Semi-trucks have a lot more tires than the average passenger vehicle. It is easy to assume that the additional tires will help the truck avoid problems if there is a blowout or other tire issues. While the additional tires do provide support for the truck as it is moving and help the vehicle avoid veering off the road, a blowout can still be very dangerous and in some cases fatal.
If you have been hurt in an accident that involves a truck tire blowout, you need to get the advice of an expert truck accident attorney. These attorneys are knowledgeable about the law in your state and how this affects your case. They also understand the issues you could face while fighting to get the compensation that you require to cover your injuries and damages.
Why Do Tire Accidents Happen?
There are a lot of factors that lead to a truck tire failing. In most cases, problems with truck tires can be prevented through proper maintenance by the driver or truck owner as well as sufficient inspections prior to any trip. Incorrect tire pressure is one of the primary causes of tire blowouts despite it being the easiest to adjust. Air pressure will be impacted by elevation, load weights, and outdoor temperatures. The driver of the truck will be responsible for ensuring the tires are inspected before they start driving.
Another common reason for tire blowouts will be tire wear. Tires that are worn have fewer treads to grip the road and enable effective braking. This makes the tires more dangerous and they are more likely to blow out unexpectedly. This will make it impossible for the driver to control the vehicle. Traveling in hot weather and at high speeds will increase the heat of the tires. An increase in tire heat will impair the condition of the tires and can cause a blowout.
Truck tire compliance, accountability, and safety are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA. They have established many rules that ensure truck tire safety. Trucks should not be operated if the tires have worn-out tread, not correctly inflated or damaged in any kind. The tread of the tires should always be the minimum depth for the vehicle. If the tires do not meet the requirements stipulated, the truck will need to be taken out of service for the repairs to be done.
Losing Control After A Blowout
Tire blowouts are not the same as a flat tire and they should not be confused. Trucks weigh over 80,000 pounds and are able to travel at 55 mph or faster which highlights the risks of losing control. If there is a blowout, the motion of the truck will suddenly shift and the cargo inside could be shifted. This change in force can cause the truck to suddenly lunge to the side and the driver can lose control over where the vehicle is heading.
There are times when the driver is able to get the truck back under control and they are the lucky ones. They will be able to bring the truck to a stop safely on the side of the road. The problem is that a blowout generally causes the truck to sharply swerve and cross other traffic lanes. Drivers will often quickly steer the truck in the opposite direction to compensation, but this often ends up with the truck hitting other vehicles, swerving into the embankment or overturning.
Contacting A Tractor Trailer Attorney
Regardless of how the truck accident happened, a collision between a car and truck can be dangerous. These accidents can lead to serious injuries even fatalities. If you have been in an accident and sustained injuries, you need to contact a qualified attorney to get the compensation you are entitled to. Of course, you will need to find the right attorney to handle your case. The attorney you hire will need to know what the laws regarding these accidents are in the state you live in. They will be able to determine the compensation you should receive and help you make a successful claim for this while detailing the process for you.
