Tire Blowouts: Who is Liable for This Tragic Accident?
Big rigs and other large trucks are heavy and difficult to drive safely. They need to be working in top condition so that they reach their destination without incident. Functioning tires are critical to any large truck, including semis. Tractor-trailers have 18 wheels, and if one blows, then the entire rig can become unmanageable. Call Snyder Heitman LLC to discuss any accident involving a large commercial truck.
Five Reasons Truck Tires Explode
Truck tires endure punishment on the road. Over long hauls and in grueling heat, these tires can break down, and there is always a risk of a tire exploding. We see large pieces of shredded tire on the shoulder of the highway.
Some common reasons for a tire blowout include:
- When a tire is underinflated, more pressure is put on the walls of the tire. Consequently, these walls can weaken and then fail, especially when a trip is hundreds of miles. Truckers should check tire pressure before starting each trip.
- Overinflation (too much air). When a tire is overinflated, it is at risk of bursting. As the tire heats up, the air will expand and put pressure on the tire. If there is a weakness, then the tire can explode.
- Tires are made of rubber, and the rubber can become brittle over time. Tires should be swapped out, even if they still have sufficient tread.
- Some tires are defectively manufactured or designed. There could be weak spots on the tire, even when it is new. The tire then fails because of the defect.
- Debris or punctures. Tires can hit pieces of metal, nails, and other shrapnel out on the road, which can cause a tire to burst.
Identifying Liability for an Accident
When a tire explodes, the weight shifts on the truck, putting more pressure on the remaining tires. Other tires can burst, and the truck can become uncontrollable. Some trucks swerve into oncoming traffic after a tire explosion, with the trucker frantically pulling on the wheel.
We need to identify who is responsible. Often, the trucker or the trucking company is liable for failing to check the tires or refusing to swap out old or damaged tires. But in other cases, a tire manufacturer could be to blame for selling a defective product. Some tires do explode because of defects which existed when the tire left the factory.
Call our office. We can begin combing through the evidence. Trucking companies usually have investigators on the scene to start interviewing witnesses and inspecting the truck. They might even pick up the remains of the tire, which we can seek access to.
Regardless of who is liable–the trucking company, the tire manufacturer, or someone else–we can seek financial compensation for certain expenses, like medical care and car repairs. We can also request compensation for lost income, bodily pain, mental anguish, and more.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
A Greenville truck accident lawyer can meet for a no-strings consultation to discuss when the accident happened and what you remember. Call Snyder Heitman LLC today. Our firm also services Upstate South Carolina and Spartanburg.