The Dangers of Truck Tire Blowouts

Truck accidents can be some of the most destructive and devastating accidents that occur on roadways. Many times, the most seriously affected victims of these accidents are those who occupied the passenger vehicles in these crashes. Truck accidents are often the result of driver error, but may also be caused by tire blowouts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), out of about 16,000 people who are killed each year in truck crashes, about 200 fatalities are attributed to truck tire blowouts. Many truck accidents involving tire blowouts can be prevented with the application of proper safety protocol and procedures, which includes the proper evaluation and maintenance of tires.

Causes of truck tire blowouts

Some truck blowouts can occur due to hazards beyond the ability of the truck driver, trucking company, and truck tire manufacturer to control such as potholes or sharp items on the roadway. Many times, however, truck accidents caused by tire blowouts are caused by preventable oversights or errors. Examples include:

• Tire installation error
• Improper inflation
• Manufacturing flaw
• Defective tires
• Incorrect tires
• Overloaded trailer
• Improper braking
• Improper maintenance
• Driver error
• Speeding

Any of these defects or errors in judgment on the part of the truck driver may be the basis for a truck accident injury claim in the state of Maryland.

Note: If a blowout is caused by a road defect, that is also a compensable claim. However, the liable party would either be the State or local government and claims against government entities are complex. They also have shortened statutes of limitations. You should contact us immediately about your accidents and your injuries, so that we can get started on your case.

Types of accidents resulting from tire blowouts

Tire blowouts can cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck, resulting in a devastating accident. The following are the most common types of truck accidents that can occur from a tire blowout:

• Falling cargo – A failure to properly install cargo can cause it to break free and release from the truck, potentially hitting other vehicles on the roadway. Accidents can result from other drivers attempting to evade cargo on the road.
• Rollover –A blown out tire can shift the rig’s center of gravity, causing it to roll upside down or onto its side.
• Head-on collisions– When a truck has a blown-out tire, it can cause the truck to shift uncontrollably into a direction that leads head-on with an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, causing a catastrophic collision.
• Rear-end collisions – Tire blowouts can cause the truck driver to lose control of the rig, which leads to the truck slamming into the rear-end of another vehicle.

Because of the outsized mass and size of a standard commercial truck, a tire blowout can result in serious injuries and even death. Potential injuries from a truck tire blowout include broken bones, amputations, cuts and lacerations, sprains, burns, bruises, disfigurement, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and emotional trauma.

At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. we have more than three decades of experience fighting for our clients’ rights to compensation when they suffer injuries at the hands of a negligent party. If you have sustained injuries due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, or truck part manufacturer, our Maryland truck accident attorneys can help. To schedule a free consultation about your case, give us a call today at 410.730.7737 or use our contact form.