Truck accidents aren’t nearly as common as those involving passenger cars; however, they do happen. Apart from driver error or dangerous encounters with passenger cars, one of the things that can cause an accident is a tire blowout. Many 18-wheelers weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds, so if one or more of the tires explode, this could prevent the driver from regaining control of the vehicle, which could cause serious amounts of damage on the road.
Tires can explode for any of several reasons. They could have been improperly maintained and calibrated to the handle the weight they needed to carry, could have been improperly recapped, or could have been overused. The tire could also have overheated on the journey.
If you are injured in an accident because a commercial truck’s tire exploded, who would be liable for the damage? The answer to that would depend on an investigation into the crash and maintenance procedures of the trucker and his or her employer.
While every truck driver has the responsibility to conduct a pre-trip inspection, not all of them are required to perform general maintenance. Sometimes a company will employ technicians who will work on the truck to ensure it is running smoothly before a long journey.
Occasionally, a company will outsource this duty to a third-party maintenance service. If this is the case, it’s important to find out whether or not the technicians are certified by the Tire Industry Association’s (TIA) Commercial Tire Service (CTS) Certified Instructor Program in accordance with federal regulations.
If the truck driver is responsible for checking the tires before going on a trip, they can be held accountable for the accident. However, their employer will inevitably pay for your injuries and damages.
If the problem was the make of the tire itself, such as its construction, the problem would rest with the tire manufacturer. Defective tires do cause accidents, so if one of these products causes your injuries, you would file a claim against the manufacturer. Defects that have caused problems in the past include poor tire tread or belt adhesion separating, which could cause severe crashes. Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell if a tire is defective until it is too late.
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and property damage to the truck driver and any surrounding passenger vehicles. If you were injured by a truck after one of its tires exploded, make sure to call us as soon as possible. Our skilled San Jose truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping the victims of personal injury seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Over the course of our history, Habbas & Associates has recovered more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Let us use our more than 200 years of combined legal experience on your behalf. Our attorneys can provide the compassionate and skilled guidance your family deserves, so you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t charge fees for our services unless we can get you compensation.
Contact us at (888) 387-4053 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case consultation today. We look forward to speaking with you about your circumstances.
