Semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles with which we share the roads are necessary, but they can also be extremely frightening and dangerous. The devastating and deadly accidents that they can cause should be prevented at all costs. When truckers, companies, or even truck manufacturers act negligently, they endanger everyone on the road. These accidents can impact you for the rest of your life, and if you or a loved one has been injured from an accident with a truck that has blown a tire, you could be eligible for compensation. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney will help guide you through the complex legal system.
Who is Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident?
The most effective way to prevent being the victim of a tire blowout accident is to maintain a considerable distance from semi trucks and to stay out of their blind spots. However, staying away from large semi trucks isn’t always possible, so we hope that truckers and their companies perform the necessary inspections and maintenance to prioritize safety. These inspections and maintenance are legally required and can detect defects or necessary repairs that can prevent accidents and fatalities.
Who can be held liable:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers
- MechanicsÂ
- Tire retailers
Truck tire blowouts and the accidents that are caused by them can be straightforward or complex issues like design defects or neglect. Determining who is to be held liable for a blowout accident will be done best by an experienced attorney.
Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers face many challenges, and the pressure of timely deliveries can push them to adopt unsafe driving practices. Drivers are legally required to perform their maintenance and inspections on their trucks but sometimes feel pressured by time constraints or finances to skip crucial repairs. Drivers can be held liable for accidents and injuries if they ignore these vital inspections.
Truck Company Negligence
Maintaining a truck in their fleet and ensuring it is roadworthy is one of the most important parts of their job. If a trucking company can be proven negligent, it can be held liable for any injuries caused by an accident from a tire blowout.
Most commonly neglected is:
- Maintenance is timely
- Training for drivers
- Ensuring that recalls are followed
Due to the complexity of these accidents and their liabilities, hiring a professional and experienced truck accident attorney is vital. They can determine who should be held accountable for their negligence.
Tire Manufacturer Liability
A truck accident attorney will be able to start a thorough investigation into the liability of the accident, as it can be complicated to determine precisely who or what is at fault. These investigations can prove that something outside of the driver's or company’s control may have caused the accident. Then, the liability may fall into the hands of the tire manufacturer.
Instances when a tire manufacturer may be held liable:
- Design defects: a defect in the design of the tire that leads to blowouts
- Damage during production: A small hole or tears during production that is missed
- Failure to warn of defects: Knowing that the design or batch is defective and not issuing a recall
Proving Liability in a Tire Blowout Case
The size and speed at which these large semi-trucks travel down highways make the accidents incredibly dangerous and can lead to severe and fatal injuries. The trucks are so often owned by companies that outsource drivers who are hired by companies to deliver goods, and this leads to confusion as to who is liable after an accident. In reality, with the right legal team, several liable parties can contribute to your compensation. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to prepare a personalized strategy to demonstrate the liable party’s responsibility and negligence. That starts with investigating the accidents and the events leading up to the accidents.
If you have been involved in an accident from a truck’s tire blowing out, you should:
- Determine what caused the accidentÂ
- Write down any details you remember
- Take photos of the scene
- Hire a Lawyer
The more evidence that is gathered, the easier it is to strengthen your case and win the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
Identifying what caused the accident is crucial to determining who is liable for the accident and the injuries sustained from it as well. Determining who is liable is the first step in seeking compensation for your pain and suffering. Without compensation, you and your family could face financial strain from medical expenses, lost wages or even disability. Working with an attorney will allow you to understand your legal options and guide you on your case's first steps. You can turn to Litster Frost Injury Lawyers and trust that they will stand by your side with unparalleled expertise in navigating the legal complexities of your accident.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
We’ve all seen the shredded black debris littering the highway, and as drivers, we try to avoid it and work to stay safe on the road. At Litster Frost Injury Lawyers, we recognize that after an accident with a large commercial truck, you should focus on your health, not fighting the legal battles that come from fighting for your rights. Contact us today if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a semi-truck blowout tire so we can advocate for your rights.