Our Dedicated Accident Attorneys Explain What to Do When You’re Injured by a Truck Tire Blowout Crash
When you’re driving near a truck on a road or highway, you may be focused on passing safely around the large tractor trailer or getting out of the truck driver’s blind spot. You may not think that at any second, the tire from one of these massive vehicles could blow and send burning rubber toward your windshield or into your direct path. However, tire issues are a factor in approximately 1% of all big rig accidents in the Golden State. 
The experienced truck accident attorneys at Case Barnett Law understand the trauma their clients feel after being injured in a truck tire blowout accident. We’ve seen firsthand the impact these crashes have on the victims and their families, and we’ve helped hundreds of people understand their rights and get the fair compensation they deserve.
The Dangers of California Truck Tire Blowouts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. sees approximately 11,000 crashes and 200 fatalities involving vehicle tire blowouts each year. Because over 800 million vehicle miles are traveled annually on California highways by large trucks, it’s not surprising that 5% of all California traffic accidents involve these huge vehicles and tire blowouts contribute to that number. During heat waves, the desert areas and Central Valley of Southern California are especially susceptible to tire blowouts.
Potential Injuries From a CA Truck Tire Blowout
Truck tire blowouts aren’t just an inconvenience; they are a serious threat to other vehicles and can cause catastrophic injuries to all drivers on the road. The debris from a blown tire can become deadly projectile, and possible injuries from a truck tire blowout include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Internal injuries, organ damage
- Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and depression
Common Causes of California Truck Tire Blowouts
The Golden State sees a constant flow of heavy truck traffic on its highways. The long journeys made by these trucks, along with their heavy loads and the extreme California temperatures, put huge stress on truck tires. If a truck company or driver neglects the necessary maintenance for their vehicles and there are unseen defects, tire blowouts can occur. Common factors that contribute to truck tire blowouts include the following:
- Insufficient maintenance. Truck drivers and truck companies are responsible for inspecting their vehicles and having regular maintenance performed on them. This includes inspection of truck tires. If the tires are not properly inflated, rotated, or replaced when they’re worn, the chances of a blowout are significantly increased.
- Overload. If a truck is overloaded with cargo, and the weight is more than the recommended capacity, the tires are placed under excessive stress.
- Driver error. A tire blowout can happen if a driver fails to monitor the tire pressure of the truck. Also, if they drive in a reckless manner, they can put undue stress on the truck tires. It’s important that truck drivers have proper training and adhere to safety rules.
- Manufacturing defects. It’s possible that the tire manufacturer designed or produced the tire with defects. If so, these tires are more likely to blow.
What to Do When You’re Hurt in a CA Truck Tire Blowout Accident
If you’ve been injured in a California truck tire blowout crash, your journey to obtain a fair settlement with the truck company or driver will likely be filled with challenges—especially if there are multiple liable parties. The legal team at Case Barnett Law is dedicated to helping victims of truck tire blowouts, and we can take the following steps to help you pursue the compensation you deserve:
- Determine liability. In any truck accident, there may be multiple responsible parties. Identifying those parties is a crucial part of a personal injury claim for a truck tire blowout. Our attorneys will determine if the truck driver, trucking company, tire manufacturer, or even a government entity is at fault for the tire blowout. We will investigate the accident to establish liability.
- Gather evidence. Solid, strong evidence is critical in a truck tire blowout personal injury claim. We can help collect the accident report, witness statements, maintenance records, and black box data.
- Calculate the value of your claim. The catastrophic nature of a truck tire blowout crash can leave victims struggling with expensive medical bills and a long-term recovery. We will help you understand the total value of your claim, including the financial support you may need in the future.
- Communicate with insurance companies. Insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible, so they may use underhanded tactics to get you to make statements that can jeopardize your claim. Our experienced negotiators will communicate and negotiate with them, so you can focus on your recovery.