Semi-truck tire blowouts are among the most dangerous events on the road, often leading to catastrophic accidents. When a massive commercial vehicle experiences a tire failure, the consequences can be severe, affecting multiple vehicles and causing significant injuries or fatalities. This is especially true in high-traffic areas like Orlando. Suppose you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a semi-truck tire blowout. In that case, understanding how your attorney will determine liability and how the blowout affects your lawsuit is crucial. It all begins, though, with understanding how the accident occurred in the first place.
How and why do semi-truck tire blowouts happen?
A tire blowout happens when a tire suddenly bursts or deflates rapidly. This often leads to loss of control for the driver, especially at high speeds. When analyzing commercial vehicle tire blowouts, the size and weight of the vehicle also play a part in that loss of control. Several factors can contribute to semi-truck tire blowouts, including:
- Poor maintenance – Trucking companies and drivers must conduct routine vehicle inspections and maintenance. Failure to replace worn-out or damaged tires increases the risk of blowouts, especially on Florida’s hot roads. The heat from friction and the sun can weaken the tire’s rubber, making thin or damaged areas more likely to come apart.
- Overloading – Exceeding cargo weight limits can put too much pressure on tires. This makes them more prone to failure.
- Manufacturing Defects – Some tires have design or production flaws. These cause faster degradation and likely blowout of the tire.
- Road Hazards – Rough road conditions can cause sudden damage to tires. Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces are the most common culprits.
- Improperly Inflated Tires – Tires require specific pressure to function correctly and safely. Tires that are under or over-inflated increase the likelihood of failure.
What causes a tire blowout greatly impacts the liability in an accident, so understanding the above factors is important! It’s also important to note that the amount of traffic around these large trucks greatly increases the chances of an accident. Interstate 4 and other major roads around Orlando are known spots for accidents caused by tire blowouts because of their continual heavy traffic.
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Who is liable in a tire blowout accident?
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident caused by a tire blowout can be complicated. Multiple parties may be held responsible, depending on their roles and the specifics of the accident. Most often, liability falls on:
- The trucking company – a company that doesn’t enforce maintenance requirements (i.e., routine tire inspections and replacement) or pressures their drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines could be held at fault in accidents caused by semi-truck tire blowouts.
- The tire manufacturer – if it’s proven that a defect in the tire caused a blowout, or if a defect was known about and no recall was issued, the tire manufacturer could be responsible for the crash under product liability laws.
- Vehicle maintenance providers – those responsible for a commercial vehicle’s maintenance (like mechanics) sometimes hold fault if poor servicing led to the blowout.
While this is not an exhaustive list of all potentially responsible parties, generally speaking, these are the most likely parties held liable in accidents caused by semi-truck blowouts. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney after your accident ensures these parties are accountable for their actions.
How do semi-truck tire blowouts affect lawsuits?
When pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident caused by a commercial vehicle tire blowout, you must consider several legal considerations.
Proof of Negligence
Proving negligence is necessary to hold responsible parties accountable after an accident. To do this, your attorney must:
- demonstrate that the responsible party(ies) had a duty of care – for example, ensuring truck safety.
- show that they breached that duty – e.g., failing to replace worn-out tires
- prove that the breach directly caused your accident and, subsequently, your injuries
- showcase that you suffered significant damages as a result
Negligence is most often proven with maintenance records, driver logs, accident reports, and expert testimony. Your lawyer will use this evidence to build your case.
Federal Trucking Regulations and Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations on trucking companies, requiring specific maintenance and inspections on commercial vehicles. If it’s shown that a truck driver or company failed to comply with these regulations, your attorney will use this information to strengthen your case.
Damages You Can Recover After Accidents Caused by Semi-Truck Tire Blowouts
Injured parties might be entitled to compensation for a long list of damages. These include, but are not limited to:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatments
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage and loss
- Wrongful death damages (in cases with fatalities)
Commercial vehicle accident attorneys carefully analyze your specific accident, injuries, and damages, building a case that gets the maximum amount of compensation.
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What should I do after a commercial vehicle accident?
Calling emergency services as quickly as possible is crucial after a truck accident!
Whether caused by a blowout, reckless driving, or the weather, there are several key steps to take after any commercial vehicle accident. If you’re involved in an accident with one of these large vehicles, protect your legal rights and:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re injured
- Call the police. Their official report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case.
- Document the scene if able. Take photo and video evidence of the accident and surrounding scene.
- Collect witness information. Having their names and phone numbers will be helpful for your attorney.
- Contact a truck accident attorney in your area. Florida looks to Brooks Law Group!
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Why do I need to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Accidents caused by semi-truck tire blowouts are challenging. Not only do they involve multiple parties, but these parties often use aggressive defense tactics to avoid paying settlements. Experienced truck accident lawyers know these tactics well and can build a case that stands up to their defense. Skilled attorneys will not only investigate your accident thoroughly, but they will also advocate on your behalf. This includes negotiations with insurance companies and taking your case to court if necessary.
Brooks Law Group specializes in commercial vehicle accidents in the Orlando area, fighting for our clients and their rights. When you put your case in our hands, you can focus on recovery and healing, knowing we are taking care of you on the legal front. You’re never left to navigate the system alone, as we prioritize communication, are easy to contact, and work hard to keep you informed throughout your case. We provide FREE, no-risk consultations, and if you choose our team to represent you, you don’t pay unless we win your case.
When a tire blowout causes devastating accidents, other drivers are frequently injured or even killed. If you were harmed in one of these crashes, understanding the legal process and knowing your rights is essential to getting the help you deserve. For maximum compensation and a team you can count on, Look to Brooks.
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