Defective Truck Equipment

A study of tractor-trailer accidents in Washington State indicates that defective equipment or vehicle parts may make a truck accident more likely, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The study, performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), looked at several truck crashes. In each situation, the researchers chose three trucks that passed by the crash site just before or just after the accident. One week after the accident, the three “test” trucks and the truck involved in the accident were examined by Washington State Patrol officers with experience enforcing equipment rules for large trucks and identifying defective or dangerous faults in truck parts.

The study revealed that 77 percent of the trucks that had crashed had a defective or poorly maintained truck part that would have earned a traffic ticket, compared to only 66 percent of the trucks that did not crash. Meanwhile, 41 percent of the commercial vehicles involved in accidents had defective truck equipment or a system bad enough that officers would have placed the truck out of service, while only 31 percent of the non-accident trucks had such a defect. Of the collisions studied, 56 percent involved a truck with defective brakes, while 21 percent involved a truck with a steering problem.

These numbers reveal how crucial it is for truck drivers and their employers to ensure that drivers have the properly cared-for equipment they need to do their jobs safely. When a truck is running on defective, weak, broken, or improperly-installed parts, the risk of an accident and severe injury increases.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, the experienced Missouri truck accident attorneys at Page Law can help. We will examine your case carefully and help you hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. For a free consultation, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced a voluntary recall by Volvo of over 60,000 tractor-trailers due to steering problems. WSLS reports that the recall affects Volvo VNL and VNM trucks with model years 2001 through 2006.

The manufacturer issued the recall due to a defect in the trucks’ TRW-sealed drag link. If the drag link defects are not addressed, they may result in separation of the ball socket at the drag link, resulting in a complete loss of steering control by the driver and presenting a high risk that the truck will crash. So far, 23 crashes and two deaths related to the defect have been reported to NHTSA.

Owners of the Volvo trucks affected by the recall are advised by NHTSA to take their trucks to the dealership. Volvo mechanics will inspect the drag link and ball socket and replace parts if necessary. Owners can also call Volvo at 1-800-528-6586 for more information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the federal office responsible for overseeing road safety, including tractor-trailer safety issues. Truck manufacturers, owners, and drivers may be held accountable by NHTSA if they fail to meet mandated safety requirements. Manufacturers, truck repair workers, owners, and drivers may also be held liable by other motorists who are injured due to a defective or improperly repaired truck part.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a St. Louis tractor-trailer accident and you know or suspect a defective part is to blame, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced St. Louis truck crash attorneys at Page Law. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights after an accident and help you hold responsible parties accountable for the damage caused by any defective truck part. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.