The Dangers of Truck Tire Blowouts | Wilshire Law Firm
Truck tire blowouts are common on America’s highways, as the nation relies heavily on trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks to transport inland freight.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire blowouts account for more than 12,000 truck accidents annually, many of which cause injuries and fatalities.
Knowing what to do when injured in truck tire blowouts isn’t always easy. With many potentially liable parties, a seemingly unending parade of insurance adjusters trying to discredit claims, and the pain and suffering from damages sustained, you can lose much more than your vehicle in these accidents.
We are going to explain the dangers of truck tire blowouts, how you can pursue compensation when a negligent party or entity is responsible, and what our truck accident lawyers can do to help.
Truck Tire Blowout Accidents
What Causes Truck Tire Blowout Accidents?
On average, truck tires have a pressure of 75,000 lbs. weighing down on them at any given time. The tremendous strain subjects the rubber to wear and tear, making it ripe for a blowout. When the air pressure inside the tire builds up, the tire can explode due to:
- Overinflated tires: When tires are overinflated, the heat from the hot sun, asphalt, and friction raises the temperature of the air inside them, causing the air to expand until the rubber stretches beyond its limit and gives way with an explosion.
- Underinflated tires: Underinflated tires are put under even more stress, transferring the load’s weight to their internal components and forcing them to flex past their limit. At the same time, the heat buildup inside the tires causes the rubber to crack and explode.
- Overloaded vehicles: Overloading is a common problem in the trucking industry. It puts added pressure on tires already under tremendous pressure, causing even perfect tires to blow out.
- Wear and tear: Truck tires operate under tremendous pressure day in and day out. When the air pressure builds up, a worn-out tire can easily blow out.
- Road hazards: Roads cannot be expected to be smooth and shiny everywhere. Truckers often face road hazards like cracked road surfaces and potholes, which can tear and damage the tires over time. Damaged tires can easily blow up under extra weight or heat.
When a semi-truck tire blowout occurs, it often results in cataclysmic accidents such as:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head on crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Rollover collisions
Due to the size of large trucks and the speed at which they are traveling when the tire explodes, the risk of serious physical and financial harm is all but certain.
When these truck accidents occur, seek legal assistance from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help file a claim or civil lawsuit.
What Happens When A Truck Tire Blows?
Tire blowouts are not like flat tires. They can be extremely dangerous to the truck and to other vehicles nearby. The main consequences of a tire blowup include:
- Truck drivers may lose control: The force of the explosion, along with the instability of the trailer when balancing on the suddenly uneven tires, may cause the truck driver to swerve, lose control, and even tip over. The result can be catastrophic.
- Flying tire debris may hit other vehicles and pedestrians: When a tire blows out, the force of the explosion rips the tire apart, sending large and small chunks of rubber flying in every direction. If other vehicles and pedestrians are in the path of the flying debris, the result can be deadly.
- The cargo may become loose: The trailer may open and release the cargo all over the road, creating hazards for other vehicles.
- It may cause other drivers to panic: Truck tire blowups are usually loud and chaotic. Many drivers who see a truck go out of control panic and end up dangerously swerving, braking, or speeding up irrationally, further adding to the potential for serious accidents.
These scenarios create a recipe for disaster when Los Angeles drivers are caught in the crossfire of a commercial truck tire blowout.
Fortunately, with the help of a truck accident lawyer, you can work towards holding the responsible party accountable and securing compensation for any damages or losses suffered.
Who Is Responsible For My Injuries When Truck Tire Blowouts Happen?
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers are expected to operate with care and adhere to safety protocols.
If a truck driver ignores warning signs of underinflated tires, skips routine inspections, or fails to adjust for road hazards, their actions could significantly contribute to a semi-truck tire blowout.
Holding drivers accountable ensures safer roadways for all vehicles.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies play a vital role in maintaining commercial trucks and enforcing safety standards. Poor tire maintenance, failure to monitor tire pressure, or pressuring drivers to meet intense deadlines can result in devastating tire blowouts.
A knowledgeable legal team can uncover negligence at the company level to aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.
