Who is Responsible When a Truck Tire Blows Out in Alabama?

Truck tire blowouts can be extremely dangerous. This is especially true in the vast state of Alabama, which mostly relies on heavy trucks like tractor-trailers to deliver goods within its borders. Sadly, truck accidents often lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, and in many cases, wrongful death, leading victims to wonder, what happens after a tire blowout accident? Who is responsible for your losses? Montgomery truck accident lawyer Rick Morrison, founder of the Morrison Law Firm, explains more about truck tire blowouts and who can be liable for your injuries in Alabama. If you were hurt in an accident in Alabama, our personal injury law firm is here to help.

Why Do Truck Tire Blowouts Happen?

Truck tire blowouts can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening accidents. During a tire blowout, the truck driver can quickly lose control of their vehicle and cause a collision with nearby drivers. Some of the leading causes of truck tire blowouts include tire defects, over-inflation, overloading the truck with excessive weight, and overuse of the tires.

Tire Defects

Tire defects are often discovered after truck tire blowout accidents – despite the fact that tire manufacturers have the responsibility to oversee safety testing, manufacturing, and other stages of production. Unfortunately, not all tire manufacturers follow this principle and rush their products onto the market without adhering to regulations closely.

A defect in a tire’s design – or a mistake during the physical manufacturing process – can lead to a potential catastrophe. An example of a common tire defect is tread separation due to oversights during the manufacturing process. Tread separation can cause the tire to deflate quickly, making controlling the truck extremely difficult. Tire defect attorney Rick Morrison is highly experienced in litigating these types of product liability claims.

Over-Inflation

All vehicles should have a manufacturer’s pamphlet describing the amount of air pressure or PSI (pounds per square inch) truck tires should use. Furthermore, the placard often found at the truck’s door should also indicate the manufacturer-recommended PSI. If the truck’s tires are over-inflated, they could suddenly burst if the driver hits a curb, falls into a pothole, or inadvertently hits debris on the road. Despite manufacturers’ instructions, many trucking companies disregard the recommendations and send their drivers out on long journeys using over-inflated tires.

Overused Tires

Truck companies have a duty to keep their vehicles in optimal condition. Adequate maintenance can help prevent truck accidents on the road. However, many companies don’t pay rigorous attention to their fleet’s tires. An old, worn-out tire is in greater danger of bursting, causing the driver to lose control over the vehicle.

Truck Overload

While truck tires are bigger and sturdier than a passenger car’s tires, they are not meant to withstand unlimited weight. Every truck has different load capacities. Therefore, trucking companies should adhere to the amount of weight a truck was designed to carry. Overloading the truck can exert excessive, invisible pressure on the tires below. Bearing too much weight can cause uneven wear on the tire, which can lead to a blowout.

Who Is Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident in Alabama?

In a truck tire blowout accident, there can be different liable parties. For instance, you can file a claim against the tire manufacturer with help from a Montgomery product liability lawyer. For example, you may be able to file a lawsuit based on negligence. In a negligence-based lawsuit, you will need to show the manufacturer had a duty of care, that duty was breached, the breach of duty caused harm, and you suffered damages.

Depending on the circumstance, you can also potentially file a claim against the trucking company. As stated above, trucking companies must make sure they perform adequate maintenance on their vehicles. Part of their duty of keeping their trucks in optimal condition includes tire inspection and replacement. If the negligent actions of a trucking company caused your injuries, you can file a claim against the business with help from your personal injury attorney.

Additionally, you may be able to file a claim against the truck driver. Like any other driver, truckers have a duty to operate their vehicle as a prudent, reasonable person would in a similar position. Since trucks are larger and heavier than standard cars, the duty of care for truckers is higher.

Montgomery Truck Accident Attorney Handling Personal Injury Lawsuits

Experiencing an accident with a large, heavy truck can leave you and your family emotionally, physically, and financially scarred. The injuries caused by the negligent parties can lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. However, you don’t have to go through this moment alone. Proudly serving the Montgomery area, Alabama injury lawyer Rick Morrison can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you need immediate legal representation. For a free, confidential consultation, call the Morrison Law Firm today at (334) 625-6128, or contact us online.