The tires are the only points of contact that a truck has with the road, so a tire defect could have serious repercussions. According to The Large Truck Crash Causation Study, vehicle defects contribute to 10 percent of all truck crashes.
Unfortunately, the occupants of passenger vehicles tend to suffer the worst of the impact in semi-truck accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 68 percent of truck crash fatalities in 2014 were occupants in passenger vehicles.
If you were injured in a truck wreck, you may be entitled to compensation for health-care expenses, lost income and non-economic damages. A Lake Charles accident attorney from Morris Bart, LLC will evaluate your case, gather evidence and help you pursue the maximum settlement.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of tire-related truck crashes:
Tire Defects
Defective tires can blow out or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. If the tire manufacturer discovers a defect, then it is required to issue a recall and repair or replace the defective goods. Sometimes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues a recall if it receives multiple reports of tire defects.
Commercial truckers and trucking companies should check the NHTSA website for recalls before they purchase tires.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Improper Tire Maintenance
In a single route, a commercial trucker may travel though changing climates and various road surfaces. His or her vehicle’s tires should be able to handle these conditions.
In addition to purchasing the appropriate tires, truckers should monitor their tires for wear and tear. Most big rigs use air brakes, which put excessive strain on tires. As such, commercial drivers should routinely evaluate their tires for appropriate tread and pressure.
No Pre-Trip Inspection of Tires
Pre-trip inspections can prevent accidents and breakdowns. Before any long journey, commercial drivers should check their tires for foreign objects, wear and tear, and under-inflation. If a driver notices damage to the tire’s tread or sidewall, air leakage or excessive wear, he or she should replace it before departing.
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Who Is Liable for Damages after a Truck Accident?
There are federal laws that require commercial truckers and trucking companies to maintain their vehicles within strict standards. If they fail to do so and a person sustains an injury as a result, then the victim may have grounds for a personal-injury claim.
Unlike most accidents in which a driver is usually the liable party, there may be several liable parties after a truck crash. Depending on the cause of the accident, the liable party may be the:
- Truck driver;
- Truck owner;
- Fleet manager;
- Mechanic; or
- Truck or auto part manufacturer.
If you were injured in a truck crash, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A Lake Charles accident lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
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