Can A Truck Manufacturer Be Liable For Your Accident?

Yes, a truck manufacturer can be held liable for your accident if a defect in the truck’s design, manufacturing process, or safety warnings caused the crash. In these cases, you can file a product liability claim to hold the manufacturer responsible for unsafe commercial vehicles. However, you must prove that the defect existed and directly caused your injuries.

Recognized with the Legal Elite Award by Florida Trend Magazine, our experienced truck accident lawyers at Todd Miner Law can help you determine whether a truck manufacturer is liable for your accident. We carefully review vehicle maintenance records, accident reports, and evidence of defective truck parts to identify all potentially liable parties. Call 407-894-1480 for a free case review.

When Does Manufacturer Liability Apply in a Truck Accident?

Manufacturer liability in a truck accident applies when a defect in the vehicle’s design or production contributes to the crash. This can include failures in brakes, tires, or steering, or missing safety warnings. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, brake problems were a contributing factor in approximately 29% of serious large truck crashes involving mechanical failure.

Manufacturer liability isn’t limited to production defects; it can also cover defects that develop over time. For example, faulty engine components or electrical systems that fail unexpectedly may contribute to a serious truck accident. You may also hold the manufacturer or other multiple liable parties accountable if they provided incorrect instructions, insufficient maintenance guidelines, or misleading safety information, as these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

What Truck Defects Commonly Contribute to Serious Accidents?

Common truck defects, such as brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, and problems with the tractor-trailer connection, contribute to serious accidents. Worn suspension parts, defective lighting, and malfunctioning windshield wipers can also increase the risk of a crash. These defects often lead to loss of control, rollovers, and jackknife accidents, creating significant danger for you and other drivers.

Here are additional truck defects that can contribute to crashes:

Engine or Transmission Failures

Engine or transmission problems can cause the truck to stop suddenly, lose power, or even speed up unexpectedly. Such malfunctions can cause the driver to lose control of the truck, increasing the risk of a high-speed crash or a collision with other vehicles.

Faulty Exhaust or Fuel Systems

Defective exhaust or fuel systems can leak flammable substances, which may ignite if exposed to sparks or heat. These leaks increase the risk of fire in parked or moving trucks, posing serious hazards to drivers and the surrounding property.

Defective Horn or Signaling Systems

Horn or signal malfunctions reduce a driver’s ability to alert others when changing lanes or approaching intersections. This lack of proper warning can easily lead to collisions, especially in heavy traffic or when merging into other lanes.

Cargo-Loading Equipment Failures

Broken tie-downs, liftgate malfunctions, or other cargo-loader equipment failures can cause the load to shift or fall during transit. These defects can also damage cargo, create road hazards for other vehicles, and disrupt safe delivery operations.

Malfunctioning Mirrors or Camera Systems

Mirrors and camera systems are essential for visibility in commercial trucks. Defects in these components create blind spots, which limit the truck driver’s ability to seenearby vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Faulty Cooling Systems

Malfunctioning radiators, water pumps, or hoses can cause the engine to overheat and fail suddenly. Such failures can reduce engine performance, lead to unexpected breakdowns, and make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, especially during long drives or high-speed driving.

Are Steering System Defects Common In Truck Accident Claims?

Yes, steering system defects are a major cause of truck accidents, even though many drivers and inspectors often overlook them. Defects like failed steering gearboxes, broken tie rods, or power steering pump failures can cause a sudden, complete loss of control at highway speeds.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a large investigation of interstate truck crashes found that 21% of crash‑involved trucks had steering equipment defects. These defects included failures in tie rods, steering linkages, and other essential steering components. Additionally, trucks with steering defects crash at almost twice the rate of trucks without these issues.

How Do You Prove A Truck Manufacturer Caused The Accident?

To prove a truck manufacturer’s liability, you must show that a defective part, such as faulty brakes, steering, or tires, directly caused the crash. You can also rely on expert analysis to confirm the defect and use recall notices to show the manufacturer was aware of the issue.

In addition, you can compare the failed part with trucking industry safety standards and similar components used by other manufacturers. Under 49 CFR Part 396, commercial trucks in Florida must meet federal inspection, repair, and vehicle maintenance standards. These rules require maintenance providers to regularly inspect and properly maintain essential components such as brakes, steering, tires, and lights.

They also require detailed recordkeeping, which helps demonstrate compliance with federal inspection and prevent mechanical failures that could contribute to an accident. Examining these records, along with any internal testing documents from a maintenance company, can identify failures or overlooked safety risks. This allows you to prove that a defect existed and the manufacturer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the crash.

Do You Need Expert Testimony In A Truck Product Liability Case?

Yes, expert testimony is essential in a truck product liability case to show that a defect caused the crash. Experts explain how design flaws, manufacturing errors, or missing safety warnings led to injury. They also analyze vehicle systems and technical data, then present their findings in clear, easy terms. This evidence directly links the manufacturer’s defect to your accident and supports your claim for damages.

Experts can also assess whether the truck manufacturer provided adequate warnings or instructions regarding potential hazards. They may review recall records and similar incidents involving the same truck model to establish a history of safety issues. This analysis shows that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about the risks and failed to take proper action.

What Compensation Can You Recover In A Manufacturer Liability Case?

