Pennsylvania Defective Big Rig Attorneys

Big rig trucks can contain defective parts for a number of reasons, including lack of maintenance, failure to replace fatigued parts and manufacturer defects. Any type of defective product can be dangerous, but even more so when the ded on an 18-wheeler weighing in anywhere between 30,000 to 80,000+ pounds can be catastrophic or even fatal.

Just as consumers, trucking companies depend on the manufacturer to provide them with new, sturdy and reliable parts to install into their big rig trucks. This may not always be the case. Many companies try to cut corners and increase their profits by using “refurbished” parts…meaning the part was salvaged from another big rig truck and made new again to be used in another big rig truck. This is a growing trend, especially with tires. Instead of making new tires, companies are cashing in on “re-treading” tires. This means they salvage used and old tires, remove the tread and replace it with new. This process, although complex, basically consists of them applying a tar like adhesive and attaching the new tread. Re-treaded tires, although “environmentally friendly”, have a shorter road life and are more prone to blow outs and tread separation.

Another cause of defective truck parts is lack of maintenance due to an employer’s laziness or tight pocket book. By not replacing parts on a regular basis, and “wearing them into the ground”, trucking companies figure they are getting the most bang for their buck. Their thinking is, why replace it if it isn’t broken? Using fatigued or old parts on such a large vehicle, not only puts the driver’s life at risk, but also those passengers traveling around him. A defective part can be anything from a rusty bolt, to defective or old brakes, hinges or cables.

Recently the federal government mandated rear guards on trucks and trailers to prevent under-ride accidents. Under-ride accidents are accident where a passenger vehicle end up underneath a big rig (usually from behind from following too closely or not having enough time to stop). These under-ride accidents usually never leave the passenger car occupants alive, as the top of the vehicle is torn off or crumpled onto the passengers. The new rear guards are known as ICC Bumpers (Interstate Commerce Commission) are typically defective and often ineffective. They are still too high above the road, too narrow and too flimsy to prevent these accidents.

Please call the Pennsylvania defective big rig lawyers at Anapol Schwartz for your free consultation today. Our truck accident lawyers have many years of experience with handling defective truck cases, something that should never be dealt without the strength of a dedicated legal team.

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