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Sandy Springs Truck Tire Blowout Accident Attorney
Just like any other vehicle, a semi-truck relies heavily on every single one of its tires. Still, due to the size and weight of these vehicles, a blowout can easily lead to catastrophic truck accidents. When a truck tire explodes, the truck driver can easily lose control of their vehicle, putting themselves and others at risk of injury or even death.
If you or a loved one has been in a Sandy Springs truck accident caused by a truck tire blowout, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. The Sandy Springs truck accident attorneys at Ashenden & Associates can help walk you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call an experienced Sandy Springs truck accident attorney at 770-394-8909 to schedule a free consultation.
What Causes a Truck Tire Blowout?
Tire blowouts happen for a variety of reasons, from incorrect air pressure to weather conditions to road hazards and more. Below are some of the most common reasons a large truck may experience a flat tire.
Overinflated Tires
When commercial truck tires are filled beyond their recommended pressure, they become more rigid and susceptible to damage from impact, wear, and heat, increasing the likelihood of a sudden blowout.
Underinflated Tires
Underinflated tires can be just as dangerous as overinflated ones. Tires with low air pressure are prone to overheating due to increased friction with the road. This excessive heat can weaken the tire structure, leading to a sudden and often dangerous blowout.
Defective Tires
Tire defects can also cause dangerous truck tire blowouts. Manufacturing flaws, such as weak spots in the tire rubber or improperly installed components, can lead to rapid tire degradation. When defective trucking equipment goes undetected, it can result in defective trucking equipment accidents in Sandy Springs.
Overloaded Truck Cargo
Overloading tractor-trailers puts extra stress on its tires, greatly increasing the risk of a truck blowout accident. Trucks carrying loads beyond their rated capacity exert excessive pressure on their tires, which can cause a blowout. Also, overloaded tractor-trailers require more time to stop and are harder to control, especially in the event of a tire explosion.
Negligent Maintenance
Regular wear and tear are common culprits behind truck tire blowouts. Over time, the tire tread wears down, reducing its ability to withstand the pressures of heavy loads and high speeds, leading to increased vulnerability to blowouts.
While replacing worn tires can decrease the risk of a blowout, the new tires need to have the correct height, width, and tread pattern. Mismatched tires or using tires that are the wrong size can actually cause uneven wear and increase the risk of a tire blowout accident.
Road Hazards
Road hazards such as potholes, debris, and sharp objects can cause immediate and severe damage to truck tires, leading to blowouts. These kinds of tire blowout accidents are often unpredictable and can cause significant damage, especially when trucks are moving at high speeds.
Bad Weather
Bad weather conditions, like extreme heat, cold, or wet roads, can significantly contribute to truck tire blowouts. May through September is often referred to as “tire blowout season” in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, due to the risk that the high summer temperatures pose to truck tires.
Dangers of Truck Tire Blowouts in Sandy Springs, GA
When a truck tire blows out, it can create a hazardous situation for both the driver of the truck and other drivers around them. Below are some of the dangers associated with truck tire explosions.
After a truck tire blowout, the suddenly uneven tires can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. This loss of control often leads to swerving and jackknifing, which can be particularly hazardous on highways and in heavy traffic, where the truck can easily crash into other vehicles.
When a truck tire blows out, it can send chunks of tire debris and rubber flying into the air. This debris poses a significant risk to other vehicles, potentially causing accidents or vehicle damage.
A tire blowout will often cause the vehicle to become destabilized, which can then cause the truck’s cargo to shift or even be thrown from the vehicle. Loose cargo falling from a truck not only damages the cargo itself but also increases the risk of personal injury for other road users.
Just like other drivers, a vehicle malfunction, like a tire blowout, could cause truck drivers to panic, leading to hasty or dangerous reactions. Drivers who panic may make sudden lane changes or brake abruptly, increasing the risk of collisions and further accidents.
What to Do if You See a Truck Tire Blowout in Sandy Springs or Atlanta, GA
Accidents involving semi trucks can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important that other drivers act accordingly when they see something like a truck tire blowout. If you witness a truck accident caused by a truck tire blowout while driving, you should:
- Remain calm
- Maintain control of your vehicle
- Gradually slow down as best you can
- Pull over onto the side of the road
- Dial 911
Who is Liable for a Truck Tire Blowout Accident in Georgia
Tires on large commercial trucks need to be properly designed, manufactured, and maintained in order to prevent tire blowouts and avoid causing injuries. When one or more people within the trucking industry fail to do these things, they can be found negligent and held liable for any damages caused by a blowout.
If you or a loved one was in an accident caused by a truck tire explosion, contact a truck accident attorney and discuss your legal options. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses from the negligent party or parties responsible for the tire blowout.
Negligent Truck Driver
In some cases, the truck driver may be held liable for a tire blowout accident, especially if it resulted from some of the common forms of driver negligence. Truck drivers can cause blowouts by failing to avoid visible hazards, failing to adhere to truck driver safety standards, or failing to maintain their truck, cargo, or tires. If you’re wondering: “what safety standards must a truck driver follow?” you can learn more by contacting Sandy Springs auto accident attorneys.
Negligent Trucking Company
The trucking company can be held liable in the event of a blowout if the accident can be linked to inadequate maintenance schedules, a failure to replace worn tires, or a lack of adequate driver training. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that all vehicles in their fleet meet safety standards, and when they fail to do so, they can inadvertently cause these dangerous blowouts.
Negligent Tire Manufacturer
If a tire blowout occurs as a result of tire defects or design flaws, the tire manufacturer may be held liable. Liability can arise from issues like faulty tire materials, production errors, or failure to meet safety and quality standards.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Truck Tire Blowout in Sandy Springs, GA
- A tire blowout can easily put others on the road in a very dangerous situation, often leading to a serious accident. Victims of truck accidents may be able to recover compensation for damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a wrongful death.
To learn more about what kinds of wrongful death damages you can recover, contact a Sandy Springs wrongful death lawyer today.
Sandy Springs Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers
Tire blowouts are more than an inconvenience; they are a danger to everyone on the road. Accidents involving large trucks can cause serious personal injuries, not to mention property damage. If you have been a victim of an accident caused by a tire blowout, a Sandy Springs truck accident lawyer at Ashenden & Associates can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 770-394-8909 or fill out an online contact form on our website and schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.
