Seattle “Duck” crash due to mechanical failure
Posted in Firm News, Motor Vehicle Accidents on November 25, 2016
The crash was the ultimate result of what happens when companies fail to follow proper rules and was clear negligence. The company was aware of the potential for mechanical failure of the axle housing in 2004, and they made a “fix” in 2005 that was inadequate and “poorly executed.” The Seattle operator had copies of the memo from their headquarters that instructed them to repair the axle housing, but the work was never done, according to the NTSB.
The company was subject to lax oversight because it had never identified itself a being a manufacturer and needed to follow the enhanced rules that govern when manufacturers have to repair or recall defective products. The”duck boats” had escaped formal regulation because the manufacturer was not registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The NTSB made 11 recommendations as part of the investigation. It has recommended that these vehicles be equipped with seatbelts to prevent the passengers from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash, as 11 passengers were in the Seattle crash.
With highway fatalities on the rise nationwide, it is essential that existing safety regulations of all vehicle manufacturers and operators be followed, to prevent these tragic and unnecessary crashes from causing injuries and deaths that shatter families.
The crash was the ultimate result of what happens when companies fail to follow proper rules and was clear negligence. The company was aware of the potential for mechanical failure of the axle housing in 2004, and they made a “fix” in 2005 that was inadequate and “poorly executed.” The Seattle operator had copies of the memo from their headquarters that instructed them to repair the axle housing, but the work was never done, according to the NTSB.
The company was subject to lax oversight because it had never identified itself a being a manufacturer and needed to follow the enhanced rules that govern when manufacturers have to repair or recall defective products. The”duck boats” had escaped formal regulation because the manufacturer was not registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The NTSB made 11 recommendations as part of the investigation. It has recommended that these vehicles be equipped with seatbelts to prevent the passengers from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of a crash, as 11 passengers were in the Seattle crash.
With highway fatalities on the rise nationwide, it is essential that existing safety regulations of all vehicle manufacturers and operators be followed, to prevent these tragic and unnecessary crashes from causing injuries and deaths that shatter families.
Jay M. Kelly III - Managing Partner
Meet Jay M. Kelley III, a top medical malpractice attorney in Ohio with over 25 years of experience and $200 million in verdicts and settlements. He is licensed in Washington and heads Elk + Elk’s litigation strategy in state and federal courts and has a unique background as a former felony prosecutor and hospital defense lawyer. Jay specializes in complex cases, including birth injuries and wrongful death, and is recognized by Best Lawyers and ranked among the Super Lawyers Top 10 in Ohio.
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