Truck accidents can be devastating, given the significant size and weight of commercial vehicles. When they collide with smaller passenger cars, resulting accidents often lead to life-changing injuries. Most of the time, these incidents occur due to human error. However, some crashes happen because of defective vehicle parts.
The resulting injuries can be devastating when defective truck parts contribute to accidents in Florida. The good news is that you may have grounds for legal action against the trucking company or manufacturer following one of these accidents, and a Florida truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit.
What Are Common Defective Truck Parts Florida?
Commercial vehicles have many parts that can cause a crash if they are defective. Often, accidents involve problems with tires, braking systems, or steering wheels. Some of the common defects that impact large trucks include the following:
Tire Blowouts
One of the most common issues in a commercial truck crash is a problem with the tires. When a blowout happens, the truck driver can lose control and collide with other vehicles on the roadway. Tires must be designed to carry tremendous weight for thousands of miles, and accidents are common when they are substandard.
Not every tire problem is the truck manufacturer’s fault. Trucking companies also must regularly inspect their vehicles’ tires and maintain the appropriate pressure. If they fail to do so, the company might be liable for any damages that occur.
Braking System Failures
One of the most dangerous types of vehicle defects involves the braking systems of a commercial truck. A critical part of avoiding an accident is the ability to bring a large moving vehicle to a sudden stop. When the brakes fail or are defective, a truck operator may be unable to slow down fast enough to avoid a hazard in front of them.
Different problems can arise with a braking system. Trucks that use air braking systems may crash due to defective hoses or air compressors. When these vehicles operate appropriately, the compressed air pressures the brake, bringing the truck to a timely stop. If a defect impedes airflow, a driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash.
Steering Defects
Safely operating a commercial vehicle is difficult without an adequate steering system. Steering wheels can fail for various reasons, particularly when something is wrong with the ball joints. Truck operators may be unable to turn their wheel while driving, making it impossible to avoid a collision.
Who Is At Fault When Truck Part Defects Cause Accidents in Florida
In many cases, the manufacturer of a defective truck part will be liable for any damage caused by the malfunction. These companies are held to a high standard when they place their parts and vehicles on the roads.
You may be able to seek compensation for a defective part without proving the company was negligent in creating a specific vehicle or part. Instead, plaintiffs can pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit based on strict liability. Under this standard, your Florida product liability lawyer only must prove that the part was defective and the defect caused the crash.
In some situations, other parties might also be liable. For example, a truck driver or their employer might be to blame if they failed to conduct regular maintenance or repairs on the vehicle, as regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It is also possible for a truck part to become defective due to misuse, which can lead to additional liable parties.
Recovering Fair Compensation for Truck Part Defects Accidents in Florida
When the manufacturer of a defective truck or its parts is liable for an accident, they must pay for any damages that occur. If you are successful with your truck accident claim or lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages that pay for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we have helped countless people recover compensation for their injuries. Our Florida personal injury lawyers can help you pursue the following types of economic and non-economic damages resulting from Florida truck part failures:
You Could Recover Damages Based on Your Pain and Suffering
Recovering pain and suffering damages is often a big part of a truck accident injury case. These damages cover both your physical and mental pain caused by the crash. In addition to the physical suffering that comes with a serious injury, you could also face emotional distress, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may be able to recover significant financial damages based on your experience.
You Could Recoup the Cost of Your Medical Bills
Costly medical care is one of the most difficult aspects of getting hurt in an accident. You could find yourself overwhelmed with bills resulting from treatments like surgical procedures, physical therapy, and hospitalization. Your Florida truck accident attorney can seek reimbursement for all current and future medical expenses related to the accident.
You Could Replace Your Lost Wages
Serious injuries can make it impossible for you to return to your job. While you recover from your injuries, you might miss days, weeks, or months of income due to your injuries. Using your employment records, you may be able to recover the income you lost during your recovery. If you must take a lower-paying job or cannot return to work at all, you may also qualify for lost earning capacity compensation.
Your Family Could Recover Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by defective parts, we extend our sympathies to your family. Our Florida wrongful death lawyers would be honored to lead your fight for justice and compensation to help your family move on with your lives.
Common wrongful death damages include medical bills, lost income, funeral and burial costs, and loss of consortium, companionship, and parental guidance.
Talk to a Legal Professional About Truck Accidents Defective Parts Florida
If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you must identify the at-fault party before seeking damages. While these accidents usually result from human error, they can also occur due to defects in the truck or one of its parts. From faulty brakes to defective tires, these issues can lead to a crash even when all drivers involved in the accident were driving safely.
If a defective truck caused an accident that injured you, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you pursue justice. Contact our personal injury law firm today for your free initial consultation by calling (954) 633-8270. Do not wait to call, as Florida Statutes § 95.11 places a time limit on filing your truck accident lawsuit.
