Our personal injury law firm has reports on many of the vehicle recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tragically, many of these recalls are the result of accidents that leave victims seriously injured or dead.
However, there are also recalls that the NHTSA issues for many of the tractor trailers driving the nation’s highways. Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine reported on a handful of truck recalls that affect several makes of tractor trailers.
The most recent recall involves Mack trucks, which are being recalled because of faulty brakes. The recall affects 5200 vehicles, model year 2013-2014 CHU, CXU, GU, MRU, and LEU, that were manufactured July 16, 2012, through March 18 of this year that are equipped with drum brakes.
According to the NHTSA, the clevis pin for the brake slack adjuster may be missing a cotter pin. If the cotter pin is not installed, the clevis pin may loosen and fall out causing a loss of brake function on the affected wheel. This loss leads to increased stopping distances and pulling to the left or right when braking, which may increase the risk of a crash.
A recent recall involving the parking brake also effecting Mack trucks, as well as Volvo trucks. Mack is recalling 331 model year 2011-2013 CXU trucks manufactured Nov. 23, 2010, through March 19, 2012. Volvo is recalling 701 model year 2011-2013 VHD and VNL trucks manufactured Dec. 13, 2010, through July 17, 2012. The brake chambers may leak pressure, allowing the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. This could lead to overheated brake components and possibly a fire.
Mack trucks have been the subject of several recalls.
Navistar is recalling more than 1,600 2013 International ProStar commercial trucks, which were made from January 24, 2012, through January 2, 2013, because of issues with axle bearing retaining nut lock snap rings. The NHTSA says ring may have not been installed or may have been installed incorrectly which may result in the retainer nut working loose and possibly separating the wheel hub from the axle. Separation of a wheel hub from an axle may increase the risk of a crash.
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck, our Virginia personal injury law firm has put together an in-depth guide that can help answer questions and concerns you may have. Our firm has successfully represented many clients who were injured in crashes caused by trucks, including a $600,000 settlement for a victim who was critically injured when her vehicle was hit head-on by an 18-wheeler.
A list of FAQ’s about crashes caused can also be found here.