Defective car jacks can cause catastrophic accidents.
Man Dies After Being Crushed by a Vehicle After a Car Jack Slipped on the East Side
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a 44-year-old man was killed when a car jack slipped on the East Side.
Police reported the accident happened around 4 p.m. Friday, November 14th, on the 800 block of South Mittman Street in San Antonio. The man was working underneath a vehicle when the jack gave way, trapping him underneath. Firefighters pulled him out and first responders attempted lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His identity has not been released. No other injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Roughly 4,822 people are injured by car jack failures every year, according to NHTSA.
Defective Car Jack Injuries and Fatalities
Working on your car might seem like a simple task — something many Texans do at home to save time or money. But as this tragedy shows, even a small tool like a car jack can become deadly when something goes wrong.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 4,800 people suffer jack-related injuries annually, with dozens of these incidents resulting in death. Most occur at home, not in professional repair shops.
Why Car Jack Accidents Happen
Car jacks are meant to lift a vehicle temporarily — not support it for extended periods. Accidents often happen due to:
Improper use — Incorrect placement or using the jack on uneven surfaces.
Overloading — Using a jack not rated for the vehicle’s weight.
Manufacturing defects — Weak welds, hydraulic failures, or design flaws.
Lack of secondary support — Working under a raised car without jack stands.
Even skilled mechanics can be seriously injured if a jack fails unexpectedly.
Safety Tips for Using a Car Jack
If you plan to lift your vehicle, these precautions can help prevent tragedy:
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Always use jack stands — never rely on the jack alone.
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Work on flat, stable ground.
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Check the jack’s weight rating before use.
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Inspect for cracks, leaks, or rust.
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Use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.
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Never get under a vehicle unless it is fully stabilized.
A few extra minutes of preparation can save your life.
Who Is Liable for Jack Failures?
Liability depends on why the jack failed:
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Manufacturers — if a design or production defect made the jack unsafe.
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Retailers — if sold without proper warnings or instructions.
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Users — if the jack was misused, overloaded, or placed incorrectly.
If the failure was caused by a defective product, families may have grounds for a wrongful death or product liability claim.
Crushed by a Defective Jack? Call Shaw.
Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is devastating. If you or your family member was injured or killed because a jack collapsed or a product failed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Funeral and burial costs
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Medical expenses
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Lost income or financial support
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Pain and suffering
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And more
We can help you understand your rights and determine whether negligence or a defective product was involved.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. No fees. No obligations. Just expert legal advice when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.