Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are a serious hazard on Maryland roads, particularly when they involve large commercial trucks. These incidents often result from preventable factors, such as neglected maintenance, overloading, or tire defects, and can lead to devastating accidents that impact multiple vehicles. With nearly 70% of fatal truck blowouts occurring on front tires—the steering axle—these accidents often leave little room for other drivers to avoid a crash. Victims of tire-related truck wrecks face life-changing injuries and significant financial burdens, making it essential to identify the root cause and hold negligent parties accountable.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., we recognize that tire blowouts often stem from preventable issues, such as failure to inspect for damage, improper inflation, or manufacturing defects. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the root cause of your accident and pursuing every avenue of compensation to support your recovery. Contact us today to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney who will prioritize your needs.

Tire blowouts are a significant hazard in commercial trucking, often leading to dangerous accidents that put other road users at risk. The front axle, which serves as the steering axle, makes blowouts on these tires particularly dangerous as they increase the likelihood of the truck veering into the path of oncoming traffic or other vehicles. Maintenance failures, such as low tire pressure and overloading lead to blowouts. Though some incidents occur due to road debris, most are preventable with regular monitoring and proper upkeep of tire wear.

Responsibility for tire blowouts often lies with multiple parties, depending on the cause. Trucking companies are primarily responsible for maintaining their fleets and ensuring that tires work safely. Drivers are also responsible for conducting thorough pre-trip inspections to identify worn or underinflated tires and report any issues to their employers. In cases where faulty manufacturing leads to a blowout, tire manufacturers may share liability under product liability laws. A trucking company’s failure to enforce maintenance standards or a driver’s negligence in reporting issues can significantly increase the likelihood of preventable blowouts, making it essential to investigate each party’s role in the crash.

Tire blowouts can often be avoided with proper maintenance and monitoring. Proving that a blowout was preventable involves gathering evidence to demonstrate negligence by the responsible parties. Some key pieces of evidence include:

Maintenance Records:Reviewing records to determine if the trucking company adhered to safety standards, such as maintaining proper tire pressure and replacing worn tires.

Pre-Trip Inspection Logs:Evaluating whether the driver conducted thorough inspections and reported tire-related concerns as required.

Tire Condition Analysis: Analyzing the tire's condition post-accident to identify excessive wear, underinflation, or signs of overloading.

Manufacturer Defects: Examining whether the tire was inherently defective due to faulty manufacturing or design issues.

This evidence can establish that a tire blowout was not simply an accident but the result of preventable negligence, holding the appropriate parties accountable for the harm caused.

Chain reaction accidents are a common and dangerous outcome of tire blowouts, especially on highways or in heavy traffic. When a truck loses control due to a blowout, other drivers often have little time to react, resulting in multi-vehicle collisions. For instance, a front tire blowout that causes the truck to swerve can lead to side-impact crashes with nearby vehicles, while debris from the blowout can create additional hazards for following drivers. These incidents are more likely to cause severe injuries fatalities, and complicate liability determinations, as multiple parties may be involved in the crash.

The consequences of tire blowouts extend beyond the immediate accidents they cause. Victims of blowout-related crashes often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones, leading to long-term medical needs and financial strain. The financial impact also includes costs associated with damaged vehicles, roadway cleanup, and delays in goods transportation. Holding the responsible parties accountable is critical to addressing these costs and ensuring safer practices across the trucking industry. By pursuing justice, victims can secure the resources they need to recover while promoting safety improvements to prevent future accidents.

Tire blowouts can cause trucks to lose control, resulting in life-altering accidents for everyone involved. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a blowout-related crash, you need a legal advocate who understands how to hold negligent parties accountable. The Prince George’s County truck accident attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. will investigate the cause of the blowout, whether due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects, to build a strong case on your behalf. With no recovery, no fee, and a team that advances all case-related costs, you can focus on healing while we fight for you. Call 301-441-2022 or use our secure online contact form to schedule your free consultation.