A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The most obvious danger when a blowout occurs is that it creates instability in the massive vehicle. While truck drivers are trained how to recover from a tire blowout, the impact is often unpredictable and the driver may lose control.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every truck driver to thoroughly examine their rig before hitting the road. This inspection should always include an inspection of the truck’s tires. When an accident occurs, truckers may try to blame the manufacturer for defects, but usually the damage was caused because the trucker and their company failed to keep the tires in proper working order.
How Do You Determine Who Is Responsible For A Truck Tire Blowout Accident?
The Trucker and/or Trucking Company
Brad Parker says, “One of the best ways to prevent a tire blowout is for truck drivers to put some good tires on their truck. Many truck drivers today retread their tires as opposed to replacing them because it’s cheaper. It’s just so much more likely that they will have some sort of tire malfunction.”
When truck drivers and trucking companies fail to inspect tires routinely, inflate them properly, replace them when they get too old, or maintain the truck properly, they can be found liable for your crash and damages.
The Maintenance Company
Trucking companies may contract out their maintenance work to professionals. These maintenance companies and their mechanics must fulfill their duties with care and skill. When they fail to do so and innocent people get hurt in a car accident as a result, they should be held liable.
The Tire Manufacturer
Brad says the tire manufacturer may be held liable if, “there is some type of tread separation or defect in the manufacturing process.” A common manufacturing defect that often leads to a sidewall blowout is a poor speed rating. Other tire defects caused by manufacturer negligence include overheating, compound imbalance/impurities and inadequate quality control or final inspection.
Most Common Causes Of Truck Tire Blowouts
Overinflated or Underinflated Tires:
An underinflated tire will cause the tread to wear down quickly on the sides, and an overinflated tire can cause the tread to wear down fast in the center of the tire. In both instances, the air imbalance makes the tire more susceptible to blowouts.
Overloaded Trailer:
When a trailer is overloaded, it can cause excessive wear and tear on tires and brakes.
Roadway Debris or Potholes:
The impact between the tire and any significant roadway hazards can cause the tire’s rubber and fabric to be cut through completely causing a serious blowout.
Tiny Tire Leaks:
A small tire leak may go unnoticed but can lead to a dangerous blowout. The slow release of air slowly weakens the tire until it inevitably and suddenly fails.
Preventing tire blowouts may not always be possible, but the chances of them occurring can be reduced if proper tire maintenance is performed. Checking on tire conditions often makes it more likely problems could be caught early.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation.We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
