Yes, in Illinois, you may be able to sue the truck manufacturer if a truck accident was caused by equipment failure that stemmed from a defective part or design flaw. These types of cases sometimes fall under what’s known as product liability law and can be a critical path to securing compensation when a vehicle malfunction causes serious harm.
When Is a Manufacturer Liable?
Truck manufacturers—and sometimes parts suppliers—can be held legally responsible if their negligence leads to a defect that causes an accident. This may include:
- Faulty brakes or brake lines
- Tire blowouts or tread separation
- Steering system failures
- Engine malfunctions
- Defective trailer couplings or load mechanisms
If a component failed while the truck was being used properly and that failure led directly to the crash, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
Proving a Defect Caused the Crash
To succeed in proving liability in the case, your legal team must show:
- The equipment had a design, manufacturing, or labeling defect
- The truck was being used as intended when the failure occurred
- The defect directly caused or significantly contributed to the accident
These cases are complex and often require expert analysis to reconstruct the accident, inspect the vehicle and failed components, and determine whether the issue stemmed from negligence in design or production.
Other Parties Who May Share Liability
In addition to the manufacturer, other parties may be partially responsible for the failure. These can include:
- Maintenance providers who ignored or missed the defect during servicing
- Truck owners or operators who failed to perform regular inspections
- Parts distributors or vendors who supplied faulty components
An experienced injury attorney will investigate every angle to identify all potential sources of compensation.
Why These Cases Require Legal Expertise
Lawsuits involving manufacturers and equipment failure are highly technical, and large corporations often have legal teams prepared to defend their products. You need an advocate who deeply understands the law — and who has the resources to build a strong case backed by expert testimony and hard evidence.
At The Illinois Hammer, we have extensive experience handling truck accident claims involving mechanical or equipment failure. We work with engineers, accident reconstruction experts, and industry professionals to uncover the truth and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.
Get the Help You Need After a Truck Equipment Failure
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident that may have involved equipment failure, don’t try to navigate it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the full compensation you deserve — for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
You focus on healing. We’ll focus on justice.
