Tire blowouts are a significant problem in long-haul trucking that can result in serious and fatal truck accidents in Wilmington, NC. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an average of 8,000 large trucks experience dangerous tire problems each year in the U.S. If a truck loses a tire in an abrupt blowout incident, the driver may lose control of the truck and crash.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, contact our Wilmington truck accident attorneys to seek compensation today.
What Is a Tire Blowout?
A tire blowout refers to the tire of a motor vehicle suddenly popping or exploding. Unlike a slow leak, such as from a nail puncturing the tire, a tire blowout is a sudden incident that results in the tire rapidly and immediately losing air pressure. Blowouts can involve the tire tread separating or falling apart abruptly. A tire blowout may make a loud bang as it ruptures.
How Tire Blowouts Can Cause Truck Accidents in Wilmington, NC
Large trucks and big rigs rely on all 18 of their tires to transport the truck and its cargo safely from one destination to another. When a heavy truck experiences a violent tire blowout, the truck driver can lose control. The truck may suddenly pull sharply to one side, causing the driver to careen off of the road or into traffic.
It is especially dangerous if a truck blows one of its drive axle tires, as this can affect the truck’s air braking system. The truck’s steering could also be compromised if the truck blows a steer tire (one mounted on the front axle), as this tire is responsible for the steering and handling of the big rig.
If a truck driver loses control of a semi-truck due to a tire blowout, it could cause a rollover or jackknifing, where the trailer of the truck swings outward at an angle from the cab. This can cause severe and fatal multi-vehicle car accidents. In addition, the burst tire can send pieces of rubber and debris flying into the road, potentially causing secondary collisions or sudden lane swerving.
What Causes Large Truck Tire Blowouts?
The known dangers of truck tire blowouts make this largely a preventable type of disaster. The FMCSA enforces a list of rules and requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations that are specifically designed to prevent these accidents. Under these rules, truck owners and operators must ensure that a truck’s tires are in proper operating condition.
Common issues that cause truck tire blowouts include:
- Tire wear and tear
- Improper maintenance
- Failure to replace old tires
- Tire overinflation
- Tire underinflation
- Overloaded (overweight) truck
- Dangerous road hazards
- Manufacturing defects
A truck’s tires need to be in good shape, with adequate tread and strong walls, to withstand the heat and friction of a long drive. If a tire is not properly inflated, has a product defect or needs replacing, it could take excessive stress that causes cracks in the rubber and a potential explosion.
When to Contact a Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyer
When a tire blowout causes a truck accident, those injured in the crash should reach out to an experienced Wilmington truck accident lawyer for a discussion about legal options. One or more parties may be held responsible for a catastrophic truck accident, such as the trucking company for poor vehicle maintenance or truck overloading, the truck driver for failing to conduct daily tire inspections, or the tire manufacturer for a product defect.
A truck accident attorney in Wilmington can carefully investigate the tire blowout accident to determine causation and identify the at-fault party or parties. Then, our Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Shipman & Wright can help prove fault by collecting evidence and hiring relevant experts – maximizing the odds of securing a fair financial recovery. Contact us today.