Truck Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are a common cause of highway accidents and can have serious consequences. When a tire blows out, it rapidly loses air pressure, causing it to deflate and possibly separate from the wheel. This sudden loss of control over the vehicle can result in an accident.

One of the main dangers of a tire blowout is the immediate impact on the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle. When a tire blows out, it can cause the vehicle to swerve abruptly in the direction of the blown-out tire. This sudden change in direction can catch the driver off guard, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. In some cases, the driver may overcorrect in their attempt to re-establish control, causing the vehicle to veer into other lanes or even roll over.

For trucks traveling on Arizona highways, the danger is even more pronounced. When trailers have a tire blowout, it could cause the driver to lose control, resulting in a jackknife or rollover truck accident, possibly involving multiple passenger vehicles.

Truck tire blowout accidents can be catastrophic and destructive to vehicles in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even driving near a truck when a blowout occurs can force you to brake or swerve erratically to avoid the impact area and debris that may be left on the roadway.

If you have been involved in a tire blowout accident, call the expert attorneys at Torgenson Law for a confidential case evaluation. We will investigate the accident and help map out a process for getting compensation for injuries and damages.

What Is a Truck Blowout Accident?

A truck blowout accident is when one or more tires on a truck suddenly and catastrophically burst or deflate while the vehicle is in motion. This can occur on any type of truck, including semi-trucks, commercial trucks, or even smaller trucks like bobtails. When a tire blowout occurs, it can lead to serious consequences, both for the truck driver and for other vehicles on the road.

Truck blowouts can happen due to several reasons, such as overloading the vehicle beyond its tire capacity, insufficient tire maintenance, or manufacturing defects. The sudden loss of tire pressure can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to collisions, jackknifes, rollovers, or veering into oncoming traffic. This can result in extensive property damage, severe injuries, and even fatalities.

These types of accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Trucks are much larger than cars, and when their tires blow out, they can cause significant damage to other vehicles and property. Additionally, the debris from the blown-out tire can pose a hazard to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of secondary accidents.

Given the potential for devastating consequences, drivers caught near or behind a truck when a blowout occurs are likely to be affected. If you’ve been in a truck tire blowout accident, call the injury attorneys at Torgenson Law and let us walk you through the steps needed to be taken to receive compensation.

Causes of Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowout accidents can be caused by several factors, including poor tire maintenance, road hazards, overloading, and manufacturing defects.

Tire maintenance. One of the primary causes is improper tire maintenance, such as underinflation or overinflation. When a tire is not inflated to the correct pressure, it can cause the tire to wear unevenly and generate excessive heat, leading to a blowout. Additionally, old or worn-out tires are more prone to blowouts, as the rubber becomes brittle and less resistant to punctures or damage.
Road hazards. Debris on the road, such as nails, broken glass, or potholes, can puncture or damage the tire, leading to a blowout. Driving over these hazards at high speeds increases the risk of a tire blowout, as the impact can cause sudden air loss and loss of control over the vehicle.
Overweight trucks. A vehicle carrying excessive weight puts extra stress on the tires, causing them to overheat and potentially lead to a blowout. Manufacturers provide a specific load capacity for each tire, and exceeding this limit significantly increases the likelihood of a tire blowout.
Defective tires. Defects in the construction or manufacturing process, such as weak spots or faulty adhesion, can weaken the tire over time and eventually lead to a blowout. These defects may go unnoticed until they fail under normal driving conditions, posing a significant safety risk to the driver and passengers.

Who Is Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident?

In Arizona, liability in a tire blowout accident depends on several factors and can be attributed to various parties involved. In general, liability may be assigned to the driver of the vehicle, the tire manufacturer, the vehicle manufacturer, or a combination of these parties.

The driver may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the tire blowout. This can include actions such as overloading the vehicle, failing to properly maintain or inspect the tires, or driving with underinflated tires.

The tire manufacturer may also be held liable if a defective tire caused the blowout. Defects can include issues such as faulty design, manufacturing errors, or the use of recycled or substandard materials.

Finally, the vehicle manufacturer may be liable if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the tire blowout. This can include defects in the suspension system, brakes, rims, or any other component that may impact the tires’ performance.

Determining liability in a tire blowout accident can involve investigation, expert analysis, and legal considerations. It is essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney after a truck tire blowout accident who can evaluate the details of the accident and help determine who may be held liable for the injuries and damages suffered.

What a Truck Driver Should Do When a Tire Blowout Occurs

If you’ve been involved in a truck tire blowout accident, it is crucial to remain calm and take appropriate measures to ensure your safety and that of other road users. Here are a few steps that a truck driver should take after a tire blowout:

Maintain control and stability. As soon as you realize that you were affected by a truck, firmly grip the steering wheel and try to keep the vehicle straight. Avoid making sudden movements or overcorrecting, as this can result in loss of control. Gradually reduce speed while keeping a firm grip on the wheel.
Activate hazard lights and signal intentions. Once you have gained control of the truck, immediately activate the hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions, such as switching lanes or maneuvering to the shoulder.
Pull off the road. If possible, try to navigate the truck to the side of the road or to a safe spot away from traffic. This will help prevent accidents and allow you to assess the situation more effectively. Avoid stopping abruptly in the middle of the road, putting yourself at risk of being hit by other vehicles.
Assess the damage and call for assistance. Once you have reached a safe location, exit the vehicle and assess the damage caused by the tire blowout. Look for any signs of additional problems, such as damage to other tires or the suspension. Depending on the severity of the damage, you might need to contact a roadside assistance service or your trucking company for help.

Call Torgenson Law for a Free Case Evaluation

Being next to or behind a heavy truck when a blowout occurs can be a shocking and traumatic experience. Although it is often a highly stressful situation, you need to remain calm and attempt to move off the highway, if possible. Immediately check on other victims to make sure they don’t need medical attention. Make sure to document the scene of the accident with pictures and notes of who was involved and how the incident unfolded.

Regardless if you feel injured, it’s important to get checked out by medical personnel. Some injuries may materialize weeks or even months after an accident happens, and getting immediate medical attention will ensure you get the medical evaluation and treatment you need.

After any involvement in a truck tire blowout accident, call the truck accident lawyers that Arizona drivers have relied on for two decades. Torgenson Law has represented Arizona drivers in all types of accidents, and our attorneys know how to investigate truck accidents and build a strong case. To have your case evaluated by an expert personal injury attorney, reach out to us online or call us at 602-726-0747, and we will get started today.

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