While not as common as car crashes, truck accidents cause many injuries and deaths each year. According to the latest figures from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,714 people died in collisions involving these large vehicles in 2021. That's a 17% increase compared to 2020 reports.
In addition, the IIHS revealed that the number of fatalities resulting from large truck crashes has doubled in the past decade. It's exactly 50% higher than in 2009 when the country reported the lowest figure since 1975.
Many of these accidents are caused by a tire blowout, which can result in serious injuries and even death.
However, there's a common question about tire blowout accidents. Who is at fault? Here's all the information those involved in these crashes should know.
Common Causes of a Tire Blowout
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation, 664 total motor vehicle fatalities reported in 2020 resulted from a tire-related accident.
This report also showed that poor maintenance was one of the leading causes of tire blowout accidents, as well as driving at high speeds.
Overall, a tire blowout can occur due to the following:
Bald tires
Overinflated tires
Poor tire maintenance
Overloaded vehicle
External tire damage
Assorted road hazards
Tread separation
Defective tires
It's important to determine the cause of the tire blowout accident, as it often affects who is at fault.
Establishing Liability in a Truck Tire Blowout Accident
If a truck tire blowout results in an accident that injures or kills others, determining liability is an essential step. Truck drivers may be liable for the crash if they commit a negligent action on the road or fail to inspect their rig before getting behind the wheel, as required by federal regulations.
However, multiple parties may be held accountable for a truck accident caused by a tire blowout.
Who Is Liable from an Accident That Resulted from a Truck Tire Blowout?
As mentioned, the cause of the tire blowout accident determines liability. A truck company that hired a driver with no experience or training could be found liable for the crash.
A manufacturer could also be held responsible in truck accidents if the vehicle's tires have design flaws or are dangerous.
Find more information about potentially liable parties below:
The Truck Driver
In most tire blowout accidents, the truck driver is held liable. All truck operators must conduct an inspection before getting behind the wheel. This process also involves checking if the tires are in good condition.
If a truck driver notices a low tire or another issue and ignores it, they may face legal action for negligence. These parties may be liable for the injuries and damages victims suffer as a result of the accident.
The Trucking Company
Many trucks, trailers, and other commercial vehicles belong to companies that hire drivers to transport goods or perform other driving tasks.
If a tire blowout accident results from improper maintenance, these companies may be held liable.
Trucking companies are required to perform proper tire maintenance to avoid crashes and other accidents while their drivers are behind the wheel. If they fail to comply with this crucial step, these parties may face vicarious liability.
The Tire Manufacturer
Tire manufacturers can also be liable for the injuries people suffer in an accident caused by defective products. A blowout can result from a defect, design issue, or failure to provide proper warnings.
If the tire design poses foreseeable risks to customers when used for their intended purpose, manufacturers may be responsible for a tire-related accident caused by a defect.
Here's an example: If the tire blows out when reaching 65 mph speeds on the highway, the product was defective.
These manufacturing defects occur when truck tires are designed, built, or engineered. Plus, these issues don't affect an entire product line but one or more units.
Tire blowout accident victims may also hold manufacturers accountable for their injuries and other damages if they don't provide adequate information on how to use their products safely.
Injuries That Tire Blowout Accident Victims Often Sustain
Unfortunately, many truck accidents result in severe harm. In the worst-case scenario, these injuries are life-threatening or fatal.
These are the most common injuries people suffer in a tire blowout accident:
Concussion
Broken bones
Back injuries
Loss of limbs
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Disfigurement
Overall, the at-fault party is responsible for the medical bills that victims often pay after an accident. Therefore, determining who is liable for the tire blowout crash is crucial.
Common Damages in Truck Tire Blowout Accidents
People who sustain injuries in accidents caused by tire blowouts may seek compensation for related expenses and other damages, which often include the following:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, hospital fees, and prescription medication
Trauma counseling
Disability if victims are not able to return to their jobs
Some people are also able to recover compensation for the trauma they experienced. This compensation is awarded through non-economic damages, which may include the following:
Emotional distress
Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
In addition, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim if their loved one died in a tire blowout accident. They can recover compensation for the following damages:
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship
Pain and suffering
Loss of income
Cremation costs
And more
Do Victims Need Help from a Nashville Truck Accident Attorney?
Whether the accident was caused by a defective tire, poor maintenance, or road hazards, victims can hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions and recover compensation.
However, accidents caused by tire blowouts are complex. Therefore, injured parties should seek help from an experienced attorney. They can also help with questions such as, "Who's at fault in rear-end truck accidents?"
A seasoned truck accident lawyer can help victims build a solid case and collect the evidence they need to determine liability and recover the compensation they deserve.
Expert truck accident attorneys understand Tennessee laws related to commercial vehicles and can guide victims through the process, helping them fight for their rights.
Call Schuerger Shunnarah Attorneys and Get a Free Case Consultation Today!
People involved in accidents caused by commercial truck tire blowouts can find a reliable and experienced lawyer at Schuerger Shunnarah Attorneys. They can help with questions like, "Where do most truck accidents occur in Tennessee?"
Our law firm's team is willing to fight for victims' legal rights and do what it takes to hold at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today and get a free case consultation. We go to war for our clients!