Like any other type of vehicle or product, large commercial trucks can have defective parts. When a defective truck part malfunctions, there is a chance the driver can lose control over the semi-truck and crash, potentially causing serious injury and damage to others on the road. When a truck manufacturer realizes that some of its trucks have a possibly dangerous defect, the company has a duty to recall those trucks to replace or repair the problem. Such recalls are overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and all trucking companies should remain fully aware of any new or pending recalls.
The following are two examples of recent truck recalls regarding defects that could result in crashes.
Defective Brake Lights
Company Paccar recently announced the recall of more than 2,000 recently manufactured commercial vehicles because of faulty brake light switches. The defect means that the brake lights on the back of the truck may not come on every time the brakes are applied. As you can imagine, this can easily result in another car crashing into the back of a truck if the driver does not realize the truck is slowing down or stopping.
Defective Tires
Company Daimler Trucks North America has recalled 863 of its manufactured trucks because the company used possibly defective Goodyear tires on the trucks. According to the recall, the tires have a higher chance of tread separation due to improper curing, which can easily lead to a tire blowout and a semi-truck crash.
Trucking companies should always take timely action in regard to recalls. If they fail to get their trucks repaired as instructed, they may be held liable for failing to correct a known defect if a crash occurs.
A Skilled Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
Truck defects are only one of many common causes of tractor-trailer crashes. If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, your first call should be to an experienced semi-truck accident attorney at the law office of Stewart J. Guss, Attorney At Law. We are here to help you and offer free consultations, so please call today at 800-898-4877 for help.
1https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V872
2https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM545900/RCLRPT-16V824-4677.PDF
