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A steering failure in a pickup truck is one of the most dangerous mechanical events that can happen on a Dallas-area road. When a driver loses directional control, the truck can cross into oncoming traffic, roll over on a highway overpass, or slam into pedestrians near a busy intersection. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a faulty steering system, you have legal options under Texas law, and Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys in Denton is ready to help.
Table of Contents
- Why Steering Failures in Pickup Trucks Are Especially Dangerous in Dallas
- Common Causes of Steering Failure in Pickup Trucks
- Texas Law and Who Can Be Held Responsible
- Injuries Caused by Steering Failure Pickup Truck Crashes
- What to Do After a Steering Failure Pickup Truck Accident in Dallas or Denton
- FAQs About Steering Failure Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
Why Steering Failures in Pickup Trucks Are Especially Dangerous in Dallas
Pickup trucks are heavier, taller, and less stable than passenger cars. A Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or RAM 1500 can weigh well over 4,000 pounds. When the steering system fails at highway speed on I-35E near Denton or in dense urban traffic on Loop 288, that weight becomes a serious threat to everyone nearby.
Steering failure strips the driver of the one tool needed to avoid a crash. Unlike brake failure, where a driver can still try to steer around danger, a steering failure leaves the driver completely without control. The truck goes wherever physics takes it, and at speed, that often means a head-on collision, a rollover, or a T-bone crash at an intersection.
Dallas roads make this worse. The I-35E corridor, US-380 through Denton, and the dense traffic near the University of North Texas campus all feature high vehicle density and fast-moving traffic. A pickup truck that suddenly cannot turn has very little room to stop safely before hitting another vehicle or leaving the roadway entirely.
Pickup trucks also have a higher center of gravity than most vehicles. For pickup trucks in 2022, rollovers accounted for 20.8% of fatal crashes, a rate that exceeded the rollover rates in fatal crashes of all other common types of motor vehicles. Steering failure is a direct contributor to rollover events, because a driver who cannot correct a drift or skid has no way to keep the truck upright through a turn.
The combination of size, weight, and rollover risk makes steering failure in a pickup truck a uniquely severe crash scenario. Victims in smaller vehicles, on bicycles, or on foot near places like Rayzor Ranch Marketplace or the Denton Square rarely walk away without serious injury.
Common Causes of Steering Failure in Pickup Trucks
Steering failure in a pickup truck almost always traces back to one of three sources: a mechanical defect in the vehicle itself, a maintenance failure by the owner or a repair shop, or damage caused by road conditions. Understanding the cause matters because it determines who is legally responsible.
Worn or broken tie rods are one of the most common mechanical causes. Tie rods connect the steering rack to the front wheels. When they wear out or break, the driver loses the ability to turn the wheels. This type of failure can happen suddenly, with no warning, even on a straight road like US-377 heading toward Denton from Fort Worth.
Power steering pump failure is another frequent cause. Most modern pickup trucks use either hydraulic or electric power steering. When the pump fails, the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn. In a heavy truck, this can make it physically impossible for the driver to steer at all, especially at low speeds or when making a sharp turn.
Steering rack and pinion failures occur when the central component of the steering system wears down or cracks. This can cause the steering wheel to feel loose, unresponsive, or to pull hard to one side. In a pickup truck carrying a load or towing a trailer, this kind of failure can trigger a dangerous swerve.
Aftermarket lift kits and suspension modifications also contribute to steering problems. When a truck is lifted beyond factory specifications, the geometry of the steering and suspension changes. This puts stress on components that were not designed for the new angles, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of sudden failure. Crashes connected to these modifications can involve both product liability and negligence claims.
Finally, deferred maintenance is a major factor. Steering components have recommended service intervals. When an owner or a fleet operator ignores those intervals, worn parts go undetected until they fail on the road. If a commercial operator’s truck caused your crash, the employer may share liability for that failure.
Texas Law and Who Can Be Held Responsible
Texas law provides multiple paths to compensation after a steering failure crash, and more than one party can be held responsible at the same time.
If the steering defect was present when the truck left the factory, the manufacturer faces liability under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82. Chapter 82 outlines the legal framework for product liability claims in Texas. Texas law follows the doctrine of strict liability in many product liability cases, meaning that injured consumers do not need to prove that the manufacturer was negligent. Instead, they must show that the product was defective and that the defect caused their injuries. This is a significant protection for crash victims.
Texas product liability claims fall into three categories. Product liability cases in Texas generally fall under three categories: manufacturing defects, design defects, and failure to warn. A manufacturing defect means the steering part was made incorrectly. A design defect means the steering system was inherently flawed, even when built as designed. A failure-to-warn claim applies when the manufacturer knew about a danger and did not disclose it.
If a repair shop performed faulty work on the steering system, that shop can face a negligence claim. If a commercial fleet operator failed to maintain its trucks, that company can face liability for the driver’s injuries and for the injuries of anyone else hurt in the crash. Texas law also allows claims against parts suppliers and distributors when a defective component caused the failure.
The driver’s own conduct matters too. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401, reckless driving is a separate basis for liability. If a driver knew the steering was compromised and drove anyway, that decision is relevant to the fault analysis. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule under Chapter 33 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code. You can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the crash.
The statute of limitations for personal injury and product liability claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the crash. Missing that deadline means losing the right to sue. If you were hurt near the Denton County Courthouse or anywhere else in the Dallas-Denton area, act quickly to protect your claim.
