Maryland Truck Defect Attorneys

Big Rig Defect

Many different types of vehicles traverse U.S. roads, but none are more intimidating and dangerous than large commercial trucks. Also called big rigs, semi trucks, tractor trailers, and 18-wheelers, these vehicles are many times the size and weight of passenger vehicles, which increases the likelihood of causing catastrophic injuries or even death in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 296,000 U.S. large truck accidents in 2009. Of these, 53,000 caused injuries and 3,215 caused fatalities.

Big rig crashes have a variety of causes, and although truck driver negligence tends to be most common, crashes also occur as the result of manufacturing or design defects. This does not mean no one is responsible, however. If a manufacturing or design defect causes a truck accident injury, then the manufacturing and/or design company may be held liable for such negligence.

Truck Manufacturing Defects

Manufacturing defects refer to a number of issues that may result from the production process. These issues can affect a wide range of truck components, whether they are part of the engine, steering system, body/frame, or wheels. Oftentimes, these defects are the result of cheap, substandard materials or rushed workmanship. Regardless of the reason why they exist, defects endanger the lives of every motorist on the road. Common truck manufacturing defects include:

• Steering system defects;
• Poor welding;
• Defective underride guards;
• Brake malfunction;
• Transmission defects;
• Tire defects;
• Engine defects; and
• Fuel system malfunction.

Big Rig Design Defects

Sometimes, the problem is not the materials used or how the truck was built, but how it was designed. A semi truck can be made using the highest quality materials, but if it is poorly designed, then essential components may fail. If this occurs while the truck is being operated, then the risk of an injury truck crash increases. Design defects may cause:

• Electrical short circuits;
• Engine stalling;
• Brake failure;
• Cargo shift;
• Steering difficulty;
• Fire;
• Chassis instability; and
• Tire failure.

Semi Truck Manufacturing and Design Defects Liability

Negligence comes in many forms. If a truck manufacturer buys substandard materials to save money or rushes vehicle production and manufacturing defects result, the manufacturer may be considered negligent. Likewise, if the truck's design or development was rushed or tasked to an unqualified individual, the company may be considered negligent. When a person is injured in a crash due to another's negligence, the negligent party may be held liable for the losses and damages including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and even lost quality of life.

Getting the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland truck crash caused by manufacturing or design defects, contact the experienced Waldorf big rig defect lawyers with Alpert Schreyer. We have the skills and resources to prove that a truck manufacturing or design defect caused your crash and are committed to obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call 1 (800) 489-1577 today for a free consultation.