Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts

You have likely seen the remnants of blown out tires strewn along the edge of the road while you are driving along the highway. These shredded tires are likely the result of a truck tire explosion which may have caused a serious accident. Tire blowouts occur more likely than you might think and if a truck has a tire blowout, every vehicle in the near vicinity should be on alert. If you or a family member was injured due to an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, you should consult with an experienced Montgomery truck accident lawyer today. Tire blowout lawyer Rick Morrison can help you discover who is liable for your injuries after a truck tire blowout causes an accident. The Morrison Law Firm is here to explain the common causes of truck tire blowouts.

4 Reasons Why Truck Tire Blowouts Happen

Tire blowouts are frightening because of the effect it has on the stability of a vehicle, especially a truck. For example, if an 18-wheeler that is hauling a full trailer happens to blow a tire, the driver will have difficulty maneuvering a possibly 40-ton vehicle to a safe stop.

Tire blowouts can occur for a variety of reasons. However, there are some reasons for tire blowouts that are more common than others. The following is a list of common causes of truck tire blowouts.

Inadequate Tire Maintenance

Companies that have a fleet of trucks are responsible for ensuring that truck tires receive adequate maintenance. Depending on whether a trucking company uses small or large trucks, they will have to frequently inspect up to 18 tires for any potential problems. Inspections of truck tires should look at whether there are any holes or cuts in the tires, tire pressure, tire rotation, tire treads, and any other issues.

A trucking company should also consider how often a truck is used when they are scheduling tire inspections. Truck drivers can drive several hundred miles every week. This means there is a high risk of a tire blowout if maintenance is not routinely performed.

Over-inflation or Under-Inflation

There are risks to having over-inflated and under-inflated tires that could lead to a blowout. Every truck should have a manual or a label around the door that lists the recommended air pressure levels for the tires. If a tire is inflated beyond these levels, it can explode when the driver runs over a deep pothole or another obstacle on the road. If a tire is below the air pressure guidelines, it can burst if heat fills the remaining space inside the tire.

Overloaded Truck

Every truck has a maximum loading capacity that should be followed to avoid putting excessive pressure on the vehicle’s tires and axles. In Alabama, the truck weight limits can range from 20,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds depending on the truck that is used. However, some trucking companies may ignore the regulated weight levels to transport more items. This can lead to a truck tire bursting and endangering other motorists on the road.

Tire Defects

Tire manufacturers are responsible for testing their product to ensure that they adequately perform when exposed to shifting weather patterns and other road hazards. However, some companies may expedite a defective product without running enough safety tests. This allows a tire manufacturer to maximize their profits at the expense of consumers and drivers that may be injured due to a tire blowout.

This is not an exhaustive list. There are a few other causes of truck tire blowouts that are not listed above. For example, a tire may explode because the tire was overused. To learn more about why truck tires explode, you should speak with an experienced Alabama tire defect lawyer.

Who is Liable for an Injury Caused by a Tire Explosion?

A truck driver may cause you an injury due to a tire blowout on their vehicle, but there may be multiple parties that are liable for your injuries. For example, if a tire blowout occurred because a trucking company decided to overload a trailer, the company may be liable for your injuries. Additionally, if a negligent tire manufacturer produced a defective tire, it is possible that they will be liable for your injuries as well.

Be sure to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries if you are involved in a truck accident due to a tire blowout. You should also inform your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as possible. You should also avoid speaking with a representative of the trucking company without a lawyer as they may be looking for ways to minimize your claim against the company.

Our Montgomery, AL Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You File a Claim

If you or a family member was injured after a truck collision, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. The Morrison Law Firm understands how a serious car accident can impact your life, and we are here to represent you. To schedule a free legal consultation, call us at (334) 625-6128, or contact us online.