Tire Blowout Accidents

The tires on trucks, as well as other components, are heavily regulated to make sure they are not subject to tread or sidewall separation, or other states of disrepair. Failing to follow these regulations and maintain tires properly can lead to a blowout that may result in a driver’s loss of control, causing a serious accident. The Miami tire blowout accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon represent South Florida residents who have been hurt as a result of careless truck drivers and companies. Our firm can assist in determining what led to an accident, which parties were involved, and which next steps a victim should take. If you have been injured or lost a loved one, a truck accident can diligently guide you through the legal process.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules requiring drivers and trucking companies to conduct regular inspections of their tires and engage in maintenance and upkeep when necessary. A tire blowout can result from a multitude of issues, including:

• Overuse of tires by subjecting them to higher than recommended mileage, resulting in little or no tread,
• Used or bad spare tires,
• Over- or under-inflated tires,
• Defective tires, or
• Wrong-sized tires for the type of truck.

Pursuant to FMCSA regulations, the tires on a truck’s front wheels must meet certain tread groove pattern depth requirements when measured on a major tread groove. Tires must also be inspected daily.

When inadequate or negligent maintenance results in bald tires or blowouts, causing an accident, a driver or a trucking company may be liable for any injuries. Other times, a manufacturing or design defect could cause a blowout, and in that situation the tire’s manufacturer may be held responsible for the harm caused. If a tire blowout accident is found to be caused by a failure to maintain or inspect tires properly, a victim may hold a driver or trucking company accountable by filing a personal injury claim.

In this type of case, a victim must show that the defendant or defendants were negligent, meaning they breached the widely established obligation to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act under similar circumstances. A driver who fails to inspect tires or follow regulations regarding their care, causing a blowout and resulting injuries, may be considered negligent. Damages awarded in these cases may include both economic and non-economic forms of compensation, ranging from past and future medical expenses and lost income to pain and suffering.

Determining if tire maintenance and inspection requirements were followed may require detailed research regarding a driver’s habits, a company’s policies, and other procedures. Given the complexity of a truck crash case, consulting a knowledgeable attorney is often important in ensuring a victim’s legal rights are preserved and asserted.

Tires are among the most important parts of a vehicle, and also among the most susceptible to damage because of improper care. When a truck driver or company disregards their responsibility to keep their vehicles safe, serious or even fatal injuries may result. The Miami tire blowout accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are experienced in handling complex personal injury cases. If you have been involved in a tire blowout accident, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a motor vehicle collision attorney. We also represent people in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.