Truck tire blowouts can result in catastrophic accidents. When a truck accident is due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or another party, injury victims have a right to significant compensation. That’s where J&Y Law comes in.
As a leading personal injury law firm in California, we regularly handle truck accidents caused by tire blowouts. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a truck accident, you need the aggressive representation we provide. Contact our office today to get started with our experienced truck accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 9 percent of truck accidents in the U.S. are tire-related. Reasons for truck tire blowouts include:
Underinflation
Underinflated tires can result in blowouts. Underinflation puts excessive stress on truck tires, which can cause the tire’s internal components to stretch beyond design limits and heat up, resulting in a blowout. Underinflation is typically the result of poor maintenance.
Speeding
Speeding is another factor that contributes to truck tire blowouts. Commercial truck tires are designed to handle speeds of 75 mph; speeding can push tires beyond their limit. The NHTSA found that driving above the 75 mph limit results in heat buildup, which weakens the tires and can cause a blowout.
Road Hazards
Hazards on the road, such as potholes, uneven lips in the roadway, cracks, or debris can impact truck tires, leading to underinflation. Also, impact with road hazards can fray the internals of a tire, resulting in a blowout.
Poor Maintenance
Proper maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of a truck tire blowout. All truck drivers must perform pre-trip inspections and show evidence of these inspections. Most issues that could cause a truck tire blowout can be spotted and repaired before an accident with proper maintenance.
Overloading
Tire blowouts can also occur when a truck is overloaded because this exerts excess pressure on the tires and can weaken the structure, leading to a tire blowout.
Other causes of truck tire blowouts include poor retreading of tires and defectively manufactured tires. Regardless of the cause, we will work to identify the responsible party, hold them accountable, and help you obtain just compensation.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident Caused By a Tire Blowout?
Determining liability in a truck accident depends on the facts of your case. If a defective tire causes a truck accident, the following parties may be liable:
Truck Driver
Truck drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections of their vehicles, which includes inspecting the tires. If a truck driver notices a low tire, worn treads, split tire valves, or other defects and fails to take action, the trucker may be liable for the tire blowout accident that resulted in your injuries.
Trucking Company
Many trucks and tractor-trailers are owned by companies that employ truck drivers to transport goods. Trucking companies must conduct regular maintenance and inspections of vehicles in their fleet and can be held liable for accidents caused by tire blowouts. A trucking company can also face vicarious liability if the truck driver failed to inspect the tires and caused the accident during the course of their employment.
Tire Manufacturer/Distributor
If a truck tire is defective, the tire manufacturer and/or distributor may be liable for any injuries in an accident caused by a tire blowout. A tire defect can involve a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or failing to provide adequate warnings or labels for the proper use and maintenance of a tire.
How Our Firm Can Help
The first thing to do after a truck accident is to seek immediate medical attention. Let J&Y Law take it from there. Our attorneys will:
- Visit and photograph the accident site
- Identify and interview witnesses, including the truck driver
- Subpoena the trucking company’s maintenance and inspection records
- Enlist accident reconstruction experts and investigators to examine the truck tires
- Handle all communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Negotiate a fair and just settlement
- File a truck accident lawsuit if necessary
Above all, we will fight for the maximum compensation you deserve, including damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We have comprehensive knowledge of the applicable federal and state truck safety rules and an impressive track record of success in arbitration and court proceedings.
Talk To An Experienced California Truck Accident Attorney Today!
Truck accidents caused by tire blowouts are far too common. At J&Y Law, we are committed to keeping the roads and highways safe by holding the responsible parties accountable. When you become our client, you will have peace of mind with our dedicated attorneys in your corner.
Contact our office today so we can start working on your claim.