Loose Caboose
I’m Ed Smith, a Products Liability Lawyer in Sacramento. Defective or improperly installed trailer hitches can pose a serious risk for accidents resulting in traumatic or even fatal injuries. In California, the safety and installation of hitching equipment is controlled by the legal code-in accident cases involving trailers, these laws can help injured parties recover damages.
Dangerous Liability
If a trailer comes unhitched from its tow vehicle during transit, the risk of an accident is substantial. Unexpected decoupling can occur for a variety of reasons, including manufacturer defect, faulty installation, and operator error. In the event of an accident, injured parties may be empowered to file suit against any of the aforementioned responsible parties.
Defective Products
In some cases, trailer hitches fail due to issues with their design, manufacture, or improperly labeled technical specifications.
- Defective Design: If a poorly designed product can be show to have been produced despite the manufacturer’s knowledge of a safer or more effective design, plaintiffs may seek to prove that the manufacture may have acted negligently and contributed to an accident.
- Manufacturing Defects: Even if a product’s design is sound, errors in the manufacturing can compromise the safety of the finished product. Distributed defective items can leave manufactures open to liability claims if their products fail and cause accidents.
- Defective Labeling: Improperly labeled items can create dangerous situations. Failure to adequately warn of dangers and incorrect technical specifications can put consumers in harm’s way and may constitute negligence on behalf of the manufacturer.
Risk of Injury or Death in Detached Trailer Accident
When a trailer becomes unhitched during transit, the ensuing carnage can be catastrophic. Injuries sustained in these sorts of accidents can include significant trauma such as:
The medical costs associated with treatment after a detached trailer accident can be astronomical. If you or your loved one has been injured in such a collision, you may wish to seek out a qualified and experienced attorney to preserve vital evidence, negotiate with insurers and other entities, and file the appropriate legal documents on your half. Both commercial and private parties have an incentive to minimize their financial responsibility for your damages-do not let them take advantage of you.
Related Articles by Sacramento Products Liability Lawyer, Ed Smith:
- Trailer Hitch Detachment Accidents
- California Laws for Defective Products
- Steering Wheel May Detach on 841,000 Ford Fusion Vehicles
- Ford Explorer Probe Expanded to Next Level Before Recall
Sacramento Products Liability Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Products Liability Lawyer in Sacramento. Have you or someone you love been injured in a trailer decoupling accident? I can help. Please contact me right away at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice. I can also be reached online at AutoAccident.com.
Since 1982 I have assisted Sacramento and Northern Californians with their recovery after accidents. You can take a look at some past client reviews of mine on: Yelp, Avvo and Google.
The Million Dollar Forum has honored me with membership for case settlements and verdicts in excess of $1,000,000 that I have obtained on behalf of my clients.
Find summaries of some of my past Verdicts and Settlements posted to my website.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Jackkniffing by M0tty. CC BY-SA 3.0
:rey [cs 558] cv