Can a Truck Manufacturer Be Liable for Defective Parts After a Crash?

Yes, you can hold a truck manufacturer liable if a defective part contributed to your crash. For example, if faulty brakes, steering components, tires, or electronic control systems failed and led to the collision, the manufacturer or distributor would be held legally responsible under product liability law.

With extensive trial experience and a proven track record of success, experienced truck accident lawyers at Todd Miner Law help you pursue the full compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Our team also collaborates with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the accident scene, carefully documents defective parts, and handles all communications with insurance companies to protect your legal rights. Call 407-894-1480 for a free case evaluation.

When Can a Truck Manufacturer Be Held Liable for Crash-Causing Defects?

You can hold a truck manufacturer liable when a design defect, manufacturing error, or failure to provide adequate warnings about a known safety defect directly contributes to your crash and resulting injuries. Under 49 C.F.R. § 573.6, manufacturers are required to notify the NHTSA whenever they discover a defect or regulatory noncompliance. If the manufacturer fails to report or correct a known defect, and that defect contributes to a truck accident, you may pursue a product liability claim against them.

In addition, truck manufacturers can be held liable in the following situations:

• Limited Vehicle Testing: Liability may apply when a manufacturer fails to properly test trucks or their parts before release.
• Electronic or Software Problems: Failures in systems like automatic braking, stability control, or engine software can directly cause accidents.
• Low-Quality Materials: Using unsafe or poor-quality parts increases the potential risks of breakdowns and crashes.
• Unclear Maintenance Instructions: Failure to provide simple, accurate guidance on vehicle care to truck owners can lead to unsafe conditions.

Does a Vehicle Recall Automatically Establish Manufacturer Liability?

No, a vehicle recall does not automatically establish manufacturer liability. However, a recall can provide important evidence that a safety defect existed. To hold the manufacturer responsible, you must show that the specific defect directly caused your crash and the resulting injuries.

Serving clients in Orlando, Lake Mary, and Deltona, Todd Miner Law guides you through every step of the legal process in a vehicle defect claim. Our team thoroughly investigates your crash, gathers vital evidence like defective vehicle history, recall notices, and expert analysis, and clearly links the defect to your accident. Contact us at 407-894-1480 to protect your legal rights.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim Against a Truck Manufacturer?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a truck manufacturer for a defect under Fla. Stat. §95.11(3)(a). If you fail to file within this period, you may lose your right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In contrast, property damage claims may have a longer filing period, often up to four years.

In some cases, these deadlines can be extended. For example, if the defect or injury was not immediately discoverable, Florida law applies the “discovery rule.” Under this rule, the statute of limitations begins when you reasonably discover the defect or the resulting injury.

Additionally, Florida law sets an absolute deadline known as a statute of repose. In most truck-related product liability cases, this period is 12 years from the date the truck was delivered to its first purchaser. Once those 12 years pass, you generally cannot file a lawsuit, no matter when the defect is discovered or when the injury occurs.

Note: Because exceptions may apply, you should speak with an Orlando truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What’s the Difference Between a Design and a Manufacturing Defect?

A design defect occurs when a truck’s original blueprint is defective, which makes every vehicle of that model unsafe. In contrast, a manufacturing defect occurs during the production process, when a specific truck is improperly built and fails to conform to its intended design. Both types of defects can cause accidents, but identifying the exact defect is essential for proving liability and pursuing compensation.

Additionally, a design defect can affect every truck of that model, while a manufacturing defect usually impacts a single vehicle. For example, a poorly designed braking system is a design defect, whereas a brake that fails because of a production error is a manufacturing defect.

Can a Defective Truck Part Lead to a Class Action or Mass Tort?

Yes, a defective truck part can lead to a class action or mass tort, especially when the same defect affects multiple trucks and causes similar injuries or financial losses. In these cases, injured parties can pursue their claims collectively, which can reduce litigation costs and strengthen the case.

However, class actions and mass torts operate differently. In a class action, one or several representatives file a single lawsuit on behalf of a larger group with identical claims, and any settlement or verdict applies to the entire class. In contrast, a mass tort allows each injured party to file an individual claim, while the court coordinates the related cases together to streamline the process.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Truck Crash Caused by Defective Parts?

You can recover compensation for economic loss (medical costs, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering and emotional distress) after a truck crash caused by a defective design. In some cases, you may also pursue punitive damages if the manufacturer knowingly ignored significant risks, increasing your potential compensation.

In addition, you may recover the following losses if the defective parts directly contributed to the crash:

• Loss of earning capacity: Compensation if your spinal cord injuries affect your ability to work long-term.
• Spinal cord or catastrophic injuries cost: You may need specialized care, assistive devices, or home modifications after serious injuries.
• Psychological counseling: Therapy or mental health support for trauma caused by the accident.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on relationships or family life due to your injuries.

How Do Defective Part Claims Differ From Standard Truck Accident Lawsuits?

Defective part claims target the manufacturer or supplier for product defects, rather than driver negligence. You must show that a component, like brakes, tires, or steering, failed and directly caused the crash. These cases often involve technical evidence, multiple parties, and expert analysis to prove liability and recover compensation.

Furthermore, defective product claims require a thorough investigation than standard truck accident cases. This often involves reviewing a truck’s design, manufacturing process, and maintenance history to identify the source of the failure. Your trucking accidents lawyer may also examine recall notices, inspection reports, and testing records, which provide vital evidence to establish liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.

What If the Manufacturer Claims Improper Maintenance Caused the Failure?

If a manufacturer claims that improper maintenance caused the failure, you can still hold them legally responsible. In these cases, you should gather complete service and inspection records to demonstrate that the truck was properly maintained in accordance with industry standards. Then use expert analysis to assess whether the brakes, steering, suspension, or the electronic control module failed due to a design or manufacturing defect. If a system fails during normal operation despite proper maintenance, it establishes the manufacturer’s liability.

Which Defenses Do Truck Manufacturers Use to Avoid Liability?

In Florida, truck manufacturers often argue that accidents were caused by improper maintenance, misuse, or unexpected modifications rather than a manufacturing defect. They may also rely on defenses such as comparative negligence, blaming the driver or the victim, and assumption of risk, claiming you knew about the defect. However, you can counter these claims with detailed documentation, expert analysis, and evidence directly linking the crash to the defect.

Truck manufacturers also use the following defenses to avoid liability:

• Third-party interference: Claiming that another mechanic or vendor caused the defect or made it worse.
• Environmental or road hazards: Arguing that weather, potholes, debris, or other outside factors led to the crash.
• Aftermarket or replacement parts: Stating that non-certified or improperly installed parts contributed to the accident.
• Wear and tear: Claiming that normal aging or use of parts, not a defect, caused the failure.

Contact Todd Miner Law To File A Claim After A Truck Crash Caused By Defective Parts!

After a truck accident caused by a defective part, you may have to deal with serious injuries and costly repairs. Meanwhile, manufacturers and insurance companies may deny liability, arguing the crash resulted from maintenance issues or driver error. Without a detailed investigation, proving the defect and holding the liable parties accountable can be extremely difficult.

Recognized as the best Personal Injury Attorney or Firm, Readers’ Choice, in Best of Orlando,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 case review.

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