A Guide to Truck Manufacturer Negligence

Colburn Law

Posted in Truck Accidents on July 29, 2024

When you are driving on the highway, sharing the road with large commercial trucks can be intimidating. These massive vehicles tower over passenger cars and have the potential to cause devastating accidents. While many truck drivers operate their vehicles safely and responsibly, there are times when accidents occur due to factors beyond their control, such as defective truck components.

Truck manufacturers are responsible for designing, producing, and marketing their vehicles in a way that prioritizes the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. This includes conducting thorough testing, using high-quality materials, and providing clear instructions and warnings. When manufacturers cut corners or fail to address known issues, they put lives at risk.

Common Types of Truck Defects

Truck defects generally fall into three main categories:

• Design Defects: These occur when a truck or its components are inherently flawed from the outset. The design may be unsafe, impractical, or fail to consider foreseeable risks. Examples include brakes that are too small to effectively stop a fully loaded truck or a steering system that is prone to failure.
• Manufacturing Defects: These defects arise during the production process, even if the overall design is sound. Substandard materials, poor workmanship, or inadequate quality control can lead to trucks leaving the factory with dangerous flaws. For instance, a tire may be improperly bonded, causing it to separate while in use.
• Marketing Defects: Also known as failures to warn, these defects involve inadequate instructions or warnings about a truck’s proper use and potential hazards. If a manufacturer fails to provide clear guidance on load limits, maintenance requirements, or operating procedures, accidents can occur.

The Dangers of Truck Manufacturer Negligence

Truck manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their products are safe and reliable, but when they fail to uphold this responsibility, the consequences can be catastrophic. Imagine a truck barreling down the highway at 70 miles per hour when suddenly, its brakes fail. The truck could collide with other vehicles in the area at an incredibly high speed, causing severe and potentially fatal damage to the occupants.

The physical toll of these accidents can be immense, with victims suffering broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other life-altering injuries. In addition to this physical trauma, victims can suffer from financial hardship, with medical bills, lost wages, and property damage adding up quickly. The emotional toll of being involved in a serious accident can last a lifetime, affecting relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Truck Manufacturer in Washington

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a defective truck, you may be entitled to compensation through a product liability lawsuit. These lawsuits hold truck manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by their negligence and help victims recover damages for their losses.

These damages may include:

• Past and Future Medical Expenses: Truck accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. A successful lawsuit can help you recover the costs of your past medical bills and ensure that you have the resources to cover future medical needs related to the accident.
• Lost Wages and Future Income: Injuries from a truck accident can leave you unable to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. A product liability lawsuit can help you recover the income you’ve lost due to missed work and compensate you for any reduction in your future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, a lawsuit can help you recover the costs of repairs or replacement. The settlement not only covers damage to your vehicle, but also electronics, clothing, and other items that were inside the car at the time of the collision.
• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life that often accompany serious injuries can be immense. A lawsuit acknowledges your suffering by providing compensation for the intangible impact of the accident.

To file a lawsuit against a truck manufacturer in Washington, you will need to work with a truck accident attorney who can guide you through the process. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the manufacturer’s legal team for the highest possible settlement.

How to Prove a Lawsuit Against a Truck Manufacturer

To win a product liability lawsuit against a truck manufacturer, you will need to provide strong evidence to establish the manufacturer’s negligence. You will need to prove four important facts, which are also known as elements:

• The Product Was Used as Intended: You must show that the driver was operating the truck or its component in a reasonable way and in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The Product Was Defective: Next, you will need to demonstrate that the truck or component was defective in its design, manufacturing, or marketing, and that this defect made it unreasonably dangerous.
• You Were Injured or Suffered Losses: You must prove that you suffered actual harm as a result of the accident. This may encompass physical injuries, financial losses, or emotional pain and suffering.
• The Defect Caused Your Injuries: Finally, you will need to establish a clear link between the truck’s defect and your injuries, showing that the defect was a direct and substantial cause of your losses.

To prove these elements, your attorney may rely on various types of evidence, such as accident reports, expert testimony, manufacturing records, and your own medical records and personal account of the accident. The more compelling your evidence, the stronger your case will be.

Speak to a Truck Defect Lawsuit Attorney Today

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a defective truck, do not wait to seek legal help. While no amount of money can undo the harm you’ve suffered, a successful lawsuit can provide the resources you need to rebuild your life and move forward. The sooner that you speak with a product liability attorney, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and fight for justice on your behalf. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance providers, your lawyer will stand by your side every step of the way. Contact an attorney today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.