Legal Question in Personal Injury in Texas

18 wheelers

My dad drives and 18-wheeler, and the other night it caught on fire because of an electrical fire. It resulted in his truck being burnt to a crisp and now he is out of a lot of money because of something that should have never happened. He only had one small burn on his finger and had smoke inhilation. We aren't sure if this exact thing has happened to anyone else. If he wouldn't have woken up to something beeping, he would have died. Is there any way that we can sue the people who manufactured the truck since a fire should not just happen like that out of nowhere?


Asked on 11/08/03, 6:31 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Dan Street Street Law Firm

Re: 18 wheelers

Of course, you can sue anyone you want anytime. Whether you can win will depend upon several factors: the age of the truck; whether it has been "modified" since it was manufactured; and whether you can prove origin and causation of the fire. You will probably have to hire an engineer to examine the vehicle and determine the origin and cause of the fire. His findings will, in great measure, determine whether a claim against the manufacturer would be successful.

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Answered on 11/08/03, 7:07 pm

Re: 18 wheelers

There is no easy answer to this question as there are limited facts. How old is the vehicle? When was it last serviced? The wreckage needs to be examined thoroughly to determine the exact cause of the fire. Of course, there is a chance you will find it was do to the manufacturing or a part made by another but used in the assembly. However, there are other causes that may or may not be helpful as well.

Speak with an attorney about your potential claim and see if he/she knows an expert who can begin to examine the vehicle. I know things seem bad but the fortunate thing was that your father is safe.

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Answered on 11/10/03, 7:41 am


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