What Should You Do If You Have a Tire Blowout Accident with a Truck?

Sharing the road with a large commercial truck in Missouri can feel nerve-wracking. Due to the immense disparity in size between trucks and passenger cars, the consequences can be dire if the truck driver makes a mistake or something goes wrong with their vehicle. Truck tire blowouts are among the most potentially catastrophic phenomena that can occur, and the aftermath can make your life almost unrecognizable. So, what should you do if you have a tire blowout accident with a truck?

Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident

If you are involved in a truck tire blowout accident, take these crucial steps to protect yourself and your compensation claim:

• Keep yourself free from further harm – Move your car to safety if possible and turn on your hazard lights.
• Call 911 – Report the crash and request medical assistance if needed.
• Document the crash scene – Take pictures of vehicle damage, the road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Gather information – Collect the truck driver’s contact and insurance details, as well as the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
• Seek medical attention – You might feel fine, but some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact a truck accident attorney – Consult a legal professional before speaking with insurance companies.

What Causes a Truck Tire Blowout?

While truck tire blowouts might seem like freak accidents, several factors can be the cause, including:

• Overloading – Excessive weight puts undue stress on tires.
• Underinflation – Low tire pressure increases friction and heat buildup.
• Poor maintenance – Neglecting regular tire inspections and rotations can lead to preventable tire tread balding.
• Roadway hazards – Debris, potholes, or sharp objects can damage tires.
• Manufacturing defects – Faulty design or production can compromise tire integrity.
• Weather conditions – Extreme heat or prolonged exposure to sunlight can weaken tire structure.

Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, all trucking companies and truck drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles properly. Failing to do so can result in dangerous tire blowouts and other hazardous events.

What Kind of Accidents Can a Truck Tire Blowout Cause?

A truck tire blowout can lead to various types of accidents:

• Sideswipe accidents – The driver may struggle to maintain control, veering into other lanes.
• Rollover accidents – Sudden loss of stability can cause the truck to tip over.
• Multi-vehicle pileups – Other drivers may collide while trying to avoid the truck or debris.
• Jackknife accidents – The truck’s trailer may swing out at a 90-degree angle.
• Head-on collisions – The truck might cross into oncoming traffic.
• Cargo spills – Unsecured loads may scatter across the roadway, creating additional hazards.

These accidents often result in severe injuries and catastrophic damage due to the truck’s size and weight.

What Injuries Can Result from a Truck Tire Blowout Accident?

Truck tire blowout accidents can cause many types of injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries, from mild concussions to severe brain damage
• Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis
• Fractures and broken bones, often requiring surgery and extended recovery periods
• Internal organ damage, which may lead to life-threatening complications
• Severe lacerations and burns, which can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries, which may result in chronic pain and limited mobility
• Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression following the accident

These injuries can have long-lasting effects on your health, career, and quality of life.

Is a Tire Blowout an At-Fault Accident?

Determining fault in a tire blowout accident can be complex. While the blowout itself might seem like an unavoidable event, negligence often plays a role. Potentially responsible parties include:

• The trucking company, for inadequate maintenance or pushing drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
• The truck driver, for failing to inspect tires or ignoring warning signs of tire wear
• The tire manufacturer, if the blowout resulted from a defective product
• The cargo loading company, for loading the truck beyond its capacity
• Government entities, if poor road maintenance contributed to the blowout

A thorough investigation is crucial to identify all liable parties. This is where the assistance of a skilled truck accident attorney can be valuable. They can investigate the crash and consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault and build a solid case for compensation.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Tire Blowout Accident?

The compensation you are eligible to receive after a truck tire blowout accident depends on the crash’s effects on your life. With the help of a skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer, you may be eligible to recover compensation for losses such as:

• Medical expenses for crash-related injuries
• Lost income if your injuries have forced you to miss time at work
• Reduced earning capacity if a long-term disability requires you to take on a lower-paying job
• Physical and psychological pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

Consult a knowledgeable Missouri personal injury attorney for an informed estimate of your case’s worth.

How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help?

After suffering injuries in a truck tire blowout accident, the assistance of an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney can be vital. At Goldblatt + Singer, our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys can maximize your chances of a successful claim by:

• Investigating the circumstances of the accident to determine who was at fault and whether FMCSA violations contributed to the blowout
• Calculating the total extent of your losses
• Negotiating aggressively with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement package for your injuries
• Filing a truck accident lawsuit against the at-fault parties if the insurers are unwilling to offer you what you deserve

For more than seven decades, our law firm has fought for the rights of injured individuals in St. Louis and beyond. Let our compassionate and skilled legal team handle your claim so you can focus on healing. We offer free initial consultations, and you only pay us if we win a financial award on your behalf. Call us at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online today for your free consultation with a truck accident attorney in St. Louis.