Truck Tire Blowouts
Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touch the ground. Although many drivers don’t give them much thought, tires are one of the most important components of vehicles—and there’s little to no room for failure when a vehicle is in motion. Damaged or neglected tires can blow out in a split second, causing drivers to lose control of their vehicles and increasing their risk of accidents significantly.
Truck tires can have even more severe consequences when they fail. Because of the enormous amount of air pressure in big truck tires, blowouts don’t just affect the handling and stability of the truck itself—they also pose major risks for drivers near the truck. The air pressure alone from a truck tire blowout can damage vehicles, and the debris from exploded tires can cause serious injuries to anyone near the truck.
What Causes Truck Tire Blowouts?
Modern truck tires are designed to withstand thousands and thousands of miles of travel and a constant barrage of small debris on the roadway. But eventually, they will fail. It’s up to the truck driver, owner, or company to replace truck tires long before that happens.
Some of the most common causes of truck tire blowouts include:
- Tire pressure that’s too high or too low
The level of air pressure in truck tires is often significantly higher than the tires on standard passenger vehicles. But despite the major differences, truck tires must still be within an accepted range to function optimally while the vehicle is in motion. Tires that are either underinflated or overinflated are both at risk of serious damage that can lead to blowouts and accidents.
- Overloaded trucks
All trucks have weight limits that dictate the maximum amount of cargo they can carry before various components of the truck begin to fail. When a truck is significantly overloaded, it puts increased weight on the tires. That additional weight can significantly increase the risk that a tire will blowout while the vehicle is in motion.
- Negligent maintenance
Although truck tires can accumulate tens of thousands of miles or more before they need to be replaced, signs of significant wear and tear should never be ignored and truck tires should always be replaced on a regular schedule. Unfortunately, many truck owners and companies neglect to maintain or replace old and worn-out tires, increasing the risk that the driver will suffer a blowout.
- Lack of tire inspection
Even relatively new tires aren’t immune to blowouts if they’re damaged by debris in the roadway. Whether it’s caused by a nail, broken glass, or simply running over a large and sharp object, truck tires can be punctured or heavily damaged on the roadway without immediate consequences. That’s why it’s vital for truck drivers and owners to regularly inspect tires for signs of damage and arrange for repairs or replacement before the truck is used to deliver goods.
These are just a few of the primary causes of truck tire blowouts. At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville truck accident attorneys know that there are countless reasons that truck tires can fail, but the end result is often the same—serious injuries suffered by innocent victims like you.
Matt Hardin Law Knows Truck Accident Claims
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Our legal team will investigate the accident to determine if the tire blowout was due to negligence on behalf of the truck driver, owner, or company—and then we’ll build a strong case that proves they didn’t uphold the expected standards of safety.
Get in touch with us today to get our professional and dedicated staff on your side. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online form.