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Karl Truman: Trusted Automotive Defect Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Offices in Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN
Not every car accident is caused by driver error. Sometimes the vehicle itself fails. A tire blows out at highway speed due to a manufacturing defect. An airbag deploys without warning and hurls shrapnel into the driver’s face. A brake system fails. A fuel system ignites after a low-speed rear impact. When a vehicle defect contributes to an accident or worsens its consequences, the manufacturer bears responsibility.
Attorney Karl Truman brings the discipline and leadership of a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army to every case. These cases often run parallel to a standard vehicle accident claim, and we network with attorneys to pursue both simultaneously to maximize your total recovery.
Our network of attorneys handles:
- Defective airbags that fail to deploy, deploy incorrectly, or deploy spontaneously
- Brake system failures including defective brake pads, calipers, and master cylinders
- Tire defects including tread separation, blowouts, and sidewall failures
- Fuel system defects causing fires and explosions in collision events
- Steering and suspension failures contributing to loss of vehicle control
- Seatbelt and child safety seat defects failing to restrain occupants in a crash
No fees unless we win. Available 24/7 throughout Louisville, Southern Indiana, and all of Kentucky and Indiana.
Count on the Colonel
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army
Karl Truman: Trusted Automotive Defect Lawyer Serving Kentucky and Indiana
Understanding Automotive Defects
Automotive defect cases can proceed alongside a standard vehicle accident claim. When a defective component contributed to or worsened a crash, the vehicle or parts manufacturer becomes an additional defendant. This can significantly increase the total compensation available to you.
The three categories of product defects all apply in automotive cases. A design defect affects every vehicle of a given model and may have generated a recall. A manufacturing defect affects individual units that deviated from the intended design. A failure to warn claim arises when the manufacturer knew of a dangerous condition and did not disclose it.
Preserving evidence is critical in automotive defect cases. The vehicle should not be repaired, and no parts should be replaced before they are inspected by an expert. We move quickly to preserve the vehicle and all physical evidence at the scene.
Why Automotive Defect Cases Are Different
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Parallel Claims
An automotive defect claim against the manufacturer runs alongside your standard accident claim against the at-fault driver. Both claims move simultaneously, and both contribute to your total recovery.
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Recall Evidence
A NHTSA recall affecting the component at issue is powerful evidence of a known defect. We check recall databases immediately in every accident case involving potential vehicle failure.
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Black Box Data
Modern vehicles contain event data recorders that capture speed, braking, steering input, and system status in the moments before a crash. This data can establish both what the driver did and what the vehicle failed to do.
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Expert Reconstruction
We work with accident reconstruction experts and automotive engineers to establish the role of any defective component in causing the crash or worsening its consequences.
How We Handle Automotive Defect Cases
From the moment you call, we take over the legal fight. You focus on recovery. We handle everything else.
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Thorough Investigation
We move immediately to build the strongest possible case: gathering records, securing evidence, consulting experts, and documenting every aspect of your situation before anything is lost or altered.
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Handle All Paperwork
From insurance claims to medical records, legal filings, and demand letters, we manage every detail so you can focus on healing. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
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Fight for What You Deserve
The party on the other side of your claim has professionals working to minimize what they pay you. We deal with them directly and protect you from every tactic designed to undervalue your claim.
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Trial-Ready Representation
While most cases settle, we prepare every case for trial. The other side knows we will not back down, and that gives us the leverage to secure maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about personal injury law in Kentucky and Indiana. Find the information you need to make informed decisions about your case.
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How do I know if a vehicle defect contributed to my accident?
f your accident involved an unexpected mechanical failure, a component that should have protected you and did not, or a vehicle behaving in a way that could not be explained by driver input alone, a defect may have been involved. Do not repair the vehicle. Contact us immediately so we can arrange an inspection.
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Can I still sue the other driver if the vehicle was also defective?
Yes. Both claims can proceed simultaneously. The at-fault driver may be liable for causing the collision, and the vehicle or parts manufacturer may be separately liable for a defect that contributed to the crash or worsened its consequences. Total recovery can come from multiple sources.
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My vehicle was recalled after the accident. Does that help my case?
A recall is strong evidence that the manufacturer knew of a defect. If the recall involves the component at issue in your case, it significantly strengthens your product liability claim. Contact us immediately.
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How long do I have to file an automotive defect claim?
In Kentucky, generally one year from the date of injury. In Indiana, generally two years. Do not wait. Physical evidence must be preserved early.
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What if the defective part was made by a supplier, not the vehicle manufacturer?
Both the vehicle manufacturer and the parts supplier can be liable. Product liability runs through the entire chain of distribution. We identify all parties responsible for placing the defective component in the stream of commerce.
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How much does an automotive defect attorney cost?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency and advance all expert costs. You pay nothing unless we win.
Still Have Questions About Your Case?
Get personalized answers from Colonel Karl Truman and our experienced legal team during your free consultation.
Serving Personal Injury Victims Across Kentucky & Indiana
Karl Truman Injury Law represents clients in Louisville, Jeffersonville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, and throughout Kentucky and Indiana. We handle car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall cases, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, dog bites, premises liability, and all types of personal injury claims. Available 24/7 for free consultations.
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Count on the Colonel
Take the first step toward justice. Contact The Colonel today for a no-obligation case review and experience the difference disciplined authority makes.