Can I Sue If I Was Injured From a Blown-Out Truck Tire in Illinois? 

 Posted on December 14,2021 in Personal Injury

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles do not pose a safety threat to others. Unfortunately, we have all seen pieces of truck tires littering the road. Those unlucky enough to be next to a truck when a tire blows out face a high risk of losing control of their vehicle, and shredded tires flying across the highway can hit vehicles and cause serious damage. Although it is not entirely possible to mitigate the risk of trucking accidents due to blown-out tires, preventing most blowout accidents is possible with standard safety measures. When truck companies follow poor trucking maintenance protocol, victims of tire blowout accidents may be able to pursue justice.

Are Trucking Companies Responsible For Blown-Out Tires?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to maintain their vehicles. Large commercial vehicles like dump trucks, tow trucks, and 18-wheel tractor-trailers can pose serious hazards to others if poor maintenance leads to trucking regulation violations. Trucking companies and their employees must ensure the following conditions are true of their tires before trucks are allowed on the road:

• Tires cannot have visible defects - This includes wear that exposes structural elements of the tire, such as belt material or body ply. If these or other defects are visible, the tire is likely worn and needs replacement.

• Tires must be properly inflated - Tires that are obviously flat or under-inflated can wear out unevenly and are more likely to blow out.

• Tires must support the weight of the vehicle’s load - Bigger loads put more stress on tires, and trucking companies must ensure that the appropriate tires are used.

• Tire treads must not be too worn - A quick visual check can usually tell a driver whether a tire is too bald to be used, but measuring instruments can be used as well. Often, drivers are in a hurry and even if they see a tire is bald, assume their tires will not blow out, putting themselves and others at risk.

Common Tire Blowout Injuries

Drivers who are near a truck when a tire blows out may swerve to avoid large pieces of tire in the road, causing catastrophic accidents and personal injuries. Frequent injuries resulting from truck tire blowout accidents include:

• Broken bones

• Neck injuries, such as whiplash

• Concussions and other brain injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Spinal cord injuries

• Death

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury because of a truck tire blowout accident due to a trucking company’s failure to follow safety standards, you may be eligible for compensation. Victims can be compensated for their medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering, time away from work, and diminished quality of life.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lombard, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident resulting from a truck tire blowout, an experienced DuPage County truck tire blowout attorney with Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices may be able to help you. We offer free, no-risk consultations so you can learn more about whether you may be able to pursue compensation. We have won large settlements for our clients and will advocate aggressively on your behalf if necessary. Call our offices today to schedule your initial consultation at 630-932-9100.