Tire blowouts can be extremely dangerous and result in serious truck wrecks.
People are hurt in truck accidents on the roads of Fort Wayne and throughout Indiana every year. Some of these accidents are caused by tire blowouts. A blowout is a sudden loss of air pressure in the tire. On the road, this can cause the tire to burst or explode, creating a frightening situation.
Truck tires are much larger than those of passenger vehicles and are inflated to greater pressures. And blowouts typically happen on highways, when trucks are traveling at high speeds, sharing the road with cars and other smaller passenger vehicles. That’s why a truck tire blowout often leads to an accident that can leave victims with serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
How does a semi-truck tire blowout cause an accident?
There are many factors that can lead to an 18-wheeler crash after a tire blowout. These include
- Loss of control – When a tire on a truck blows out, it can lead to an immediate loss of control over the vehicle. The driver may struggle to steer, and the truck may swerve on the road, crossing into other lanes.
- Flying tire debris –Truck tire debris, including rubber and metal fragments, can damage cars by cracking windshields, hitting the front or sides of the vehicle, and damaging undercarriages.
- Loose cargo – If cargo is not properly loaded and secured, a tire blowout can cause it to come loose. This can result in a sudden weight shift on the truck, making it harder for the driver to control.
- Driver reaction – Other drivers near the truck will react quickly to try to avoid hitting the truck or tire debris. Sudden braking, swerving, or erratic maneuvers increase the risk of a collision.
What to do if a truck tire blows out
You are on the highway and see that a tire on a truck ahead of you has blown out. Now what? There are steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Stay calm – Taking a deep breath can help. It’s important not to panic. Remaining calm can help you make better decisions.
- Safely bring your vehicle to a stop – If possible, move to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic to avoid further collisions or hazards. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call 911 – Report the accident. Give the dispatcher basic information about what happened, such as your location, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries.
- Document the scene – While waiting for police and an ambulance to arrive, document the accident scene, if possible. Take photos of vehicle damage, the tire blowout, debris, and the positions of vehicles.
- Get medical attention – You may seem fine, but you could still be injured. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, can have delayed symptoms.
Contact a lawyer if you’ve been injured in a truck accident
If you were injured in a collision caused by a truck tire blowout, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your losses. The truck driver may have failed to properly inspect the tires or took actions that led to the blowout. A trucking company may have failed to properly maintain the truck or make needed repairs.
But the legal process can be complicated. Negligent parties deny doing anything wrong. Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim in order to pay you less than you deserve. You need an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer who is ready to fight for you. Call Boughter Sinak, LLC.
Our firm has recovered millions for clients who have been injured in truck crashes. If you were injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, dump truck, or some other type of large commercial vehicle, put a proven fighter in your corner. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.