A safety recall notice was published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this past week regarding a problem with Daimler trucks that could lead to loss of control and crashes. The recall involves potentially over 8000 trucks under the Freightliner name, including models Cascadia (model years 2006-2010), Century (model years 2005-2010), and Columbia (model years 2007-2010).
The danger arises inner tie rods that may loosen over time and which can result in a loss of vehicle control at highway speeds. Obviously, a loss of control of a Freightliner truck can cause disastrous injuries and destruction of personal property. Although the recall notice has been issued and repair efforts are expected to be in place by November, any wrecks involving these trucks should certainly be investigated for potential product defect in addition to driver conduct. More information about the particular recall is available at the NHTSA consumer site by entering Campaign ID 09V357000 in the search box.
Injuries caused by tractor-trailer accidents, large truck wrecks, or passenger vehicle collisions should always be investigated thoroughly. This would include an analysis of any potential defects in the vehicles, and any recalls that were not corrected by the owners and operators of vehicles.
