Can I sue a truck manufacturer if a mechanical defect, like faulty brakes or tires, caused the crash?

Potentially, yes. If a defect in a truck's brakes, tires, steering, or other components contributed to the crash, that may open the door to a product liability claim against the manufacturer, separate from any claim against the driver or trucking company.

These cases often hinge on:

• Whether the part failed due to a design flaw versus poor maintenance
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Any prior recalls or known defect history

Mechanical failure claims typically require inspecting the vehicle, pulling maintenance logs, and sometimes bringing in engineers to evaluate the part itself. Evidence can disappear quickly after a crash, so time matters here more than people expect.