A tire blowout truck accident is a terrifying and dangerous event, frequently leading to loss of vehicle control, rollovers, or multi-vehicle collisions. Given the immense size and weight of commercial trucks, a sudden tire failure can have devastating consequences for everyone sharing the road.
For victims of these crashes, the path forward involves navigating serious injuries, mounting bills, and complex legal questions. Understanding how tire failures happen and who can be held responsible is crucial. The truck accident attorneys at SJ Injury Attorneys have experience can help victims build strong claims for the compensation they need to recover.
Why Truck Tire Failures Are So Dangerous
Unlike a passenger car, a commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. This extraordinary mass means every component is under tremendous stress, especially the tires. When a tire on a big rig fails, it’s not merely an inconvenience; it’s a rapid loss of structural support that can violently unbalance the entire vehicle.
A driver may have only seconds to react as the truck pulls sharply to the side of the blown tire. This often leads to jackknifing, where the trailer swings out, or a rollover. For nearby passenger vehicles, the resulting debris field and the truck’s erratic movement present an almost unavoidable hazard.
Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts and Failures
Tire failures are typically the result of negligence, where a party responsible for the truck’s upkeep fails in their duty. Proving liability in a tire blowout truck accident often starts with identifying one of these common causes.
- Improper inflation. An underinflated tire flexes excessively that weakens the tire’s internal structure until it bursts, while an overinflated tire has less contact with the road and is more susceptible to damage from road hazards.
- Overloading. Exceeding a truck’s maximum weight rating places excessive pressure on tires, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of a catastrophic blowout.
- Excessive wear and tread separation. Tires must be replaced before their tread depth wears below legal limits. Bald tires are prone to punctures and overheating.
- Impact damage. Hitting potholes, curbs, or road debris can damage a tire’s internal belts or sidewall and can create a weak spot that leads to a blowout miles later.
- Manufacturing or design defects. Although less common, a tire can be flawed from the factory and can cause a tire to fall apart under normal use, potentially making the manufacturer liable.
Identifying the root cause requires a prompt and thorough investigation, often involving accident reconstruction experts and tire forensics.
Proving Negligence After a Tire Failure Accident
Holding the right parties accountable is essential for recovery. In a typical passenger car crash, the driver is usually the focus. In a tire blowout truck accident, multiple entities may share fault under Texas law. Building a case involves connecting the failure to a breach of a legal duty.
Potential negligent parties include:
- The truck driver, who has a pre-trip inspection duty to identify and report visibly unsafe tires
- The trucking company, which is legally responsible under Texas Transportation Code § 644.051 for a systematic maintenance program, proper load management, and ensuring drivers are trained
- A maintenance shop or service provider that improperly repaired or installed a tire
- A cargo loading company that overloaded the trailer or distributed weight unevenly
- The tire manufacturer or distributor if a defect caused the failure
Attorneys building these cases will gather critical evidence such as the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, the driver’s inspection reports, and the failed tire itself. This evidence can show a pattern of missed inspections, ignored problems, or violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) governing tire safety.
What to Do in the Aftermath of a Crash
The immediate chaos after a crash caused by a tire blowout can be overwhelming. Taking these steps can protect your health and strengthen any future legal claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay
- Try to document the scene safely
- Collect contact information from any witnesses
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance adjusters for the trucking company
Preserve your own records of all medical visits, missed work, and how your injuries affect your daily life
Seeking Comprehensive Compensation
The injuries from a tire blowout truck accident are often severe—ranging from traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries to multiple fractures and lasting psychological trauma. The compensation sought must address both immediate needs and long-term consequences.
A comprehensive claim will account for:
- All past and estimated future medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and assistive devices
- Lost income from missed work and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
- Physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress experienced because of the accident and your injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life, recognizing how your injuries limit your ability to participate in family and personal activities
Because trucking companies and their insurers have teams focused on limiting liability, having skilled legal representation ensures your claim reflects the true, full value of what you have lost.
Moving Forward After a Devastating Crash
A tire blowout truck accident is a life-altering event that victims rarely see coming. The physical, financial, and emotional toll can feel insurmountable. While the legal process cannot undo the trauma, it can provide the financial stability needed for recovery and adaptation.
With experienced guidance, you can focus on healing while holding all negligent parties accountable. Thorough investigation and determined advocacy are key to securing an outcome that covers medical care, replaces lost income, and helps you and your family move forward.
