A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure and explodes with tremendous force. When this happens on an 80,000-pound commercial truck traveling at highway speeds, the results can be catastrophic.
The driver often loses control instantly as the massive vehicle pulls toward the failed tire, potentially causing the truck to jackknife, roll over, or veer into adjacent lanes of traffic. If you were injured in a tire blowout truck accident, Wisconsin law allows you to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Consulting a knowledgeable Milwaukee truck accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and hold negligent parties accountable.
The Dangers of Tire Blowouts on Large Trucks
Tire blowouts on commercial trucks present exceptional dangers due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer requires significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles and becomes extraordinarily difficult to control after a blowout.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established strict regulations governing tire maintenance and replacement precisely because the consequences of failure are so severe. Trucking companies are required to regularly inspect tires, maintain proper inflation, replace worn tires, and ensure tires are rated appropriately for the loads being carried.
Unfortunately, some companies neglect these vital maintenance requirements, putting everyone on the road at risk when preventable blowouts occur.
Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts
Truck tire blowouts rarely happen without warning signs. Many of these incidents occur because of negligent maintenance practices or operational decisions. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding the weight limit for commercial vehicles puts tremendous strain on tires and may lead to a blowout.
- Underinflated Tires: Running on low tire pressure creates excessive heat buildup and weakens the bond between tire components.
- Overinflated Tires: Conversely, excessive air pressure makes tires rigid and more susceptible to damage from road hazards.
- Aged or Worn Tires: Tires with inadequate tread depth or that have aged beyond their service life are much more likely to fail.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, road debris, and sharp objects can damage tires and cause them to blow out.
Your Legal Rights After a Tire Blowout Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a Wisconsin truck accident caused by a tire blowout, you may be entitled to compensation. By filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident, you can recover a settlement to help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Multiple parties may be liable for the accident, including the trucking company, maintenance providers, the driver, tire manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. A Wisconsin truck accident attorney can help you pinpoint the cause of the accident and gather evidence to help prove your case.
Contact Cannon & Dunphy S.C. for a Free Consultation
The trucking industry has teams of lawyers fighting for their interests—you need equally determined advocates on your side. If you’ve been injured in a tire blowout accident, trust Cannon & Dunphy S.C. to fight for you.
Our Wisconsin truck accident attorneys investigate every angle, from maintenance records to driver logs, to build the strongest possible case in your favor. Contact us at (262) 668-8884 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.