How Do Defective Truck Parts Cause Accidents in Atlanta?

When an 80,000-pound truck suffers component failure at highway speeds, the results are catastrophic. Defective parts transform routine trips into deadly disasters on Atlanta’s congested highways. These cases involve complex product liability law and often yield substantial compensation from multiple defendants including manufacturers, distributors, and trucking companies.

Most Dangerous Defective Truck Components

1. Brake System Defects

Responsible for 29% of truck accidents involving mechanical failure:

Air Brake Component Failures

• Brake Chamber Defects: Spring brake failures causing sudden lockup
• Air Compressor Failures: Insufficient pressure for braking
• Valve Malfunctions: Relay and quick-release valve defects
• Air Line Ruptures: Defective hoses causing sudden brake loss
• Slack Adjuster Failures: Automatic adjusters failing to maintain gap

Foundation Brake Defects

• Brake Drum Cracks: Catastrophic failure under heat stress
• Defective Brake Shoes: Premature wear or separation
• S-Cam Failures: Shaft breakage or seizure
• Contaminated Linings: Manufacturing defects reducing friction

2. Tire Defects and Failures

Second leading cause of mechanical failure accidents:

Manufacturing Defects

• Tread Separation: Adhesion failure between tread and casing
• Belt Separation: Steel belts detaching internally
• Sidewall Weakness: Insufficient rubber thickness
• Bead Failures: Improper seal to rim
• Age Degradation: Rubber compound breakdown

Retread Defects

• Improper Bonding: New tread separating from casing
• Casing Fatigue: Multiple retreads on worn structure
• Process Contamination: Foreign materials in bonding
• Inspection Failures: Damaged casings retreaded

3. Coupling Device Failures

Fifth wheels and kingpins connecting tractor to trailer:

• Fifth Wheel Plate Cracks: Metal fatigue causing separation
• Locking Mechanism Defects: Jaws failing to secure kingpin
• Kingpin Failures: Shearing or bending under load
• Safety Latch Malfunctions: Secondary retention failing

4. Steering System Defects

• Power Steering Pump Failures: Loss of assist at critical moments
• Steering Gear Box Defects: Internal component failures
• Pitman Arm Cracks: Catastrophic steering loss
• Tie Rod Failures: Separation causing loss of control
• Steering Column Defects: Universal joint failures

5. Lighting and Electrical Defects

• LED Light Failures: Entire arrays failing simultaneously
• Wiring Harness Defects: Shorts causing fires or failures
• Connector Corrosion: Intermittent electrical problems
• Control Module Failures: ABS and stability control malfunctions

Product Liability Claims for Defective Parts

Strict Liability Standard

No need to prove negligence when establishing:

• Defective Condition: Part was unreasonably dangerous
• Unchanged Condition: Defect existed when sold
• Causation: Defect caused the accident
• Damages: Injuries resulted from defect

Types of Product Defects

Design Defects

• Inherently dangerous design
• Safer alternative designs available
• Entire product line affected
• Risk outweighs utility

Manufacturing Defects

• Deviation from design specifications
• Quality control failures
• Contamination during production
• Individual or batch defects

Warning Defects

• Inadequate installation instructions
• Missing danger warnings
• Failure to warn of known risks
• Insufficient maintenance guidance

Multiple Defendants in Defective Parts Cases

Part Manufacturer Liability

• Primary Liability: Designed and produced defective component
• Deep Pockets: Often large corporations with substantial insurance
• Pattern Evidence: Similar failures nationwide strengthen case
• Recall History: Previous problems with same parts

Truck Manufacturer Liability

• Selected defective component supplier
• Failed to test adequately
• Assembled vehicle improperly
• Ignored warranty claims indicating problems

Distributor/Retailer Liability

• Sold defective parts
• Failed to inspect
• Continued selling after known problems
• Improper storage damaging parts

Installation/Maintenance Provider Liability

• Improper installation causing failure
• Failed to follow manufacturer instructions
• Used wrong parts or specifications
• Damaged parts during installation

Trucking Company Liability

• Negligent maintenance allowing defect
• Ignored symptoms of failing parts
• Selected cheapest parts over safety
• Vicarious liability for driver

Evidence in Defective Parts Cases

Physical Evidence Preservation

Critical steps to preserve defective components:

