In some cases, a truck crash may occur despite the truck driver and trucking company taking every reasonable precaution. The cause may not be due to negligence behind the wheel, but rather a defect in the truck itself. When a faulty part or system is to blame, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against one or more parties involved in the design, manufacture, or distribution of the defective product.

These cases are complex and require the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney.

What Truck Defects Can Lead to a Crash?

Product liability law recognizes several types of defects that can make manufacturers and other parties liable:

• Manufacturing Defect: A problem occurs during the production process, resulting in a product that deviates from its intended design and poses a safety risk.
• Design Defect: The product’s design is inherently dangerous or flawed, even when manufactured correctly.
• Marketing Defect (Failure to Warn): The manufacturer or seller failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions about a known or foreseeable risk.

In addition to strict liability, product liability claims may also be brought under theories of negligence or breach of warranty, depending on the facts of the case and applicable state law.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Defect Case?

Product liability law allows injured parties to bring claims against anyone in the chain of distribution, also known as the stream of commerce. This may include:

• The manufacturer of the defective part or system.
• The truck manufacturer itself.
• Suppliers, distributors, wholesalers, or retailers.

Under strict liability, multiple parties may be held responsible, and in some jurisdictions, may share liability under joint and several liability rules.

Importantly, the trucking company may still bear responsibility if it failed to inspect or maintain the truck properly, even if a third-party defect ultimately caused the crash.

How Do You Prove a Truck Defect Lawsuit?

Truck defect cases require prompt and thorough legal action. Your attorney must move quickly to preserve critical evidence, such as the truck and its components. This may involve obtaining a court order to prevent the vehicle from being repaired, altered, or destroyed.

To succeed in a product liability claim, your lawyer will likely work with engineering or mechanical experts who can analyze the defective part and testify to its failure. These cases often rest on technical analysis and whether expert testimony meets court standards for admissibility.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your injuries were caused by a defective truck or truck component, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Claims may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or disfigurement

In cases involving large manufacturers or trucking companies, substantial insurance coverage or corporate assets may be available to satisfy a judgment or settlement. However, the value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and state-specific legal standards.

Contact the Santa Fe Truck Crash Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, the Santa Fe truck crash lawyers at the Buchanan Law Firm, LLC can help. Call us today at 505-900-3559 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re based in Albuquerque and proudly serve clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.