Injuries Caused by Steering Failure Pickup Truck Crashes
Steering failure crashes produce some of the most severe injuries seen in any motor vehicle accident. Because the driver has no warning and no control, there is no opportunity to brace or reduce speed before impact. The force of the collision is often full and direct.
Traumatic brain injuries are common in these crashes, especially when the truck rolls over or collides with a fixed object. The sudden rotation and impact forces are enough to cause both closed-head injuries and penetrating skull injuries. Victims may face permanent cognitive changes, memory loss, and inability to work.
Spinal cord injuries are also frequent. A head-on collision or rollover can compress or sever the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Victims who suffer spinal injuries often require lifetime medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications. These costs must be factored into any settlement or verdict.
Broken bones, internal organ damage, and soft tissue injuries are nearly universal in high-speed steering failure crashes. Chest injuries from steering wheel impact, rib fractures, and internal bleeding are all documented outcomes. In crashes near Dallas highways like I-35E or the Dallas North Tollway, speeds are high enough that these injuries are often catastrophic.
Burn injuries can occur when a crash ruptures the fuel system. Facial injuries and amputation injuries are possible when a smaller vehicle is struck by a full-size pickup truck. Every one of these injury types carries long-term costs that go well beyond the initial emergency room bill, including lost wages, future medical expenses, and the pain and suffering that comes with a life-altering injury.
What to Do After a Steering Failure Pickup Truck Accident in Dallas or Denton
The steps you take in the hours and days after a steering failure crash directly affect the strength of your legal claim. Evidence disappears quickly, and the at-fault party’s insurance company will begin its own investigation almost immediately.
Call 911 and get a police report. The officer’s report documents the scene, the vehicles involved, and any initial findings about the cause of the crash. This report is a critical piece of evidence in any claim, and you will need it when dealing with insurance adjusters.
Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury may not show obvious symptoms immediately. A medical record created on the day of the crash links your injuries directly to the accident, which matters when an insurance company tries to argue that your injuries came from somewhere else.
Preserve the vehicle. Do not allow the truck to be repaired or scrapped before an attorney can arrange an inspection. The steering components are the key physical evidence in a defective product or negligence claim. If the truck is destroyed before it can be examined, your case becomes significantly harder to prove. An experienced car accident lawyer can send a spoliation letter to preserve the vehicle and all related evidence.
Document everything. Take photos of the crash scene, the vehicles, your injuries, and the road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses. If the crash happened near a business or a traffic camera on Loop 288 or University Drive in Denton, surveillance footage may exist and must be requested quickly before it is overwritten.
Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys before you speak with any insurance adjuster. Insurance companies work to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation. Our team of personal injury lawyers handles these conversations for you, so you can focus on recovery. As a truck accident lawyer team serving Denton and the greater Dallas area, we know how to build the evidence needed to hold manufacturers, fleet operators, and negligent drivers accountable. Call us at (940) 800-2500 for a free consultation.
FAQs About Steering Failure Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
Can I sue the truck manufacturer if a defective steering system caused my crash?
Yes. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 82, you can bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer, parts supplier, or distributor if a defective steering component caused your crash. Texas follows strict liability in many of these cases, which means you do not have to prove the manufacturer was careless, only that the product was defective and caused your injury. An attorney can help you identify the right defendants and gather the technical evidence needed to support your claim.
What if the pickup truck driver knew the steering was bad but drove anyway?
That decision is directly relevant to your case. A driver who operates a vehicle with a known steering problem can be found negligent under Texas law. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 545.401, driving with willful disregard for safety can support a reckless driving finding. If the driver is employed by a company, the employer may also share liability for allowing an unsafe vehicle to remain in service. This type of conduct can also support a claim for punitive damages in some circumstances.
How long do I have to file a claim after a steering failure crash in Texas?
The general statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the date of the crash. For product liability claims against a manufacturer, the same two-year period typically applies. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. If the crash involved a government vehicle, shorter notice deadlines may apply. Contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys at (940) 800-2500 as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Who pays for my medical bills while my case is pending?
Your own health insurance or personal injury protection coverage can pay for treatment while your case is pending. If you do not have coverage, many medical providers will treat you on a medical lien, meaning they wait for payment until your case resolves. Your attorney can help coordinate this so that your treatment is not delayed. Once your case settles or goes to verdict, medical expenses are part of the damages you recover from the at-fault party.
Does it matter if the steering failure happened on a private road or parking lot near Denton?
The location of the crash generally does not change who is responsible for a defective steering system. Whether the crash happened on I-35E, on a rural road outside Denton, or in a parking lot near Golden Triangle Mall, the manufacturer’s liability for a defective part follows the vehicle. Negligence claims against a driver or employer also do not depend on whether the road was public or private. What matters is whether the defect or the negligent conduct caused your injury. An attorney can review the specific facts of your crash and advise you on the best path forward.
Content prepared by Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, Denton, Texas. Principal office: Denton, Texas. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter, as results depend on the specific facts and law applicable to each case.
More Resources About Vehicle Defects & Mechanical Failures
- Brake Failure Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
- Tire Blowout Pickup Truck Crashes in Dallas
- Suspension Failure Pickup Truck Crashes in Dallas
- Engine Failure Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
- Defective Pickup Truck Design Accidents in Dallas
- Pickup Truck Recall Accidents in Dallas
- Aftermarket Modification Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
- Lift Kit-Related Pickup Truck Accidents in Dallas
