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Why are Truck Tire Blowouts Dangerous?

accident with blown tire

When you see a large semi-truck on the road you notice that it has many more tires than passenger vehicles. You likely assume that the extra tires will prevent it from having a problem in case one of the tires fails. While the extra tires support the truck and keep it on the road, a tire blowout is still a dangerous and potentially deadly occurrence.

If you were hurt in a truck accident due to a tire blowout, you need assistance from an experienced truck accident attorney. Our skilled team knows how to handle the many issues of truck crashes and will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Why Truck Tire Blowouts Happen

There are a number of factors that could cause a truck tire to fail. Most accidents due to truck tire problems could be avoided if the owner and driver performed proper maintenance and adequate inspections before each trip. Improper tire pressure is one of the most common reasons for tire blowouts, yet it is one of the easiest to correct. Various load weights, outdoor temperatures, and elevation may all play roles in the air pressure inside a tire. The driver should inspect the tires for proper pressure before they get on the road.

Another reason a tire may blow out is due to wear. A worn-out tire is more dangerous because it has less tread to keep it on the road and to help stop the vehicle. Tires that are worn out can blow out at any time, causing the driver to lose control of the truck. Heat is a problem with tire integrity. When a truck travels more quickly it creates more heat on the tires. Additionally, traveling in hot climates can also increase the heat of the tires. This increased heat can take its toll on tires and can cause them to unexpectedly blow out.

Truck tire compliance, safety, and accountability is administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are many rules in place that apply to truck tire safety. Generally, a truck should not operate when the tires are not properly inflated, when the tread is worn, or when there is damage to the tires. The tire tread must be at the minimum depth for the type of vehicle. If the tires do not meet the minimum requirements, the truck must be taken out of service until repairs are performed.

Loss of Control after a Tire Blowout

A tire blowout is not as simple as a flat tire. When you consider that a truck could weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and might be traveling at speeds of more than 55 miles per hour, the risk of losing control of the vehicle is significant. When a tire blows it causes a shift in the motion of the vehicle and it may even shift the cargo inside. The sudden change in force means that the truck suddenly lunges to one side or the other. The driver has little to no control over the trajectory of the vehicle.

Sometimes the driver is able to get the truck under control and bring it to a safe stop on the side of the road. Many times, however, a tire blowout causes the truck to veer sharply into other lanes of traffic. As the driver tries to compensate for the changes, he or she may steer the vehicle in the other direction, which continues to cause problems. In some instances, the truck smashes into other vehicles, or it may overturn, or swerve off the embankment.

Call the Tractor Trailer Accident Attorneys

Regardless of how the accident occurred, truck crashes can be dangerous and may cause severe injuries and fatalities. If you were hurt in a truck accident, we can help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. Contact the tractor-trailer accident lawyer for a no-obligation consultation-

Call (281) 893-0760! 

 

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About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.