Being involved in any kind of traffic accident is overwhelming, but a truck tire blowout crash can be more frightening than most. When an 18-wheeler’s tire ruptures at highway speed, the driver can lose control of the vehicle in an instant. Debris from the shredded rubber can also scatter across the road, putting every nearby motorist at risk of injury in a truck accident.
While you may already know that you have the right to pursue a legal claim after an accident like this, you might be unsure about who is actually responsible. Because multiple parties could share the blame for a tire blowout, Tennessee truck accident cases often involve more than just the driver behind the wheel. Our trucking accident injury attorney in Nashville can help sort through the details; in the meantime, here is what you should know.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Tire Blowout?
Liability in a tire blowout case depends on what caused the tire to fail in the first place. In many situations, more than one party played a role.
The truck driver is often a starting point. Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, drivers must perform daily pre-trip inspections that include checking tire pressure, tread wear, and sidewall condition. A driver who skips this step or ignores visible damage can be held negligent if a blowout follows.
The trucking company may also bear responsibility. FMCSA rules require carriers to maintain their vehicles on a documented schedule and to pull trucks out of service when tires fall below safety standards. For steer tires, the minimum legal tread depth is 4/32 of an inch; for all others, the minimum is 2/32 of an inch. Companies that cut corners on maintenance to save time or money put everyone on the road in danger.
In some cases, a tire manufacturer could be at fault as well. If the blowout resulted from a design flaw or defective materials, a product liability claim may be on the table. Other contributing factors like overloaded cargo or improperly sized tires can further complicate the question of who is to blame.
What To Do After a Tire Blowout Truck Accident in Tennessee
For better or worse, the steps you take right after the crash matter significantly. Keep the following in mind as best you can:
- Report the accident to law enforcement so that officers can document the scene and file an official report.
- Do not apologize or accept any responsibility at the scene. Even an offhand comment could be used to increase your share of fault later.
- Gather evidence if you are safely able to. Photograph the blown tire, scattered debris, vehicle damage, and the surrounding road conditions.
- Get medical attention right away. Some injuries do not produce symptoms immediately, and timely medical records will help support your claim.
After addressing your health and safety, contact a Tennessee truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. These cases can involve complex federal regulations and multiple defendants, so having legal guidance early makes a real difference.
An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help After a Tire Blowout
If you were involved in a truck tire blowout crash in Tennessee, it’s important to keep in mind that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. An experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer can help you make the most of your claim and ensure you’re set up for success.
Contact Woodard Injury Law today to get started with a free consultation at 615-640-1487. We’re confident we can help you pursue the results you’re looking for.