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California has more than 380,000 lane miles of roads, and many of the routes that large semi-trucks take are some of the busiest and most congested in the state. This means that most people will be driving around semi-trucks just about any time they hit the road, and while most of the time your travel will conclude without issue, this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes even a simple blowout can turn an otherwise safely-driving semi-truck into an out-of-control hazard, and it can leave you looking for a California truck accident attorney to help you pick up the pieces. Here are some tips on always being prepared for the worst when driving near semi-trucks.
What Causes Semi-Truck Tire Blowouts and Are They Preventable?
Many people may think that striking an object in the road may be the leading cause of a tire blowout, but the FMCSA or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has determined that there are two root causes of tire blowouts on large trucks.
The first is a failure to properly and completely inspect all tires regularly, before putting them in service for the day, and the second is a failure to replace tires that are noticeably damaged or worn. Specific causes include:
- Under-inflation or over-inflation of the tires
- Excessive braking
- Overloading the trailer, or being overweight on cargo, can result in excessive stress being put on the tires
- General tire wear that should be addressed during routine maintenance
- Excessive tire wear which can indicate other mechanical or steering malfunctions that need to be corrected
- Mismatched tires or other causes of uneven wear patterns
- Failure to heed tire recalls
All of these situations are largely preventable, and that when they aren’t prevented they can generally be considered negligent behavior. This means that if you are injured due to an accident that was caused by a blowout, you can work with a personal injury attorney to recover compensation for your damages.
The Dangers Of Being Hit During A Semi-Truck Tire Blowout
The injuries that a driver or their passengers can sustain during a collision with a semi-truck can be devastating. Not only can there be soft tissue injuries and internal injuries, but there can also be more serious injuries such as broken bones and fractures.
In some accidents, the driver may even be crushed between the semi-truck and the ground or other objects. This can result in serious damage to the spine, skull, and limbs. There may be permanent disfigurement or disability, and the victim may carry significant emotional trauma with them as well, while in the worst cases the collision may result in one or more deaths.
If You Have Been In An Accident
Being in an accident can be incredibly traumatic, no matter what causes it. The first thing you need to remember is to document everything, take pictures and videos if possible, and be sure you get a police report. Then get to a medical facility where your injuries can be documented, and follow all of your doctor’s orders and medication schedules. Finally, contact one of our California personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We can answer your questions and help you determine the next best course of action.