Tire Blowouts and Truck Crashes

Tire blowout accidents are scary for all who are involved. However, some are preventable with proper care and maintenance. An attorney can help determine who is liable if you’ve been injured in this type of accident.

Truck driving is a risky job. One of the most frightening experiences many truck drivers face is a tire blowout. These tire blowouts are extremely loud and often startle truck drivers. As a result, they can lose control of the vehicle and crash. Tire blowouts are a serious concern for any vehicle, especially for large trucks pulling heavy cargo. Sometimes negligence leads to tire blowouts and the crashes they might cause. If you were injured in such an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable Round Rock personal injury lawyer for legal advice.

What Causes Tire Blowouts?

Tire blowouts can happen any time of year, although they are most common in May through October when the weather is warmer. Tire blowouts can be caused by:

  • Tire underinflation: Inflation of air allows a tire to carry the weight of a truck and its cargo. Without enough air pressure, the internal components of the tire flex beyond their design capacity. This over-flexing will weaken the tire, eventually causing it to fail and putting it at risk for a blowout.
  • Overloading: Even if a truck’s tires are adequately inflated, an overloaded tractor-trailer can put more weight on the tires than they are created to carry.
  • Potholes: When a tire maneuvers over a pothole, its internal components are pinched between the wheel and the pothole. If the tire hits the pothole hard enough, the pothole will cut through the rubber, causing the tire to blow out.
  • The “slow death”: Truck drivers need to properly maintain their vehicles, including their tires. Tires that are used on tractor-trailer trucks experience a lot of wear and tear. They go for many miles carrying heavy loads. It should come as no surprise that they will wear out. Failure to maintain a truck’s tires can result in a blowout. Failing to replace the truck’s tires when they wear out or putting off needed repairs are two prime examples of this. 

If you were involved in a tire blowout truck accident, an experienced Round Rock personal injury attorney can help you. They can investigate your accident to determine who is liable and hold them accountable for your injuries. 

Liability for Truck Crashes Caused Tire Blowouts

Determining liability for a truck crash can sometimes be complicated, especially in the case of a tire blowout. It’s possible that the tire manufacturer designed or made a defective product, leading to the blowout. However, more often than not, it’s the truck driver or trucking company that is liable. Trucking companies must properly maintain their fleet. Truck drivers sometimes try to save time by thumping their tires with a club and listening to determine if they are properly inflated or not. Their unwillingness to take the time to check the precise measurements of tire inflation can cost someone their life.

Consult with a Skilled Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies should be held liable for the damages they cause. Schedule your free accident consultation with a Round Rock personal injury attorney at the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC. Dial (512) 766-4529 or fill out our online contact form today to get the legal help you need.