What to Do When a Truck Tire Blowout Causes an Accident

Truck tire blowouts are a terrifying reality on our highways. The sheer force of these explosions can cause devastating accidents — leaving victims injured and confused. 

Understanding what happens in the immediate aftermath of a truck tire blowout accident is crucial. You need to know the steps to protect yourself, gather evidence, and understand how to hold those responsible accountable. And don’t forget to seek medical attention after a car accident. 

So, let’s get into what you should do and why seeking the right support is important.

Why Truck Tire Blowouts are So Dangerous

Commercial trucks are massive, complex machines that require constant care to operate safely. Tire blowouts on these vehicles aren’t just a minor inconvenience — they present unique risks.

• Force of the Explosion: A truck tire’s immense size means that when it fails, the explosion is far more powerful than a standard car tire. This intense energy can cause significant damage well beyond the truck itself.

• Heavy Debris: Truck tire shreds and broken truck parts become dangerous projectiles, potentially striking other vehicles or people.

• Truck Instability: For truck drivers, a blowout often means a sudden, drastic loss of control, increasing the chances of serious collisions, jackknifing, or even rollovers.

• Chain Reaction: Swerving trucks or flying debris create a ripple effect on the road. Other drivers may over-correct or panic, leading to multi-car pile ups.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident

If you’re involved in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, seconds count. Prioritize safety while trying to gather as much information as possible.

• Get to a Safe Place: If possible, move your car to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Activate your hazard lights.

• Check for Injuries: Your health and safety are your top concern. Prioritize assessing yourself and any passengers for injuries. If there’s a chance of serious injuries, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s wise to consult a doctor after a car accident medical attention after a car accident. Sometimes symptoms take time to appear, so a medical evaluation can protect you in the long run. Consider checking for urgent care after car accident, or searching for doctors who specialize in car accident injuries.

• Call the Police: A police report provides official documentation, crucial for any insurance claims or potential legal action.

• Gather Information: While it might feel chaotic, try to collect as much information as possible, like truck driver’s name and license, name of the trucking company, insurance details, contact information for any witnesses, etc.

• Document the Scene: If safe to do so, extensive photos and videos of the scene will help later. Include property damage, tire debris, any visible truck damage, skid marks, and the surroundings.

Determining Who Is Liable

Truck tire blowout accidents can be incredibly complex when it comes to responsibility.  It’s important to understand the concept of negligence and how it applies in these cases 

Negligence Basics

For a successful claim, you must prove someone acted negligently –  their actions (or failure to act) breached a duty of care, and this breach directly caused your injuries and damages. After an accident, it’s important to find the right medical professional for assessment and treatment. Many people search for doctors for car accident who understand the specific injuries that can arise from collisions. These doctors can also provide the necessary documentation for your claim.

Potential Liable Parties

In truck tire blowout cases,  there might be multiple parties responsible. 

• Truck Driver: Drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely. If the blowout was caused by a  driver’s failure to properly inspect tires, overloaded the truck, or was driving distracted or recklessly, they may be held liable.

• Trucking Company: Companies are responsible for ensuring their trucks are in safe operating condition. A history of poor maintenance, unrealistic delivery schedules pushing drivers to speed, or overloading trucks could shift liability to the company.

• Tire Manufacturer: Although less common, a tire blowout caused by a manufacturing defect would make the tire manufacturer potentially liable.

Seeking Compensation & Your Rights

A truck tire blowout accident can upend your world. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and the emotional trauma is overwhelming – especially if you’re facing these burdens alone. It’s vital to understand your rights. 

Types of Compensation

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you might be entitled to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all costs related to your care, past, present, and any estimated future medical needs.

• Lost Wages: Compensation for time you can’t work due to the accident, including potential future earning capacity if your injuries leave you disabled.

• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle and personal belongings.

• Pain & Suffering: This encompasses the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.

The Importance of an Attorney

Truck accident cases are notoriously complicated. A personal injury attorney specializing in these types of accidents is essential for understanding your rights and potential compensation. 

And it’s crucial to be aware of the signs you should go to the hospital after a car accident, since the impact of a truck collision can cause serious internal injuries. 

Remember, you have the right to fight for fair compensation. It’s about helping you recover and ensuring those responsible are held accountable so similar accidents can be prevented.

Preventing Truck Tire Blowout Accidents

While there may always be some level of risk on the road, there are steps we can take individually and as a society to reduce the likelihood of dangerous tire blowouts. 

• Technology: Tire pressure monitoring systems are increasingly common on trucks. These systems alert drivers to potential problems before they become blowouts, providing an opportunity to act.

• Stricter Regulations: Advocating for stricter laws regarding tire inspections and maintenance on commercial vehicles is essential. Holding trucking companies accountable when they fail to prioritize safety can save lives.

Conclusion

Truck tire blowouts are not simply mechanical failures  — they are potential tragedies caused when safety is compromised. If you or a loved one has been harmed in such an accident, you have the right to pursue justice and the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

Remember, pursuing legal action isn’t just about yourself — it’s about holding companies accountable and demanding safer trucking practices. By speaking out and advocating for change, we can all help prevent future accidents and make our roads a safer place for everyone.