Tire blowouts contribute to about 8,000 commercial vehicle accidents across the United States every year. While some of these tire blowouts can’t be avoided, even when truck drivers and trucking companies exercise the utmost care, many happen because someone is negligent.
When you’ve suffered injuries or experienced the wrongful death of someone you love in a blowout truck accident in Round Rock, Texas, it’s important to call Dow Law Firm. There’s a chance that your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and disfigurement, could be paid by the driver of the rig or the company that owned the truck. However, getting a powerful trucking company to make things right can be a challenge.
That’s where our Round Rock truck accident lawyers can move the needle and help you get the full compensation you deserve. Call our Round Rock law office at (512) 240-9951 today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.
What Causes Truck Tire Blowouts?
Several factors can cause truck tires to blow out, including:
Overinflated tires and underinflated tires
Tire pressure matters. Overinflated tires can build up too much pressure and wear unevenly. If a truck hits a pothole or rough patch of pavement, the tire is less likely to absorb the impact properly. In some cases, it can explode.
When tires are underinflated, they become more susceptible to wear and tear on the sidewalls, which can increase friction and cause excessive heat buildup that leads to blowouts over time.
Overloaded tractor-trailers
When commercial trucks exceed appropriate weight limits, they can place too much strain on the vehicle’s tires. Overloading a truck can stress the tire’s side walls and cause failure.
Speeding
Speeding can increase the risk of a tire blowout because the faster a truck travels, the more heat it generates on its tires. If tires become overheated, they can explode. Speeding can also make tire blowout truck accidents worse because drivers have less time to react when a tire explodes and often have greater difficulty steering when they’re traveling at high speeds.
Well-worn tires
The more a tire is used, the thinner its walls become, its tread wears down, and its structure weakens. Tires can also dry out over time, becoming much more susceptible to cracking and breaking.
Who’s Liable For a Truck Tire Blowout Accident in Round Rock?
Anyone responsible for making sure that the vehicle’s tires are in good condition can be held liable.
This might include the:
- Truck owner
- Mechanic responsible for tire repairs and maintenance
- Truck driver
It’s also possible that other parties could be liable for a truck blowout, including cargo loaders who ignored maximum weight requirements, government agencies who failed to fix potholes and other road hazards, or the tire manufacturer. A Round Rock truck accident attorney can investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure you pursue compensation from every responsible party.
What Should I Do After a Round Rock Blowout Truck Accident?
It’s essential to call 911 and report the tire blowout accident to the local police. If you can, take pictures of the truck’s tires, debris, skid marks, property damage, and the scene of the crash. These early images can provide your truck accident lawyer with a lot of context and information about your tire blowout accident.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re not brought to the closest hospital in Round Rock by ambulance. You’ll want to get checked out by a trained medical professional for any minor or catastrophic injuries. Many times, the pure shock of a violent truck accident in Round Rock can make it difficult to identify signs of serious trauma. The sooner you seek care, the better.
Contact a Round Rock Truck Accident Attorney Today
Once you’ve reported the crash and been seen by a healthcare provider, it’s critical that you reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer in Round Rock for help. You have the right to seek damages from the trucking company, its insurer, the tire manufacturer, or another liable party. The truck accident attorneys at Dow Law Firm can help you assert your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Backed by decades of combined experience, our award-winning litigators have helped crash victims and families win tens of millions in settlements and jury awards. Contact a Round Rock truck accident lawyer for a free consultation to discover how we might be able to help you after a truck blowout, too.