Semi-trucks pose a significant threat to other motorists. While we’ve spent some time on this blog discussing accidents caused by neglectful and reckless truckers where their rig slams into another vehicle, this isn’t the only way that a big rig can cause you harm. In fact, thousands of truck accidents occur each year as the result of tire blowout. While a tire blowout can cause a semi-truck to lose control and veer into surrounding traffic, even the flying debris from the tire can cause significant damage and harm to those who are driving nearby.
What causes tire blowout?
There are several causes. Here are some of the most common:
- Low tire pressure, which can result in the tire losing its elasticity.
- Overly heavy loads that put more pressure on the tires than they can handle.
- Wear and tear that occurs as tires age, particularly when they aren’t appropriately replaced when necessary.
- Improper alignment, which can cause a truck’s tires to wear more quickly.
Unfortunately, you’re limited in what you can do to avoid being affected by a tire blowout, too. Keeping a safe distance from semi-trucks is your best bet, but you’re bound to be near them at one time or another. If you’re passing one of these rigs, try to do so as quickly and as safely as possible, that way a blown tire, of one occurs, hopefully won’t negatively impact you.
What should you do if you’ve been harmed by a tire blowout?
If a flying piece of tire or a truck accident caused by a tire blowout left you or a loved one injured, then you should consider taking legal action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. In the context of a tire blowout, one of these cases can be challenging to prove. After all, you have to show that the trucker and/or their employer were negligent, and that their negligence led to your accident and your resulting injuries.
Although that might seem impossible to prove, there are some places to look to see if you can spot signs of negligence. This includes:
- Maintenance records: A semi-truck should be routinely inspected. In fact, truckers are supposed to check their rig after each trip, noting any safety issues that exist. Once a safety defect is identified, the truck should be sidelined until repaired. Therefore, damaged and overly worn tires should be quickly caught and replaced. If maintenance records show that inspection and repairs were lax, then you might have a stronger personal injury claim.
- Shipping manifests: The truck should have a shipping manifest that shows the cargo that was being carried at the time of the tire blowout. This can give you a better idea of whether the load was too heavy for the tires to handle.
- Depositions: When you file a personal injury claim, you’ll probably depose several individuals, including the trucker. By doing so, you might learn facts that are key to your case, such as the wrong size tires being used on the truck.
Build the effective personal injury case you need to recover from your harm
The ramifications of a serious truck injury can be overwhelming. But relief may be sought from a strong personal injury claim. There’s a lot that goes into one of these cases, though, so you’ll need to be prepared to navigate the legal issues ahead of you while gathering evidence and crafting compelling legal arguments. If that’s something you’d like assistance with, then please continue to read our blog and the rest of our website to figure out your next steps.