Houston Truck Tire Blowout Accidents

Since semi trucks can have up to 18 tires, it makes sense that tire problems are a leading cause of truck accidents. When a tire blows out, the vehicle may become unstable and the driver can lose control. Many of these accidents are preventable, and when the trucking company or truck driver is negligent in causing such accidents, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here to fight for the results you need. Call our Houston truck accident lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and options following a tire blowout accident.

How Common Are Tire Blowout Accidents?

Tire blowout accidents are surprisingly common. Some revealing statistics about tire blowouts and accidents include:

• More than 12,000 truck accidents occur each year because of tire blowouts, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of these cause fatal or serious injuries.
• An average of 33,000 motor vehicle accidents occur each year because of tires, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
• 11,000 crashes in the United States occur each year because of tire failure, which results in more than 200 deaths per year, according to the National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness Data System.

How Serious Are Tire Blowouts?

Tire blowouts are serious traffic events. Some of the potential ramifications of a truck tire blowing out while the vehicle is on the roadway include:

• The truck driver might lose control of the vehicle – The force of the blowout or the resulting instability of the trailer can cause the vehicle to become unbalanced. The truck can sometimes even tip over because of these factors, leading to catastrophic consequences.
• Tire debris can hit other motorists – The tread and other parts of the tire can become dislodged from the wheel, leading to a shrapnel-like effect. These chunks of rubber can hit other motorists, potentially leading to deadly consequences.
• Cargo can shift – Because the vehicle is unbalanced, cargo inside the trailer may shift. It can fall off the truck and into the path of unsuspecting motorists.
• Other drivers may overreact – It can be terrifying to see a tire blowout from under a truck that weighs 80,000 pounds. Other motorists may try to swerve out of the way and into the path of others.

If your vehicle was damaged due to a tire blowout, contact our Houston car accident attorneys to discuss your case.

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts

Here are some common causes of tire blowouts:

• Wear and tear – Truck tires have a heavy load to carry. They may be supporting 80,000 pounds. They may travel hundreds of miles without any stops. This strain can lead to substantial wear and tear, potentially resulting in tire blowouts. Worn tires can result in a buildup of air pressure. When air pressure in a tire builds up, the tire can explode.

• Underinflated tires – Tires that are underinflated have even more stress on them. The weight of the load is transferred to the tire’s internal components, leading the tires to potentially crack and explode.
• Overinflated tires – The heat from the hot Texas sun can raise the temperature of overinflated tires, resulting in the air in them expanding until the rubber stretches beyond its limits until it explodes.
• Overloaded vehicles – Overloading trucks puts additional pressure on their tires, causing additional blowouts.
• Road hazards – Potholes, driving on uneven surfaces, and driving over debris can puncture tires and lead to blowouts.
• Defective tires – Some tires have defects that make them more likely to explode.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Tire Blowout Accident

A Houston truck accident lawyer from The Doan Law Firm can investigate the crash, identify all at-fault parties, and demand the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free case review.