Can a Truck Manufacturer Be Liable for My Injuries?

 Posted on June 09, 2026 in Truck Accidents

In some vehicle accidents, it’s not the driver who causes the accident, but the vehicle itself. If you were in a wreck with a commercial truck that was either caused or contributed to by equipment failure, a truck manufacturer may be liable for your injuries. A Charles County, MD truck accident attorney can help you understand which parties are responsible in 2026.

What Kinds of Truck Defects Can Result in Manufacturer Liability?

A defect is any flaw in a vehicle that makes it unreasonably dangerous to use. These problems can exist in the design of the truck, the parts used to construct the truck, or in the warnings and instructions that came with it. Some defects are obvious right away. Others can go unnoticed without careful inspection until they become dangerous.

Common defects that lead to manufacturer liability include:

• Faulty brakes that give out or take too long to stop the truck

• Defective tires that blow out, particularly at high speeds

• Steering or suspension components that break or lock up

• Poorly designed fuel systems that catch fire after a collision

• Missing or inadequate safety features, like underride guards

Some of these defects can make what may be a minor crash much more serious. The scale of semi-trucks in general makes accidents significantly more dangerous, especially for smaller vehicles around them.

How Do You Prove a Truck Manufacturer Caused Your Injuries in Maryland?

Proving a manufacturer is liable means showing the truck or a part was defective and that the defect caused your injuries. Maryland law allows for several different approaches to this kind of product liability. You can argue the product was defectively designed, defectively made, or that the company failed to warn users about a known danger. You will need to show that the defect existed when the truck left the manufacturer’s and that it directly contributed to the accident that injured you.

This kind of case often relies on physical evidence and technical analysis. Photos from the scene immediately after the crash are valuable evidence. Video footage before and during the crash is also helpful. Your attorney may work with engineers or crash reconstruction professionals to find out what caused the accident. If there are concerns that the trucking company might dispose of evidence, your attorney can send them a spoliation letter to tell them to keep records and relevant evidence.

Is the Trucking Company Itself Also Liable for My Injuries?

The trucking company also may bear liability for your injuries if they were aware of a defect and failed to address it. They may also be responsible if they did not perform necessary inspections on their trucks. These inspections are meant to ensure that everything is in good working order and that any parts are replaced that need it (49 CFR §396.17).

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Defect Claim in Maryland?

You generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a product liability lawsuit in Maryland (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101). The same is true of a personal injury or wrongful suit.

In some cases involving products, Maryland applies a "discovery rule." This can move the deadline back until you knew or should have known about an injury. This is helpful in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent. Because it’s not always perfectly clear how much time you have left to file, it’s a good idea to double-check with a lawyer. In cases like truck accidents that may involve multiple parties who can be liable, legal counsel is also advised.

Call Our Waldorf, MD Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you were injured in an accident with a semi-truck, you should end the claims process confident that every avenue for recovery has been explored. Our Charles County, MD personal injury lawyer is supportive with clients and aggressive with companies and other defendants. A Hagerstown local, Attorney Serafini is active and invested in the local community. Every case will receive his personal attention.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, requiring you to pay only if we win your case. We also answer calls 24/7. Call Serafini Law at 240-744-1600 for your free consultation.