• Immediate Sequestration: Prevent disposal or repair
• Chain of Custody: Document all handling
• Expert Examination: Non-destructive testing first
• Photographic Documentation: Before any testing
• Exemplar Parts: Obtain identical components for comparison

Documentary Evidence

• Purchase Records: When and where parts obtained
• Installation Records: Who installed and when
• Warranty Claims: Previous problems with same parts
• Recall Notices: Manufacturer acknowledgment of defects
• Technical Service Bulletins: Known issues and fixes
• Quality Control Records: Manufacturing test data

Expert Analysis Required

• Metallurgical Analysis: Metal fatigue and composition
• Failure Analysis: How and why part failed
• Design Review: Alternative safer designs
• Manufacturing Process: Production defect identification
• Accident Reconstruction: How defect caused crash

Common Defective Parts by Manufacturer

Brake Component Manufacturers

• Bendix: Air disc brake and valve defects
• Meritor/WABCO: ABS system failures
• Haldex: Automatic slack adjuster problems
• Gunite: Brake drum cracking issues

Tire Manufacturers

• Michelin: XZA and XZE tire separation cases
• Bridgestone/Firestone: History of tread separation
• Goodyear: G159 tire failures
• Chinese Imports: Hangzhou, Double Coin defects

Component System Suppliers

• Dana/Spicer: Driveshaft and axle failures
• Eaton: Transmission and clutch defects
• TRW: Steering component failures
• Stemco: Wheel end component defects

Recent Atlanta Defective Parts Cases

Case 1: I-75 Tire Tread Separation (2024)

Chinese-manufactured tire suffered complete tread separation at 70 mph. Investigation revealed manufacturing date code tampering and substandard rubber compounds. Multiple defendants included importer, distributor, and installer. Settlement: $4.3 million.

Case 2: I-285 Fifth Wheel Failure (2023)

Fifth wheel plate cracked due to metal fatigue, dropping loaded trailer in traffic. Metallurgical analysis showed improper heat treatment during manufacturing. Similar failures found nationwide. Verdict: $5.8 million against manufacturer.

Case 3: Downtown Connector Brake Fire (2024)

Defective brake chamber spring caused dragging brake, resulting in wheel fire and multi-vehicle accident. Manufacturer had received 47 similar complaints but no recall issued. Settlement: $3.9 million including punitive damages.

Recalls and Safety Campaigns

Active Recall Monitoring

Current major recalls affecting Georgia trucks:

• Bendix air disc brake caliper guide pins
• Volvo/Mack steering shaft separations
• Freightliner Cascadia door latch failures
• Various tire recalls for tread separation

Unreported Defect Patterns

Signs of defects not yet recalled:

• Multiple similar failures in fleet
• Warranty claim spikes
• Technical service bulletins issued
• Internet forums discussing problems
• NHTSA complaint database entries

Compensation in Defective Parts Cases

Enhanced Damage Recovery

Product liability cases often yield higher compensation:

• Multiple Defendants: Aggregate insurance coverage
• Punitive Damages: Knowing sale of defective products
• Class Action Potential: Pattern defects affecting many
• Emotional Impact: Preventable nature of defect accidents

Typical Settlement Ranges

• Single Component Failure: $1-3 million
• Multiple Defects: $3-5 million
• Catastrophic/Fatal: $5-10 million
• With Punitive Damages: Additional 2-3x compensatory

Interstate Commerce Implications

Defective parts cases often involve federal jurisdiction:

• Parts manufactured out-of-state
• Trucks operating in interstate commerce
• Federal safety standard violations
• Multi-state defendant corporations

Immediate Actions After Defective Part Accident

1. Preserve Physical Evidence: Secure all vehicle parts immediately
2. Document Scene: Photograph failed components in place
3. Identify Components: Record all part numbers and manufacturers
4. Witness Observations: Mechanical problems before crash
5. Prevent Repairs: Court order stopping any alterations
6. Expert Inspection: Engineering examination ASAP
7. Specialized Attorney: Product liability expertise essential

Why Defective Parts Cases Require Specialists

Successfully prosecuting product liability requires:

• Engineering Expertise: Understanding complex mechanical systems
• Product Liability Law: Specialized legal theories
• Expert Networks: Access to top failure analysis experts
• Financial Resources: Expensive testing and litigation
• Multi-Defendant Strategy: Coordinating claims against many parties
• Trial Experience: Presenting technical evidence effectively