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Tire-Related Accidents & Semi-Trucks
Well-maintained tires are a critical part of an operable and safe tractor-trailer or semi-truck. A large truck with a full load puts significant and tremendous pressure on tires. A semi-truck hooked up to an empty trailer weighs around 35,000 pounds. The maximum weight for a semi-truck with a loaded trailer legally permitted in the United States is 80,000 pounds. With this amount of weight on a set of tires, it is imperative that truck companies and drivers take all necessary precautions to ensure tires are properly maintained. Any significant wear and tear can lead to tire balding and a serious blow out that could be tragic for the truck driver, as well as other drivers on the road.
Federal regulations mandate that drivers and trucking companies inspect tires before taking a truck out on a haul. The results of the pre-trip tire inspection, along with other information regarding the truck and the driver, must be recorded in the drivers' log book for review. Tires that are balding or are actually bald are at a greater risk of blowing out while the truck is traveling at a high rate of speed. If a tractor-trailer experiences a tire blowout while moving, it can cause a complete loss of control of the unit and can lead to to a serious accident. A blowout is defined as a tire losing air pressure so severely and quickly that it "blows" or explodes. Tire conditions that truck drivers should deem not roadworthy and flag as unsafe under federal regulations include:
- Exposure of the ply or belt materials in the sidewall or tread of the tire;
- Separation of the tread or sidewall;
- Insufficient tread; and
- An audible leak.
Truck-related accidents, including those that are caused by a tire balding and blowouts, are often devastating for all involved. These types of accidents can cause major injuries, often beyond what occurs in an accident with a regular-sized vehicle. Injuries can be devastating, life-altering, and even fatal because of the sheer size and impact of a large truck. If you or a family member has been injured through no fault of your own in an accident with a tractor-trailer, ensure you are compensated for lost wages, medical bills, and often times life-changing injuries. Call the trusted Birmingham truck accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. You can reach us by phone at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or online here.
The Impact of Tire Baldness & Blowout
There are several primary types of accidents that can result when a tire explodes or blows out due to baldness, causing the truck driver to lose control of the massive vehicle. They include:
- Rollovers: When a truck rolls over on its side or upside down after the blow out.
- Falling Cargo: Other drivers on the road are struck with debris or cargo.
- Rear-End Collisions: A collision that occurs when a truck rams the back of another vehicle.
- Front-End Collisions: A collision that occurs when the truck hits another vehicle head on.
A number of conditions can cause a worn or defective tire to be under sudden pressure and explode or lose air pressure quickly. Factors that can cause a worn tire to experience pressure or explosion can include: potholes, underinflated tires, heat, wear and tear, low or no tire tread, mismatched tires, defective tires, weather conditions, and more.
Experience and Knowledge Matters
Have you or a family member been in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout from a tractor-trailer or any type of truck accident? The experienced Birmingham truck accident attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. understand the unique challenges in these cases. Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and well versed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that could have been violated. Don't let a large trucking company or its insurance company take advantage of you in your time of need. You can contact us for a free and confidential consultation at 844.LAW.TALK, 205.324.3600, or online here. You can find more information on truck accidents in general here.
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