Semi-Truck Tire Blowout Causes Passenger’s Death in San Antonio
Semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks are a vital component to our modern lives. Over 70 percent of the freight that is transported across the United States is moved via truck. Unfortunately, large commercial trucks can also cause severe truck accidents in which people are injured or killed. One recent truck accident turned fatal after a tire blowout caused the truck to roll off a bridge and burst into flames. The accident highlights the dangers of truck tire blowouts.
Tire Blowout Causes Fatal Crash
Two people were inside the truck when the tire burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck rolled off a bridge and down a slope where it caught on fire. The passenger did not survive the flames. The driver was taken to the hospital for injuries. Unfortunately, tire blowouts like these result in thousands of accidents every year in the U.S. – many of which are fatal.
What Causes Tire Blowouts?
Tire blowouts are not uncommon on large commercial trucks. Sometimes the blowout is caused by overinflation or underinflation. Tread separation caused by normal wear and tear, potholes and other road defects, and mismatched tires can also cause a blowout. Some tire blowouts are caused by tire design or manufacturing defects.
Semi-truck tires must be inflated to the correct pressure and truck drivers should regularly check the tire pressure to ensure that it is within the specified range. Overworn tires should be replaced as soon as possible. Trucks should also be regularly inspected for mechanical issues such as misalignments and loose wheel bearings that can increase the risk of tire problems.
Legal Options After a Truck Tire Blowout Crash
Tire blowouts can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and strike other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Bits of tire in the road can also cause serious traffic accidents. If you or a loved one were hurt in an accident caused by a semi-truck tire blowout, you may have a right to compensation. You may be entitled to reimbursement for your medical expenses, lost income from missed work, vehicle repair costs, and more. If your loved one died in a truck crash caused by a tire blowout, you may be able to hold the liable party responsible and recover compensation through a wrongful death action. The liable party in a truck tire blowout accident is often the trucking company. However, fault may also lie with the truck driver, the owner of the truck, the company that designed or manufactured the tires, or even a government entity like a city or county.
Contact a New Braunfels, Texas Truck Crash Injury Lawyer
If you were hurt or your family member was killed in a truck crash, contact The Bettersworth Law Firm for help. New Braunfels injury attorney James S. Bettersworth can protect your rights and help you hold the at-fault party accountable. Call 830-443-9193 for a free, confidential consultation.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2021/09/09/1-killed-when-semi-truck-has-blow-out-bursts-into-flames-on-i-10-near-seguin-highway-closed/
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019-5