You can recover compensation for economic damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of extreme negligence or recklessness by the truck manufacturer, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Moreover, you can recover the following types of compensation in a manufacturer liability case:

• Long-term or permanent disability: If your injuries permanently affect your ability to work or perform everyday activities, you may receive compensation. This can cover ongoing care, assistive devices, or home modifications.
• Property replacement or repair: You can recover the costs to repair or replace any vehicles or personal belongings that the crash damaged.
• Loss of earning capacity: If your accident limits your ability to earn income in the future, this compensation covers the reduction in your expected lifetime earnings.
• Mental health treatment: You may recover costs for counseling, therapy, or psychological care to address anxiety, depression, or trauma caused by the accident.
• Transportation and caregiving costs: Expenses for travel to medical appointments or hiring caregivers while you recover are also recoverable under manufacturer liability.
• Loss of consortium: If your injuries affect your family, they may recover damages for the reduced companionship, support, or care they have experienced because of the accident.

You may also recover out-of-pocket expenses, including costs for special medical equipment, home modifications, or supplies needed during your recovery. Additionally, legal and expert fees can be included in a manufacturer’s liability case. These fees cover the costs of hiring an experienced truck accident attorney and accident reconstruction experts who help prove manufacturer liability.

How Long Do You Have To File A Claim Against A Truck Manufacturer Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years to file a claim against a truck manufacturer for injuries caused by a defect under Florida House Bill 837 (2023). If the accident results in death, a wrongful death claim must also be filed within two years under Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d). Missing these deadlines may affect your right to recover compensation.

Product liability claims are also affected by Florida’s statute of repose, which limits the time you can hold a manufacturer company responsible for defects. Under Florida Statutes § 95.031(2)(b), you cannot sue a truck manufacturer for defects more than 12 years after the product’s first sale, even if the injury occurs later.

However, certain exceptions may extend these deadlines:

• Hidden or latent defects: If you do not know about a defect, the filing period begins when you discover it. This can extend the standard two-year limit for personal injury claims.
• Minors or incapacitated individuals: If the victim is under 18 or legally incapacitated, the law pauses the statute until they reach adulthood or regain capacity. This pause can effectively extend the filing deadline by several years.
• Fraud or concealment by the manufacturer: If the manufacturer hid or misrepresented a defect, the filing period may be extended. The period begins when the fraud is discovered, giving you extra time beyond the original deadline to file your claim.

What’s The Difference Between A Truck Design And A Manufacturing Defect?

A truck design defect is a problem in the vehicle’s blueprint that makes every truck of that model unsafe. In contrast, a manufacturing defect occurs during production and affects only certain trucks. Understanding this difference is essential because it helps in determining liability, the legal strategy, and the type of evidence needed to hold the manufacturer accountable.

Moreover, design defects often require expert analysis of the truck’s overall engineering to show that the model’s structure or systems create a risk of injury, even when built correctly. On the other hand, manufacturing defects focus on the specific truck involved in the accident, examining issues like faulty parts, assembly errors, or deviations from the approved design.

Does A Recall Strengthen A Claim Against The Manufacturer?

Yes, a recall generally strengthens your product liability claim against a truck manufacturer in Florida. It provides clear evidence that the manufacturer acknowledged a defect, showing the issue existed when the truck left their control. It also shows that the driver and trucking company knew, or should have known, about the danger, which can support your commercial truck accident case for compensation.

In addition, a recall can also show patterns of negligence. For instance, if multiple trucks of the same model are recalled, it indicates a widespread safety issue that can strengthen your case. Additionally, recall notices, internal reports, and communications about the defect can serve as essential evidence for parties that may share liability if your claim proceeds to court.

At Todd Miner Law, we help truck accident victims hold manufacturers and other partially responsible parties accountable for defective vehicles. If the truck was recalled, we use recall information, along with defect reports, to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 407-894-1480 today for a free consultation and protect your legal rights.

What Defenses Do Truck Manufacturers Use In Accident Claims?

Manufacturers often argue that the truck was built correctly or that multiple parties caused the accident, which leads to liability denial. They may also claim that safety warnings were provided, the truck met industry standards, or driver negligence and negligent hiring contributed to the crash. These arguments help the manufacturer limit or reduce its legal responsibility for the accident.

In addition, manufacturers may rely on the following defenses:

• Alteration or modification: If someone altered the truck after it left the factory, the manufacturer may argue that those modifications caused the defects.
• Improper use: The manufacturer may argue that the driver ignored safety warnings, which caused the crash.
• Statute of limitations: They may claim that the lawsuit was filed too late under Florida law.
• Pre-existing conditions: The manufacturer could argue that your injuries were worsened by prior medical conditions, not only by the accident.
• Unforeseeable events: They might claim that the crash resulted from unexpected situations, such as extreme weather, which they could not have predicted.
• Third-party parts: Many trucking companies may argue that non-manufacturer parts caused the failure, rather than their own design or production.

Contact Todd Miner Law to Sue the Truck Manufacturer After a Crash in Florida!

After a truck accident caused by a defective part, you may face serious injuries, high medical expenses, and costly vehicle repairs. Meanwhile, insurance companies may challenge the severity of your injuries to reduce payouts. Without a detailed investigation, proving the defect and securing a fair settlement can be extremely difficult.

With extensive experience in Orlando courts and insurance negotiations, our attorneys at Todd Miner Law identify all potential sources of liability to secure maximum compensation. Our attorney also handles paperwork, monitors all legal and insurance deadlines, and ensures your claim is filed on time. Call 407-894-1480 or visit 15 Outer Rd, Orlando, FL 32814 for a free consultation.

FAQs