Losing control of your vehicle, whether a truck or passenger sedan, can lead to catastrophic accidents. Tire blowouts are one of the major causes of this problem. A blowout occurs when the tire suddenly loses pressure, most likely because it is in bad shape, to begin with. Often this can be linked to vehicle maintenance issues. The problem with a tire blowout is what happens afterward. The loss of a tire in a passenger sedan is terrible enough, but throwing an 80,000-pound big rig into a tailspin is even worse.
Justice with a Los Angeles Tire Blow Out Lawyer
Los Angeles truck accident attorney David Azizi has practiced personal injury law for the past 25 years. He is acclaimed as one of the best personal injury attorneys in the city by the legal ranking firm Super Lawyers. He wins 98 percent of his cases and provides clients with the compassion they need. If you have been injured in an automotive accident, call David at (800) 991-5292 to set up a free, no-obligation case evaluation. David will be able to tell you your options moving forward and provide an estimate of what your case is worth. Call today or go online to contact him.
Reasons That Tire Blowouts Happen
There are several common reasons why blowouts occur:
- Weather: Heat has a detrimental effect on tires. The season lasts from late spring (mid-May) to early fall (early October). Families tend to vacation during these months, driving long distances and taking highways with higher speed limits. In addition, the vehicles are full of suitcases and passengers, increasing the load. All of this puts a strain on tires. In some areas of the United States, the weather does not cool down. So, tires that are already strained by summer weather can blowout any time of year.
- Overinflation: Significantly, overinflated tires can instigate a blowout. Tires are stiff when too much air is added like an overinflated balloon. This makes them easy prey when traveling over potholes or other obstacles. The additional air can also distort the tire’s shape. This decreases the tire’s traction and increases wear in the center.
- Underinflation: Underinflating your tires is a sure-fire way to destroy them. The lack of air makes the internal components flex. By doing this repeatedly, the flexed components will overheat and break off, essentially blowing out the tire. When a tire is used for some time in an underinflated state, it is wise to have your mechanic inspect it for damages. The tire must be dismounted to do this.
- Overloading: While a vehicle can carry a maximum weight, it does not mean that your tires will be able to handle it. This is especially true if they are not inflated enough. It is important to know your vehicle’s gross vehicular weight rating. If you must carry a maximum weight, then it is crucial to have your tires inflated accordingly. Use the number found on the inside of the side door of the vehicle. Also, you can look to see the weight your tires can carry for a maximum load.
- Potholes: Hitting a pothole or even entering a driveway with a lip can cause severe damage to a tire. When hit hard, the impact can cut the internal elements. The impact may cut through the tire, and it will blow immediately. Sometimes, particularly if the impact is lesser, the tire might function for months before a blowout occurs.
How to Drive When a Tire Blows Out
Tire blowouts, as we’ve seen above, can happen due to overloading or improperly inflating the tires. Since tire blowouts do not happen very often due to the construction of most tires today, when they do, this presents a serious set of circumstances. If you ever had a blowout, you know what it sounds and feels like. There is often a loud noise, followed by a flapping one. The next thing you notice is that your vehicle is out of control. Several things you don’t want to do are slam the brakes, take your foot off the accelerator or steer erratically. What you need to do is:
- Keep the same or more pressure on the accelerator. This preserves vehicle momentum.
- Countersteer gently to keep the vehicle in the lane.
- Once stabilized, slow the vehicle down.
- Move over to the road’s shoulder.
Truck Accidents Due to Tire Blowouts
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, close to 6 percent of truck accidents happen due to blowouts. Some reasons truck tire blowouts occur are:
- Driver error: The driver may not notice that a tire is rapidly losing pressure and not get off the road in time.
- Inspections: Truckers are mandated to inspect their tires every day. If the driver fails to do this, they may miss that the tires are undergoing a great deal of wear and setting the stage for a blowout.
- Installation: Tires require proper installation. If this is not done or if the mechanic installing them is not up to the job, a blowout can happen due to excessive wear and tear.
- Overloaded trucks: Many times, trucks are overloaded. This excessive pressure on the tires can lead to a blowout over time.
- Faulty manufacturing: Manufacturers are required to make safe tires. When they fail in this duty, they can be held responsible for a blowout.
Who Is Responsible for a Truck Tire Blowout?
While it depends on the cause of an accident, anyone who contributes to an accident due to a truck tire blowout can be held responsible. The following parties are frequently held liable in a trucking accident due to a blowout:
- The manufacturer or designer of the tire
- The party who provides maintenance
- The trucking company
- The trucker
Pursuing Compensation After Truck Tire Blowouts
Truck accidents are complicated affairs, and trucking companies are not always cooperative. An attorney can initiate an investigation of the accident to see why it happened. If a blowout is discovered, then the attorney’s next challenge is to see why the tire ruptured. Your attorney can examine black box data, trucking company records and logs and inspection documents. All such documents must be maintained by the company for a specific amount of time. However, once this time has run out, the records might disappear. It is important to have an attorney get started as soon as possible after the accident.
Car drivers do not need to maintain logs. However, when an accident happens due to a defective tire or blowout, it should be possible to determine if they have maintained the vehicle or if they received recall notices. If they did not inspect, maintain or comply with a recall, they may be held liable.
Free Case Review with Los Angeles Tire Blow Out Law Firm
The Law Offices of David Azizi has been helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve for 25 years. He works hard to make sure his clients rights are protected. Trying to go it alone after an accident can make the burden of physical and emotional injury even harder to bear. Turn to David by calling (800) 991-5292 for help. Set up a free consultation and receive an estimate of what your case is worth.
