What to Do When a Truck Tire Blowout Hits Your Car

If a truck tire blowout hits your car, it’s vital that you stay calm and call 911. If you or your passengers were injured in the incident, do not hesitate to call Wilson Kehoe Winigham at 317-218-9643 to speak to our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers about holding the trucker and the trucking company accountable.

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are common on interstate highways all around Indiana. The commonality of large trucks also brings potential for accidents. When truck drivers or trucking companies act negligently, they endanger everyone else on the road. Truck tire blowout accidents are extremely serious. If you were involved in an accident caused by a tire blowout, you may be eligible for compensation.

What to Do if You’ve Been Hit by a Truck Tire

If you’ve been involved in a truck tire blowout accident, try not to panic. Accidents can be a shock to the system, but there are steps to ensure your safety during and following an accident.

1. When hit by tire debris, stay calm. Do not slam on the brakes or rapidly accelerate.
2. Maintain vehicle speed until it is safe to stop.
3. Once you are safely stopped, check any passengers and yourself for injuries.
4. Call 911.
5. If you are safe and uninjured, document the scene of the accident. Taking photos if able will help build your case.
6. Exchange information and collect names from witnesses.
7. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham. 

Causes and Dangers of Tire Blowout Accidents

Among others, one of the leading causes of truck tire blowouts are negligence on behalf of the truck driver. As truck drivers are responsible for routine checks on tires, neglecting to do so can easily result in a tire blowout. Common causes of tire blowout accidents can include:

• Low tire pressure. This causes tires to flex beyond realistic limits leading to overheating and losing their elasticity.
• Overloading. When vehicles are forced to carry too heavy of a load, this can put unnecessary pressure on tires leading to blowout.
• Bad road conditions can quickly lead to a tire blowout.
• Old tires. Tires age and those with excess exposure or worn treads are susceptible to blowout.
• Mechanical issues. If a truck is out of alignment or the tires have not properly been serviced, tire blowout can occur.

Tire blowout accidents can be very dangerous to both the driver and other vehicles on the road. When a truck experiences a tire blowout, it becomes difficult to control the truck. Tire blowout also results in large pieces of rubber debris presenting a hazard to other drivers.

Preventing Tire Blowout

Some tire blowouts such as those caused by impact may be beyond your control as a truck owner or driver. There are, however, ways to prevent blowouts caused by other issues.

1. Regular tire inspection. Tires should regularly be inspected by the driver. Tread, tire pressure, and overall quality should be assessed.
2. Tire rotation. This is an important part of keeping the wear on your tires equal or even.
3. Avoiding overload. Properly loading your truck, including not loading too much for it to handle, is important.
4. Correct size tires. A tire that is the wrong size for your truck will not adequately support your load.

Who Is Liable?

 Ultimately, truck drivers are responsible for frequent tire checks. This includes monitoring inflation, tread depth, mileage, and quality of each tire. If problems arise, it is their responsibility to take action that the tires are repaired or replaced. Truck tire blowouts can be the fault of the truck driver if proven they negligently failed to upkeep the truck tires. Additionally, the production company may be at fault for the blowout. If the tire blowout was a result of defective tires, the manufacturing company could be liable.

It is important to know that trucking companies as well as manufacturing companies have their own legal team and insurance agency advising them on any accidents. Thoroughly investigating the accident and proving the truck driver or trucking company is liable will assure you the compensation you deserve. For a case evaluation determining liability, contact the attorneys of WKW today. 

How Our Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

Contacting an experienced Indiana truck accident attorney following an accident is important. After the accident, you may feel overwhelmed. Our legal team will navigate the Indiana claims process and build a successful case so that you can focus on recovery. Insurance companies can be difficult to work with. At WKW, we will take on the stress of dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf.

 Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham have extensive experience in truck accidents and injuries. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Share This Article