Almost every driver has experienced the occasional flat tire. It is an inconvenience, but it usually is not a life-threatening ordeal. Tire explosion is a completely different animal. Whether it is on a neighborhood street or on the highway, truck tire explosions are dangerous not only for the driver but for other motorists and pedestrians in the truck’s vicinity. If you or someone you love have suffered injuries in a truck tire explosion accident, you may be entitled to damages. Contact the Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss ways to pursue your claim.
Causes of Truck Tire Explosions
There are a slew of issues that can cause a truck tire to explode. Often times, there are several contributing factors to a tire blowout. Some of these factors include:
- Improper tire inflation – Tires that are underinflated or overinflated are at risk for explosion. Too much pressure on the tire can cause overinflated tires to blow out.
- Design defect – Defects in a tire can cause cracks to form on its exterior, leading to significant air loss and explosion.
- Overheating – When the temperature inside a tire increases, so does the pressure. If the temperature of a tire rises to a dangerous level due to the environment or other factors, the tire is at risk for a blow out.
- Poor condition – Tires that are old and need to be replaced sometimes have structural weaknesses. This can cause dangerous changes in pressure or cracks in the body of the tire.
- Hazards on the road – Debris, potholes, uneven roads, and blockades on the road can cause a tire to explode depending on the location of impact.
When a truck tire explodes, everyone in close proximity at risk for harm. Tire blowouts typically occur suddenly, and even the most careful truck drivers do not have the time to safely react and regroup.
Tire Explosion Prevention
Freak accidents happen, and sometimes nothing can be done to stop a tire from exploding. There are, however, certain precautions that drivers can take to help eliminate their risks for tire explosion accidents. Some of these precautions include:
- Inspect tires –Making sure to check the tire daily. This would help to identify any problems with the tire.
- Maintain tires –Replacing the tire to prevent any accident. Remember to check with the industry regulations.
- Do not overload your truck –Make sure to check with the regulation for the cargo weight. Overweight truck could cause the tire to explode.
Negligence in Truck Tire Explosion Accidents
When truck tire explosion accidents do occur, the consequences can be deadly. Due to their size and mass, truck accidents can result in severe bodily injuries or even death for other motorists. Some of these injuries require intensive medical treatment that can cost thousands of dollars. Retaining a Pennsylvania truck accident attorney is crucial for victims who suffer injuries due to negligence. The driver, trucking company, and/or tire manufacturer are all parties who could be held liable for injuries suffered by innocent motorists.
In order for a court to find that a person was negligent in the operation, maintenance, or manufacturing of a tire, three essential elements must be shown. An injured person must prove:
- The defendant owed a legal duty of care to the plaintiff;
- The defendant breached the legal duty of care that was owed; and
- As a result of the breach, the plaintiff suffered damages
If a court finds that a defendant was negligent, a plaintiff could recover for damages in the form of medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Philadelphia Truck Accident Victims’ Attorney
The Philadelphia truck accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm take pride in providing high quality legal representation to injured truck accident victims. We will fight to make sure that drivers and trucking companies are held accountable for the harm they have caused you. To schedule a free consultation, call our attorneys today at (215) 709-6940.
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