Ever wonder why tire failure happens so frequently with semi-trucks? Semi-trucks carry up to 20-30 times the weight of your average passenger car. This increased weight puts more pressure on the tires, and even while truck tires are some of the sturdiest in the business, the amount of hours and miles trucks spend on the road simply expend too much wear and tear.
Tire failure on a semi can be caused due to mismatched tires, excessive speeds, increased friction, older tires (less tread), extreme heat, and heavy loads. It is likely why if you drive on the highway, you’re very likely to see truck tire debris on the shoulder. If you have been injured due to the extreme negligence of the truck driver, you may have to get help from a truck accident attorney. They will help to pursue compensation and handle a complex legal system if multiple parties are involved in causing a truck collision.
There are already enough risks when getting behind the wheel on the highway, and truck tire failure is no exception, and could be the cause of a significant accident.
A head-on truck collision can be the most dangerous high stakes collision on the road, and so it’s important to be aware of what kinds of accidents there are and who is liable for them. If you were a victim in a collision involving a semi truck or 18-wheeler tire blowout, you could be entitled to compensation.
Most Common Reasons for Truck Accidents
There’s a dozen or so reasons why truck accidents and tire blowouts might occur, and a multitude of those reasons can be due to negligence.
- Driver fatigue: Trucks are allowed long 12-14 hour driving limits and many truck drivers work 60-70 (sometimes even 80) hour weeks. Trucking companies can often exploit this and lead to driver fatigue on the roads.
- Inadequate training: A newer truck driver might be inexperienced or might not know the right procedure for checking tire pressure, rotate the tires, examine tread depth, or even distribute the tires making sure the truck is safe and efficient for the roads.
- Poor mechanics: The mechanics themselves could have made a mistake when inspecting tread depth or simply when ordering the parts.
- Poor roads: Potholes, lack of hazards, leftover debris could all play a factor in a semi-truck tire blowout.
- Speeding: Because of the weight, it can become easier for a truck to drift while turning or speeding on an interstate, which can lead to nasty collisions or at the very least wear down the tires and thus lead to tire failure.
- Distractions: Blasting music on the radio, texting or calling on the phone while driving, talking or sightseeing while behind the wheel could all be instances of distraction window where an accident could happen.
- Overhauls: A truck past its weight limit could lead to added pressure on the tires causing a truck tire explosion, as well as difficulty while maneuvering, or simply just added mass that could increase the severity of an accident.
There are a number of other potential factors not included in this list that may come into play when determining fault for a truck accident. It will be the responsibility of yourself, as the plaintiff, and your lawyer to come to the conclusion that the opposing party was negligent.
Injuries in Truck Accidents With Defective Tires
Injuries from truck tire blowout accidents could include:
- Whiplash: Jarring movement or jerking of the neck could cause whiplash (neck strain) and lead to severe pain and stiffness.
- Spinal cord injuries: Trauma to the spine can result in heavy nerve injuries, potentially causing paralysis or loss of motor functions.
- Head injuries: Impact with the airbag, dashboard, windshield, steering wheel, or other objects can cause concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
- Broken bones: Due to the force of the collision, broken bones and fractures are a serious risk.
- Internal injuries: Impact from a collision could lead to vital organ complications and internal bleeding which requires immediate medical attention.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal, or other debris can cause cuts and lacerations, sometimes requiring stitches or surgery.
- Burns: If the accident exposes the engine or gas tank, it could lead to a fire and cause high-degree burns.
- Bruises and contusions: Glass from the windshield or broken car parts can leave serious scars and gashes on the skin.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional trauma from the accident can lead to PTSD, affecting mental health.
- Death: Unfortunately, truck accidents can be fatal.
If you’ve been injured from any of the following or anything unlisted, you could be eligible for compensation in a lawsuit. If a truck accident leaves you paralyzed or suffering any permanent damage, insurance coverage may offer you maximum benefits owed.
Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident Caused By A Truck Tire Blowout?
As the plaintiff pursuing a lawsuit, the burden of proof falls on you to determine that you were not at fault during a truck accident.
Your lawyer will gather evidence by interviewing witnesses, researching the truck companies and manufacturers involved, and use their knowledge of road laws in that state to come to a favorable conclusion. This evidence can also help set specific terms when agreeing on a settlement, and possibly prevent future crashes from happening due to negligence.
Trucking Company
The trucking company may be at fault for an accident if they did not prepare their drivers properly or follow specific state safety laws for inspections, union laws for workers, failure to supervise, or simply not having the right insurance coverage.
In the case of government entities, say garbage truck accidents for instance, the state could be bearing the burden of liability.
Truck Driver
A truck driver can be found at fault if it is clear that they were negligent behind the wheel. Negligence looks like distraction (either from a smartphone or radio), failing to follow proper inspection or road laws, or if they did not inspect the tires well enough.
Tire Manufacturer
Faulty tires could fall on the shoulders of the manufacturer. An attorney could potentially find a history of faulty equipment or tire defects from a particular company, which could be proof of liability.
What To Do After A Truck Accident Due To A Burst Tire?
Seek medical attention and file an accident report. Authorities and first responders will be at the scene and you can relay to them immediately what had happened. First accounts of an accident are crucial if they align with eye-witness testimony, like other drivers or pedestrians. These same witnesses may get called in during a car accident deposition or during a trial lawsuit.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Immediately if Your Crash Involved Defective Tires
You should contact an injury lawyer and let them know you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a defective tire. Car accident settlements are much more likely to favor the plaintiff when represented by a competent car accident lawyer. You can look for a referral from a family member or friend, seek out online testimonials or adverts, and look them up on a local listing or the Bar Association in your city.
Schedule a free consultation and discuss with a lawyer about what your truck accident claim could be worth. You have every right to seek out the compensation you deserve from your injuries.