Semi-Truck Tire Blowouts
An accident with a semi-truck can prove devastating, presenting both a financial and physical burden on the victim and his or her family. Unfortunately, many commercial vehicle accidents arise from driver error or mechanical failure. Improper maintenance of a commercial motor vehicle could lay the grounds for a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one suffered harm in an accident with a semi-truck, contact Fine Law Firm today and schedule a free review of your legal options.
Why Choose Fine Law Firm?
- Our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience representing the rights of those injured in accidents with commercial motor vehicles, with a 99% success rate.
- Fine Law Firm prioritizes the needs of the client. We establish and maintain close contact throughout your case, so you always know where you stand.
- Our law firm has a reputation for excellence in the community. We often receive referrals from other lawyers, judges, and adjusters. Our community often asks us to speak at local colleges and universities, as well as the Bar Association.
- We are courtroom tested. We are not afraid to take on big corporations and pursue other forms of legal recourse, like litigation, to achieve fair compensation for your losses.
Federal Rules and Regulations
Commercial motor vehicle owners and operators must abide by rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As an organization within the U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA sets and enforces rules regarding breaks, driver hours, and management of vehicles. They also require that owners and operators abide by maintenance schedules to assure that trucks do not pose an undue threat to other travelers on the roadway.
Unfortunately, tire blowouts are a common occurrence on roadways and can result from improper maintenance of the vehicle. Trucking companies are required to do care for their fleets. They must do the following:
- Inspect tires and the rest of the vehicle on a schedule approved by the FMCSA
- Prohibit the vehicle from going on a roadway if its condition could result in an accident
- Tell truck operators to complete a pre-trip inspection, which includes reviewing the previous trip’s logs and any comments regarding repairs
- Have truck drivers complete a post-trip inspection that details the condition of the tires
- Maintain, repair and replace tires when their condition could make them more vulnerable to blowouts.
Causes of Tire Blowouts
Several factors could lead to a semi tire blowout on the freeway:
- Potholes
- Improper inflation of the tires
- Heat, which could cause the tires to overinflate
- Improper loading of cargo
- Worn tire treads
- Tires that are not the appropriate size for the truck
- Manufacturer defect
- Dangerous driving practices
Many of the causes of semi-truck tire blowout are preventable. An accident that arises from tire blowout is not only devastating, but often arises due to driver negligence.
Why You Need an Attorney
Trucking accidents involve matters of both federal and state law. Trucking companies may also try to employ tactics, such as hiring truckers as independent contractors, to escape liability. An attorney will:
- Determine the party responsible for the accident. Since a tire blowout can arise from defective product, driver error, or even improper road maintenance, filing a claim against the appropriate party is essential.
- Demand fair compensation for your tangible and intangible losses. A settlement should include compensation for medical bills and lost income as well as the immaterial ramifications of the accident like physical pain, suffering, and loss in life quality.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. An attorney knows the full value of your claim and can negotiate a settlement that reflects the true value of your losses.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in an accident involving a semi-truck, discuss your situation with an attorney. Contact Fine Law Firm today to schedule a free case evaluation today.