If a truck tire blowout caused your crash, you may have a claim against the trucking company or another responsible party. These cases often require reviewing the tire, the truck’s maintenance history, and the decisions made before the truck was driven.
Contact a truck accident lawyer in Chicago to get the financial compensation you deserve.
Call (312) 701-0090.
Why a Blowout Is Not Always an Unavoidable Accident
A tire blowout is sudden, but can trace back to preventable problems. A commercial truck tire can fail because of:
- Worn tread.
- Underinflated or overinflated tires.
- Overloaded cargo.
- Tires with exposed belt or ply material.
- Tread separation.
- Sidewall damage.
- Poor tire repairs.
- Failure to replace aging tires.
- Mismatched or improper tires.
- Road debris or impact damage.
- Manufacturing defects.
FMCSA tire rules prohibit operating certain commercial vehicles with unsafe tire conditions, including exposed ply or belt material, tread or sidewall separation, flat tires, audible leaks, and improper inflation for the load carried.
Who May Be Responsible for a Tire Blowout Crash?
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver if they failed to inspect the tires before operating the truck.
- The trucking company if it ignored maintenance needs or allowed unsafe tires to stay in use.
- A maintenance company if it failed to identify or repair tire problems.
- A tire retailer or installer if it installed the wrong tire or performed poor service.
- A cargo company if the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded.
- A tire manufacturer if a defect caused the failure.
- Another driver if debris or a collision triggered the blowout.
An investigation into whether the crash involved one unsafe decision or a chain of failures involving several companies is critical.
Evidence That Can Help Prove What Happened
The tire itself can become one of the most important pieces of evidence. If the truck returns to service or the failed tire gets discarded, it may become harder to prove why the blowout happened. Other vital evidence may include:
- Photos of the tire, wheel, truck, and crash scene.
- Tire inspection and replacement records.
- Maintenance logs.
- Driver pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports.
- Cargo weight and loading records.
- Repair invoices.
- Tire purchase and installation records.
- Electronic truck data.
- Dashcam, traffic camera, or surveillance footage.
- Witness statements.
A lawyer can act quickly to preserve this evidence before the trucking company repairs the truck, replaces the tire, or loses key records.
Compensation After a Truck Tire Blowout Crash
A truck tire blowout may include compensation for:
- Past and future medical care related to the crash.
- Time missed from work during treatment and recovery.
- Reduced earning capacity if the injuries affect your ability to work.
- Physical pain, reduced mobility, and lasting discomfort.
- Vehicle damage and personal property losses.
- Rental car costs, transportation expenses, and other out-of-pocket costs.
The value of your claim depends on your medical records, recovery timeline, work limitations, and how the tire failure contributed to the collision.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Can Help Your Case
The success of a tire blowout case depends on finding the reason the tire failed and proving who had control over the truck, tire, load, or repairs before the crash. A injury lawyer in Chicago can move quickly to preserve evidence and identify what contributed to the collision.
A lawyer can also handle the insurance process from start to finish, challenge attempts to blame road debris or another driver, and help you document your medical and financial losses. If the insurer refuses to resolve the claim fairly, your attorney can pursue the compensation you deserve through settlement negotiations or litigation.
Speak To Us After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident
Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC can help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties. Contact us online or by phone at (312) 701-0090 for a free consultation.