What Causes Truck Tire Blowouts?

If you have been injured during a truck tire blowout accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses and other damages. There are multiple parties that may be liable for paying this compensation but determining which party that is depends on the cause of the tire blowout. Below, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorney explains in further detail.

Improper Maintenance 

The most common cause of tire blowouts is improper tire maintenance. Tires naturally wear down over time. If they are not replaced regularly, bulges and cuts can develop, or the tread can become dangerously thin. These issues make tires more susceptible to damage from road hazards such as potholes, which increases the risk of blowouts and punctures.

In the most serious of cases, the rubber treat can separate from the metal structure of the tire. If this happens, shredded pieces of rubber from defective tires can become scattered across the road, placing other drivers at risk.

Under-Inflated Tires 

Tires wear down faster when they are not inflated properly. This can make the under-inflated tire easier to puncture or cut. Under-inflated tires also create more heat, particularly at highway speeds. Over time, this heat can cause the rubber to dry out and crack. After the rubber starts to wear down, it can cause an accident.

Overinflated Tires

When tires are inflated too much, the center of the tread can bulge, which reduces the contact area with the road. The smaller portion that is in contact with the road places additional pressure on the center of the tread, placing further strain on the internal components of the tire. The added stress makes tires more prone to impact damage from road debris and potholes.

Overloaded Trucks 

It is critical that the cargo added to a truck does not exceed the vehicle’s weight limit. When a truck is overloaded, it places more pressure on the tires than they are designed to handle safely. When a truck is driven at high speeds, the additional stress from the overloaded truck can cause the tire to significantly heat up, increasing the risk of a blowout, even if the tires are otherwise in good condition.

Negligent Driving 

When truckers do not have proper training or they drive carelessly, it can place unnecessary stress on the tires. This can cause excessive wear and possible tire failure. For example, when truck drivers hire the brakes too often or too hard, it can damage the tread very quickly, causing a tire to blow.

Manufacturing Defects

Tire blowouts are not always the fault of truck drivers or trucking companies. A truck’s tires can have production or design flaws that make them more likely to fail. Regardless of whether there was a mistake on the assembly line or low-quality materials were used, these errors can weaken a tire from the inside out, increasing the risk of a blowout.

Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in San Antonio Can Determine the Cause of Your Crash 

At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, our San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorney can determine what caused your crash so you know who to hold liable. Call us today at 210-LAW-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help after an accident. There is no charge whatsoever unless and until we obtain a settlement or recovery for you.

Source:

ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/policy/rpt_congress/truck_sw_laws/app_a.htm#tx