Who Is Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident?
March 28, 2019 | Truck Accidents
Tire blowout accidents often occur without notice and leave severe damages in their wake. CDL drivers are required by federal and state trucking regulations to maintain their vehicles and look for anything that isn’t working correctly or seems off. If you are in a tire blowout accident that was caused by a commercial truck, you could be eligible to recover damages with the help of a lawyer. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, create a personalized plan to recover full compensation, and defend your case against the liable driver.
Common Causes of Tire Blowout Accidents
The life of commercial truck tires differs depending on the brand, maintenance, and how often they are used. On average, tires on a commercial vehicle last for 300,000 miles; sometimes more, sometimes less. If a tire blowout accident happens, chances are good that the truck driver failed to maintain their vehicle. The most common causes of tire blowout accidents in commercial trucks include:
- Improperly aired tires
- Worn-out tires with little or no tread
- Failure to rotate tires
- Improper tire alignment
- Rough driving habits
If you are in a tire blowout accident with a commercial truck, you need proof of the truck driver’s negligence. If evidence isn’t gathered after a tire blowout, liability could be shifted or details from the crash could be lost. Involving an experienced lawyer with your case can help gather evidence, protect you from the truck driver’s insurance company, and ensure that you are taken care of during this difficult time.
Liability in a Tire Blowout Accident
The fatality rate for truck accidents has decreased over the last ten years, but the number of accidents involving large trucks has risen in the past five years. Between 2015-2016, the rate increased by 3%, with 1 out of 10 highway accidents involving a commercial truck. Tire blowout accidents are often severe and can cause serious harm to passenger vehicle occupants. In 2017 alone, 738 people died in tire-related crashes. If you are in a tire blowout accident with a truck, a lawyer can establish the truck driver’s liability, file a compelling claim, and fight for the best outcome for your case.
Is a Truck Driver’s Employer Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident?
If a truck driver is employed by a trucking company, their employer is liable for their negligence. However, proof of an employee-employer relationship is required to file a claim against both parties. If your lawyer obtains proof of employment, you can file an insurance claim against the truck driver and their employer. More often than not, filing claims against more than one liable party can maximize the amount of compensation that your case receives.
Consult a Lawyer About Your Tire Blowout Accident Case Today
The last thing you probably want to deal with after being in a tire blowout accident is the inevitable aftermath. It can be difficult to navigate the truck accident process and understand how to prove the other party’s liability, but an experienced lawyer can guide your case, file a compelling claim, and prove that the other driver is liable to compensate you for damages. If you or someone you love has been in a tire blowout accident with a truck, contact the Dixon Injury Firm today to discuss your case. Our attorneys will do everything possible to recover compensation for your suffering and ensure that you and your family are taken care of during this trying time.