Tire Blowout Accidents in Ohio

Tire Blowout Accidents

When a semi-truck experiences a tire blowout on the road, the results can be devastating. Fully loaded trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds; if the driver blows a tire, they may have a difficult time keeping control of their rig, and they could wind up crashing into vehicles driving nearby. If you are a victim of a blowout accident, it’s important that you speak to an Ohio truck accident attorney like the experienced lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. They will let you know about your options for compensation. You may be entitled to a financial award for your medical bills, lost work wages, and pain and suffering.

Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free and confidential case consultation.

Common Causes of a Tire Blowout Accident

By federal law, truck drivers must complete an inspection of their vehicle. Drivers must check that their load is secure and need to run diagnostic checks to ensure their headlights, brakes, steering wheel, mirrors, and other parts are in working order. They also need to examine their tires to ensure they are properly inflated and aren’t worn, cracked, or below par.

Even on a tractor-trailer, a single-tire blowout can cause major stress to the truck. Tires can be more susceptible to rupture under the following circumstances:

• A tire is overinflated or underinflated
• The truck carries a heavier load than it was designed to hold
• The truck travels on roads that are riddled with potholes or other major imperfections
• The driver neglects to perform maintenance on tires.

Additionally, tires simply weaken over time, and failure to inspect them for visible signs indicating they aren’t up to par is a negligent act that can have serious consequences.

How a Blowout Truck Accident Can Affect You

If a truck’s tire blows out, it will not only cause damage to the truck. There are a number of problems that can occur for other motorists who are traveling near that truck. Specifically:

• The truck driver can lose control of their vehicle, causing them to careen into other cars on the road.
• The truck could roll over and block several lanes of traffic. Cars run the risk of colliding with the truck if they are unable to stop in time.
• Shreds of rubber or other debris may scatter over the road and can get lodged on your windshield, impairing your visibility. Large swatches can also block lanes.
• Other drivers may swerve to avoid debris or the truck if it is driving erratically. In their haste, they may accidentally veer into other cars.
• When drivers see a tire blowout, their first instinct may be to slam on their brakes, which can cause collisions with drivers who cannot stop fast enough.

Who Is to Blame for the Accident?

If you’re hurt in an accident that was caused by a blowout, you need to consider who is at fault so you know who to approach for compensation. When a truck tire blowout results in an accident, there are several parties who could be considered at fault for the wreck.

• The truck driver. The actual driver of the truck is the most obvious choice. Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicles to make sure they’re ready to be on the road with other automobiles. If the trucker does not do a thorough enough examination or fails to inspect the truck entirely, they could miss some warning signs that the rig they are about to operate is not safe. The driver’s negligence can lead to disastrous outcomes.
• The trucking company. While the trucker may be directly at fault, the trucking company may share some of the burden. Truckers employed by a trucking company drive the company’s rigs, so the business is responsible for the equipment it owns. According to regulations, trucking companies are also required to do regular inspections on their trucks and make any necessary repairs immediately. If the business fails to adhere to the law, they could be held liable for the truck’s blowout.
• The manufacturer. Sometimes both the driver and the trucking company do everything right, and parts of the truck still fail. If the manufacturer did not follow proper procedure when making the tires, their faulty product may not hold up, no matter how well it was maintained.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer in Ohio Can Help

Any accident with a semi-truck that can weigh up to 40 tons can be detrimental. Your car might get totaled, and you can suffer a great deal of bodily injuries like broken bones, lacerations, or damage to your internal organs. These issues can take weeks or months to heal, which can take a toll on your mental health as well. That’s why it’s imperative that you contact a skilled truck accident attorney. The attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have years of experience helping victims of accidents get the compensation they deserve so they can recover from their traumatic experience.

For a no-cost overview of your case, call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW, or contact us through our online form.