The Tire Manufacturer
Modern truck tires are held to high design and manufacturing standards, but defects can still cause blowouts. Whether it’s improper testing or defects in the materials used, tire manufacturers should be held responsible for a faulty product that caused severe accidents.
Identifying manufacturing defects takes a smart and meticulous approach from your legal team.
Maintenance Providers
Third-party maintenance providers are typically tasked with examining tire conditions and ensuring proper repairs. If they fail to detect worn-out tires, ignore signs of uneven tread wear, or skip essential maintenance procedures, they could be found liable for the accident caused by a blown tire.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded cargo can create an uneven weight distribution, adding excessive pressure on truck tires. These conditions put tires at higher risk for failure, especially during high-speed travel. Identifying negligence in loading procedures can provide additional avenues for securing full compensation.
Other Drivers or Vehicles
Another vehicle’s reckless actions contribute to tire blowout accidents. Whether it’s sudden swerving, speeding dangerously close to a semi-truck, or causing road hazards, other drivers can be held accountable for escalating the conditions that led to the accident.
Determining fault in these cases requires relentless investigation and a thorough understanding of trucking industry regulations. Partnering with an assertive truck accident attorney ensures every liable party is pursued aggressively so you can focus on your recovery with hope and confidence.
Truck Tire Blowout Compensation
How Much Is My Personal Injury Claim Worth After a Tire Blowout Accident?
Tire blowout accidents can shatter lives in an instant, and the financial impact is just as devastating as the physical injuries. Your claim’s value depends on various factors, including the nature of your injuries and the resulting disruptions to your life. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: From emergency care to long-term medical treatments, these costs often represent a significant portion of a claim. Future medical care for chronic injuries may also be assessed.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If you cannot work, your claim should account for both temporary lost wages and the potential for diminished earning capacity.
- Pain and Emotional Distress: It’s not just about financial hardship. Compensation also covers the mental anguish and loss of life enjoyment that comes with serious injuries.
- Property Damage: Your claim should include repairs to your vehicle and reimbursement for any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Impact on Daily Life: If your injuries result in significant lifestyle changes, such as an inability to engage in physical activities, this loss can be monetarily valued in your claim.
A tire blowout doesn’t just cause accidents—it creates long-lasting physical and financial burdens. If you need help navigating the complex process of recovering damages, contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer today.
What Do I Do After an Accident Caused by a Tire Blowout?
Knowing the right steps can safeguard your rights and well-being when faced with the chaos of a semi-truck tire blowout accident. Here’s a guide:
- Notify the Authorities: Inform law enforcement immediately. Their reports solidify critical details and serve as foundational evidence for your case.
- Consult Medical Professionals: Even minor symptoms could signal deeper injuries. Prompt medical evaluations protect your health and keep your legal claim robust.
- Document the Scene: Take detailed photographs of the scene, truck tires, debris, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be critical as evidence.
- Reach Out to a Legal Advocate: Strict deadlines apply to filing claims. Seeking guidance promptly ensures your case stays on track and no opportunities are missed.
- Limit Discussions with Insurance Adjusters: Providing too many details to insurers early on may lead to undervalued claims or attempts to discredit your account. Protect yourself by consulting an attorney first.
- Avoid Social Media Discussions: Posting about the accident can jeopardize your claim. Insurance companies might misuse your words or pictures to reduce your settlement.
Protecting your future starts with the decisions you make now. Consulting with an attorney ensures you’re guided every step of the way when seeking justice and fair compensation.
Truck Tire Blowout Lawyers
Wilshire Law Firm | Truck Accident Lawyers Ready to Aggressively Pursue the Compensation You Deserve
The aftermath of truck tire blowouts is a grim reality for many Los Angeles drivers. These accidents disrupt lives, causing severe injuries, emotional suffering, and overwhelming financial burdens. Yet, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Wilshire Law Firm stands as an assertive advocate for truck accident injury survivors. Whether it’s holding negligent trucking companies accountable or investigating tire manufacturers for defects, our relentless pursuit of justice ensures results.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation in English or Spanish and begin reclaiming your future.
