Truck accidents are notorious for being one of the most dangerous and damaging types of incidents that can occur. The sheer size and weight of trucks often render other vehicles destroyed and other drivers injured severely if not fatally. One common cause of trucking accidents, or any accidents, is a tire blowout.
Common Causes of Tire Blowouts
Many drivers are familiar with the shock of a burst tire from striking a nail or hitting a pothole. In smaller vehicles, these can be dangerous but are more likely to be able to be controlled. For larger vehicles like trucks, blowouts can trigger a significant loss of control and cause an accident. The following are common risk factors leading to tire blowouts:
- Overloading: All trucks are regulated by strict weight measurements and can only carry certain loads. If a truck is weighted beyond its capacity or loaded improperly, the stress on the tires may cause a blowout.
- Inadequate Maintenance: Trucks need to be inspected regularly and maintained to avoid accidents. Tires need to be checked and replaced often when under constant strain.
- Manufacturing Error: Tires can suffer from faulty materials or design just like any vehicle part. Tire blowouts are occasionally caused by a malfunctioning product.
- Road Conditions/Weather Events: Debris and potholes are common causes of tire damage. Weather events can also lead to weakened tires or loss of control.
Common Injuries Sustained in Tire Blowout Accidents
Tire blowouts can result in a variety of injuries and damages that range in severity:
- Severe Injuries/Fatality: Any accident with a truck is likely to result in severe injuries like broken bones, internal bleeding, and head trauma. Most vehicles simply cannot withstand the force of a full-sized truck. Unfortunately, many truck accidents end in fatality, meaning that the families of the victims are often left to deal with the aftermath and litigation.
- Property Damage: Truck accidents often lead to totaled cars, damage to surrounding structures, and damaged cargo.
- Psychological Damages: Accidents are inherently traumatic and often bring psychological and emotional distress, leading to anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD.
No matter what type of injuries you’ve suffered, seeking medical attention and working with an injury lawyer are essential steps after an accident.
The Value of a Personal Injury Lawyer
A Phoenix truck accident attorney will walk you through any claims and court process after an accident. Specifically, here’s how they can help:
- Establishing Liability: A personal injury lawyer will determine if you have a case worth pursuing, and who is most likely to be liable. This may include the truck driver, their employer, or the manufacturer of the tires or truck.
- Evidence Collection: A lawyer will identify the relevant evidence and collect it, including medical records and eyewitness testimony. Sometimes, this may include expert witness reports and testimony.
- Negotiation: Your legal team will fight to obtain compensation for any losses you’ve experienced by negotiating with the insurance company.
If you or someone you know was involved in an accident with a truck, whether it was caused by a tire blowout or not, contact us now for a free consultation.
