Truck Tire Blowouts: A Ticking Time Bomb on South Carolina Highways
Truck tire blowouts are a critical issue on South Carolina highways. They can occur without warning, creating dangerous situations for everyone in the vicinity. When a tire suddenly fails, the driver may struggle to maintain control, leading to severe accidents. Even the most experienced truck driver will have a hard time controlling several tons of truck and its cargo when a key support point fails.
When you’re injured in a South Carolina truck accident, make sure you have the legal guidance you need. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to schedule your consultation now.
Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts
Truck tire blowouts are often traced back to several common issues or errors. One common cause is underinflation. If a tire doesn’t have enough air, it can get too hot and break apart. However, overinflation is equally dangerous—even the slightest amount of pressure can cause the tire to blow out. Another cause of accidents is overloading. When a truck carries more weight than the tires are designed to handle, it can lead to wear and tear, making a blowout more likely. This is why the FMCSA has such extensive requirements regarding cargo loading.
Poor maintenance is also a big factor. If tires are not checked regularly for signs of damage like cracks or worn-out treads, small issues can grow into major problems. Road hazards, such as potholes or sharp objects, can also cause sudden blowouts.
The Impact of Truck Tire Blowouts on South Carolina Highways
Tire blowouts on South Carolina highways can seriously disrupt traffic and put many drivers at risk. When a truck tire blows out, the driver often loses control of the vehicle, which can result in crashes. After all, a fully loaded truck can weigh 40 tons, and that’s a lot to try to control.
These crashes can block lanes and create traffic jams in a matter of seconds, making travel slower and more dangerous for everyone. The debris from a blown tire can scatter across the road, posing additional hazards to other vehicles. Emergency responders and cleanup crews may need to come to the scene, adding to the chaos and delays.
Beyond the immediate danger, these incidents can cause a ripple effect on traffic patterns. Drivers stuck in traffic may become frustrated and drive more aggressively, increasing the chances of further accidents.
Legal Concerns for Drivers
After a truck tire blowout, drivers often find themselves up against various legal concerns, especially if accidents follow the blowout. Determining who is at fault is essential but difficult, thanks to the various parties involved in any truck accident claim. The blowout might be due to a manufacturing flaw, a lack of maintenance, or overloading the truck.
In cases involving a manufacturing defect, the tire maker could be held accountable. If poor maintenance is the issue, the trucking company or driver may bear responsibility. Overloading the truck also places liability on the driver or company for not adhering to weight limits.
Insurance claims can also become complicated after a blowout. Trucking companies have a lot at stake when one of their drivers is in a crash, so they fight hard to protect themselves from liability. This is one reason it’s so important to have your own legal representation—the trucking company has their own protection, and you need yours.
If other vehicles suffered damage after a tire blowout, multiple parties might need to take action against the liable party. This can ultimately limit the amount of compensation available to each individual party. Each party will likely have its own version of events, making it crucial to gather evidence like photos, witness statements, and police reports.
Protecting Yourself
As a personal driver on the road, you should always be cautious around tractor-trailers. They are tremendously more dangerous than other vehicles, even though their drivers tend to have more training and experience than others. When driving near a tractor-trailer, be extra vigilant for any signs of instability, lane switches, or turns. Try to avoid staying near a large truck for longer than necessary.
Start Your Claim with Peake & Fowler
If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, the team at Peake & Fowler is here to advocate for you. Find out what your next steps are during a free consultation. Call us at 803-788-4370 or contact us online to set up a time with our experienced team of attorneys.
