critical issues may also face liability.

Truck defects, from faulty brakes to manufacturing flaws, put countless lives in danger. If a defect caused your accident, pursuing a claim requires an attorney experienced in product liability and truck accident cases. The Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. work tirelessly to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable. Whether the fault lies with a manufacturer or a maintenance provider, we fight for maximum compensation. Call 301-441-2022 or contact us through our secure online form for a free consultation. With our contingent fee structure, you face no financial risk in seeking justice.