Houston Truck Tire Blowout Accident Lawyer

Tire blowouts are an alarming experience no matter when they occur. But when the tires of a large semi-truck or tractor-trailer fail, life-threatening accidents often result. Motorists who share the road with these big rigs are particularly vulnerable when truck drivers lose control following a tire blowout. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), on average, passenger vehicle occupants suffer more than two-thirds of the fatal injuries sustained in large truck accidents in the United States.

If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a Houston tire blowout accident with an 18-wheeler or other big commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The experienced truck accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ can help. Our aggressive representation has resulted in real results worth millions of dollars for clients throughout Texas. Call us today or contact us online to learn how we can help you in a free consultation.

Tire Blowout Risks and Driver Safety

Tire blowouts present serious risks to drivers of passenger cars and large commercial trucks alike. But given the colossal size and weight of most big rig trucks, this risk is not distributed evenly. Since the average passenger car is so much smaller than a semi-truck, car occupants in the path of a truck experiencing a tire blowout are usually in much greater danger. It’s important for all drivers to understand the risks commonly presented by truck tire blowouts, such as:

• Loss of control by truck drivers
• Flying objects, such as tires or cargo
• Panic or loss of control by other drivers
• Truck rollover or jackknifing

To protect yourself on the road around commercial trucks:

• Stay alert and focused at all times, especially near big rig trucks.
• Avoid driving directly next to the tires of large trucks.
• Stay out of trucks’ blind spots in case drivers lose control in a blowout.
• Try to stay calm and avoid over-reactive steering if you run into a blown-out tire.
• Understand how to stop quickly and safely with your unique brake system.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Tire Blowout Accident?

Sometimes, even drivers who take every possible precaution behind the wheel can’t avoid truck tire blowout accidents. If you are injured in such an accident, one of the most important elements of your claim for compensation will be proving who was liable for the crash.

Liability, or responsibility, can be difficult to determine in a truck tire blowout accident. A thorough investigation may reveal that fault lies with one or more of the following parties:

• Truck drivers, who are required to conduct regular inspections of their trucks and tires per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
• Trucking companies, which are also required to inspect, maintain, and repair trucks regularly and should not allow trucks to be driven if they are likely to cause an accident
• Cargo loading companies, which may cause issues with truck tires if trucks or trailers are overloaded or improperly loaded
• Tire manufacturers, which may be held responsible if tire defects lead to a blowout
• Maintenance companies, if they fail to adequately inspect or recommend repairs to worn-out tires
• Government entities, which are sometimes liable in rare cases when they fail to address potholes or other dangerous road conditions that cause accidents

How Truck Tire Blowouts Happen

Truck tires are made of thick, durable rubber. But since they’re frequently subject to extreme friction and other forces, they naturally wear down over time. As tires become weakened with age, blowouts become more likely. Worn-down tires may rupture or flatten when exposed to excessive pressure or sudden impacts from things like:

• Potholes – When heavy trucks drive over potholes, their tires are sometimes squeezed against the sharp edges of the hole and can become frayed or punctured, causing blowouts.
• Underinflation – If tires are not inflated properly, their internal components bear more weight than they are designed to withstand. This can cause them to fail more quickly.
• Heat – Excessive heat can cause tires to overinflate, which is just as dangerous as underinflation. Overinflated tires are more likely to blow out when exposed to friction.
• Overloading – 18-wheelers require so many tires because of the massive weight of the loads they carry. Even if tires are all properly inflated, adding too much cargo to a trailer seriously increases the strain on those tires and subsequent risk of a blowout.
• Wear over time – No matter how well tires are maintained, they are still weakened each time they come into contact with the road. Only careful inspection, maintenance, and regular replacements can help prevent blowouts from simple wear and tear.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Truck Tire Blowout Accident

If you’ve sustained injuries in a tire blowout accident with a large truck or tractor-trailer, there are several steps you should take to protect your personal safety and your legal rights.

• Report your accident to the police. Request a copy of the accident report.
• Obtain contact information, insurance information, and employer information from the truck driver. Also get the contact and insurance information for any other drivers involved.
• Get contact information from any witnesses.
• Photograph the accident, your injuries, and the vehicles involved. As soon as you are able, write down everything you remember about the crash.
• Seek immediate medical treatment. Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Save all documentation of your injuries, recovery, medical treatments, and any expense receipts.
• Consult with an experienced Texas truck tire blowout accident attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Our Tire Blowout Accident Lawyer

Contacting an experienced attorney may be one of the most important steps you take in your recovery journey. If you are worried about how you will pay your bills after a truck accident, the Houston injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian™ can help you demand the full compensation and justice you deserve.

Our attentive staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The initial consultation is free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win for you. Call us now or contact us online for your free consultation.