Trucks Recalled Over Accident Risk and Steering Defect
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced several truck recalls due to truck accident risks. A Western Star / 4900 SA truck recall has been issued by Daimler Trucks North America because of defective steering mechanisms. Manufactured between December 2001 and June 2010, the potentially defective trucks being recalled include 2002 models through 2011 models. The announcement cited a spacer that connects the rear steer axle idler arm to the frame rail that could become cracked. If it breaks the idler arm could separate from the frame rail and reduce the truck driver’s steering ability. Daimler plans to notify dealers and owners.
Navistar, Inc., issued a second truck recall involving International trucks that also have steering defects. The steering gear shaft has a fastener that may not have been correctly assembled and this could potentially cause a loss of steering control for the driver, which increases the risk of a semi truck or tractor trailer accident. The recalled models were manufactured from May 2009 and May 2010 and include:
| Vehicle Make / Model: | Model Year(s): | |
| INTERNATIONAL / 4300M | 2010 | |
| INTERNATIONAL / 8600 | 2010-2011 | |
| INTERNATIONAL / LONESTAR | 2010-2011 | |
| INTERNATIONAL / PROSTAR | 2010-2011 |
If a semi truck driver knowingly drives a defective truck, this can constitute driver negligence, and anyone injured in an accident due to a defective semi truck may have a legal claim against the driver, manufacturer, owner and others.
