Tire Blowout Accident Lawyers

Tire blowouts can lead to a variety of dangerous truck accidents. Some of the most common ones include:

• Rollover accidents: The sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the truck to flip over, posing a serious risk to nearby vehicles.
• Jackknife accidents: A tire blowout can result in a sudden loss of traction, causing the trailer to swing out to the side and form an angle. This is known as a jackknife accident. These accidents can block multiple lanes and result in severe damage.
• Head-on collision accidents: When a tire blowout occurs, the sudden loss of control and stability can make it difficult for the driver to maneuver the truck safely. This can lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle.
• Lane departure accidents: A tire blowout can cause the truck to veer out of its lane or off the road. This happens when the driver is caught off guard and unable to regain control of the truck.
• Underride accidents: In some cases, a tire blowout can cause the truck to come to a sudden stop. This can lead to an underride accident when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of the truck and slides underneath.

Truck tire blowout accidents can occur due to various factors. Some common causes include:

• Tire maintenance neglect: Lack of proper tire maintenance often leads to blowouts. This can include insufficient inflation pressure, improper alignment, or failure to inspect and replace worn-out tires regularly.
• Overloading: Carrying a load that exceeds the tire's maximum capacity puts excessive stress on the tires.
• Road hazards: Potholes, debris, sharp objects, or uneven surfaces can cause tire damage. Road hazards are especially dangerous when a truck travels at high speeds.
• Extreme temperatures: High temperatures can increase tire pressure, potentially causing poorly maintained tires to burst. Low temperatures can also make tires more prone to damage and failure.
• Manufacturing defects: Occasionally, defects in the tire's manufacturing process may result in weak spots, tread separation, or other issues that can lead to blowouts.
• Age and wear: Tires naturally degrade and become more susceptible to blowouts over time. This is especially true if they are not replaced within the recommended time frame.

What can trucking companies do to prevent tire blowouts?

Tire blowouts can be dangerous for other road users. They can also be costly for trucking companies, which gives them a greater incentive to maintain their vehicles properly.

Here are some preventive measures they can take:

• Regular maintenance: Implement a strict maintenance schedule for tire inspection, rotation, and inflation. This includes checking for signs of wear, embedded objects, and proper tire pressure.
• Invest in quality tires: Purchase high-quality, durable tires designed for the specific needs of commercial trucks. These tires are more likely to withstand heavy loads and rough road conditions.
• Load management: Properly distribute the weight of the cargo to ensure even weight distribution across all tires. Overloading or uneven loading can put excessive stress on tires and increase the risk of blowouts.
• Driver training: Provide adequate training to drivers on tire maintenance, inspection, and safe driving practices. Ensure they understand the importance of monitoring tire conditions and reporting any concerns promptly.
• Use tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS): Install TPMS on all vehicles to continuously monitor tire pressure and detect any deviations from the recommended levels. This can help identify potential issues before they become blowouts.
• Road condition awareness: Encourage drivers to be aware of road conditions. That includes potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces.
• Retire worn tires: Establish a protocol for replacing worn-out tires promptly. Continuing to use tires beyond their recommended lifespan increases the likelihood of blowouts.

Determining fault after a tire truck blowout accident can be a complex process. An experienced truck accident attorney will need to launch a thorough investigation and gather evidence that proves that negligence occurred.

If the blowout was a result of improper tire maintenance, the truck driver or the trucking company may be found responsible. The attorney can review the trucking company’s maintenance records to determine if proper tire maintenance was conducted. This includes regular inspections, rotations, and replacements as necessary.

Some tire blowouts are linked to defects in the tire's design or manufacturing. In this case, the tire manufacturer or distributor might be held liable. An attorney can investigate if the tire blowout was caused by a defect in the manufacturing process, such as faulty materials or design. This may involve examining recall history and consulting with experts in tire engineering.

The truck driver can be found responsible if they were involved in reckless driving or speeding, especially during hazardous road conditions. An attorney can investigate the driver's actions leading up to the blowout. That might include the driver’s history of traffic violations, electronic logging device records, and GPS records.

If you were injured in a truck accident, you’re not just up against another regular driver and their insurance company.  You’re up against a trucking company that pays high premiums. You’ll likely have to deal with multiple insurance companies and their lawyers.

However, there are certain actions you can take to build a strong claim and recover the full extent of your damages. First and foremost, get medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries take time to produce symptoms. Plus, seeing a doctor will create a medical record that links your injury to the truck accident.

Keep records of medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses linked to your crash. Your attorney will need to tally up these damages to accurately value your claim and negotiate for a settlement.

Most importantly, consult with an attorney who knows how to handle complex truck accident cases. They can review your case and guide you through the legal process. Plus, your attorney can handle all negotiations with the trucking company’s insurance providers. 

If the insurance companies fail to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit and proceed with litigation. They can represent you in court and present their case to a judge and jury.

Truck accident cases are highly complicated. You’ll need an attorney who knows how to deal with the trucking companies and their insurers to get the compensation you deserve. Look no further than a Law.com verified Premier Truck Accident Attorney.

Set up a free consultation with a lawyer near you. It won’t cost you anything upfront. That’s because truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis and only receive a percentage of your settlement if they win your case. Get started on your path to recovery today.