If you have been driving by a large commercial truck on a busy highway, and one of the truck’s tires suddenly bursts, you know this can be a terrifying experience, particularly if the tire blowout causes the truck driver to lose control of the truck. A tire blowout can cause devastating truck accidents that result in massive property damage and catastrophic injuries. Yet, many of these accidents can be prevented if the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the truck is inspected correctly and the tires are in good condition. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
Several factors can increase the risk of a tire blowout accident. In some cases, the tire blowout may result from inclement weather or potholes, although most of these accidents are caused by negligence. The following are examples of the common causes of truck accidents caused by tire blowouts:
- Overinflated tires: If the tires are overinflated, and conditions cause the temperature in the tire to increase, it can cause the rubber to stretch beyond its limit and explode.
- Underinflated tires: This puts great pressure on the tires, causing them to flex past their limit. The heat inside the tires can also increase, which can cause the rubber to crack and explode.
- Overloading cargo: There is a limit to the cargo that a commercial truck can safely haul. Overloading beyond the weight restriction puts a great deal of stress on the tires, which increases the risk of a tire blowout.
- Bad braking practices: Improper braking or brake failure can often lead to tire blowouts. When a truck driver applies the brakes too much, it can cause the tread to wear down more quickly, increasing the risk of a blowout. Truck drivers should shift down to the lowest gear when driving down a steep hill instead of riding the brakes.
- Defective tires: While some tire blowout accidents are due to driver negligence, tire manufacturers may be responsible for blowout accidents caused by a defective tire. Tire defects can result in bead failures, sidewall zipper failures, tread separations, and tire shredding.
What Are the Consequences of a Tire Blowout?
Unfortunately, tire blowouts are significantly more dangerous than getting a flat tire. It tends to happen very suddenly, causing the truck to become unstable. As a result, the truck driver often has difficulty maintaining control of the truck. This can have the following consequences:
- The truck driver may swerve, slam the brakes, or even roll over, which can have devastating consequences on a busy highway.
- A tire blowout can cause flying debris from the tire to hit nearby vehicles.
- The truck’s cargo can come loose and fall out of the back of the truck and onto the road, creating extremely hazardous conditions for the vehicles on the road.
- The sudden tire blowout can cause other motorists to panic and swerve, brake or speed up, or engage in unsafe driving behavior that can increase the risk of a severe accident.
What Types of Injuries Do Tire Blowout Accidents Cause?
Due to the sudden nature of a tire blowout, truck accidents caused by a tire blowout often result in extensive property damage and devastating injuries and fatalities. Often, it is the occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident that suffer the most serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including partial or total paralysis
- Head injuries, including cuts, lacerations, and concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
- Skin injuries, including scarring and disfigurement
Who Is Liable for a Tire Blowout Truck Accident?
Determining liability for a truck accident is a much more complicated process than an accident involving two passenger vehicles because multiple parties may be liable, including:
- Truck driver: If the truck driver was speeding, driving recklessly, riding the brakes, or failing to perform the necessary maintenance checks, they may be liable for a tire blowout accident.
- Truck company: The truck company is responsible for ensuring that their trucks are inspected and maintained regularly and that any damaged or defective parts, including worn or defective tires, are repaired or replaced.
- Third-party: If the tire manufacturer sold a defective tire or a mechanic failed to repair it correctly, they may be liable for a resulting tire blowout.
What Damages Am I Entitled to If I Am Injured in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are known for causing massive property damage and serious, often life-threatening injuries. If you have suffered a serious injury in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. A highly skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you with this process and help you recover the damages that you are entitled to, such as:
- All medical expenses associated with your injuries, including hospital expenses, follow-up doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work for an extended period of time
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Wrongful death if the accident resulted in a tragic fatality
Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Tire Blowout Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, where we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.