Tire blowouts in large commercial trucks are a significant safety concern on major roads and highways throughout Texas. Tire blowouts contribute to a notable number of truck accidents across the United States.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study, about 8,000 truck accidents each year are linked to tire blowouts.
What are the causes of tire blowouts on large commercial trucks?
Tire blowouts on large commercial trucks are often caused by:
- Overinflated tires: Overinflation can cause tires to stretch beyond their limits. The heat from the sun, asphalt, and friction raises the temperature of the air inside the tires. This causes the air to expand and the rubber to stretch to a breaking point.
- Underinflated tires: Underinflation leads to increased stress on the tire's internal components. The sidewall of the tire flexes more than it should because the air pressure isn't high enough to bear the load. This can lead to heat buildup and result in the rubber cracking and exploding.
- Overloading vehicles: Overloading is common in the trucking industry and puts additional pressure on tires. Even tires in good condition can blow out if they are subjected to weights exceeding their designed capacity.
- Wear and tear: Continuous operation under tremendous pressure contributes to wear and tear. Worn-out tires often can't survive potholes and cracks in the road.
How can truck drivers and trucking companies prevent tire blowouts?
Truck drivers and trucking companies have an obligation to prevent accidents caused by tire failure.
Truck drivers should conduct thorough inspections of the tires before hitting the road. This includes checking for cuts, cracks, or bulges. Truck drivers should also ensure that the tread depth is adequate.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is also important. Drivers should use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure and ensure it aligns with the manufacturer's recommended levels.
Trucks should never be overloaded beyond their tire load capacity. Ensuring proper weight distribution is also important.
Additionally, trucking companies have an obligation to properly maintain and repair their vehicles. They should regularly monitor tires for signs of wear and tear and replace them before they become too worn.
Determining liability in tire blowout truck accidents
In the event of a tire blowout accident involving a large commercial truck, multiple parties might be held liable. These include:
- Truck drivers for failing to inspect and maintain tires.
- Trucking companies for cutting corners in maintenance.
- Tire manufacturers when blowouts are caused by tire defects.
- Mechanics and cargo loaders can also be held responsible under certain circumstances.
Pursuing a truck accident claim in Texas
If you were injured or a loved one died in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout in Texas, it's important to protect your rights and get a clear understanding of your potential legal options. Trucking companies are notorious for covering any wrongdoing on their part. Plus, the insurance companies that represent trucking companies will go to great lengths to reduce their liability.
An attorney at Tracey Fox & Walters can thoroughly investigate your truck accident and gather the facts to support your potential claim. That includes collecting evidence from the crash scene, reviewing maintenance records, interviewing witnesses, and much more.
No matter how much a trucking company tries to deny responsibility, our law firm can fight to uncover the truth and hold them accountable. Contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our legal team and learn how an experienced Texas truck accident lawyer can help. You can also call our law offices in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.