Wheel-Off Truck Accident Cases
Any tire blowout in a motor vehicle may be frightening, but cases that involve a wheel-off truck accident are particularly frightening. Passenger vehicle drivers can still protect themselves in the event of a big rig tire blowout by driving defensively and following safety tips. Understanding the risks that may be involved in this situation is crucial. These include tractor-trailer rollovers, unsecured cargo, flying debris, and a truck driver’s loss of vehicle control. As such, the best way to protect yourself on the road is to avoid over-reactive steering and immediately stop in a safe area.
What is a Wheel-Off Big Rig Crash?
Wheel separation cases occur when the entire wheel assembly of a tractor-trailer is detached from the vehicle and strikes another party or passenger car. Wheel-off accidents may involve the big rig tire, wheel, or a portion of the drivetrain or axle. These crashes may cause significant property damage and may be accompanied by severe injuries or even fatalities. The impact of wheel-off accidents is severe because the object’s velocity strikes another individual or passenger vehicle. In these cases, the question is whether the incident could have been entirely prevented.
Federal Regulations Overseeing the Trucking Industry
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) oversee the trucking industry. As such, truck drivers, their employers, and other entities are subject to these regulations and must uphold them as such. Truckers must perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the big rig to ensure the vehicle is in safe and operable condition. Trucking companies must also routinely inspect, maintain, and repair their trailers and trucks. A safety issue may be indicated and addressed promptly if routine inspections are conducted as per FMCSRs.
The problem in wheel-off collisions often arises from a lug nut on a lug bolt that was not properly torqued. When the lug nut is under or over-torqued, it may lead to the wearing of the rim, lug nut, or lug. There would also be signs of wear, including rusting around the lug. Inadequate torquing may result in a lug nut coming loose or breaking. Preventing such issues requires properly calibrated impact guns to tighten lug nuts to ensure the correct torque ratio and prevent future big rig wheels or tire failure on the road.
The issue commonly seen in wheel-off truck accident cases is that proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections accompanied by appropriate and routine repairs can prevent these devastating crashes. If personnel received proper training on the maintenance of big rigs, including the appropriate approach of lug nut torquing, the dangers associated with wheel-off crashes may be significantly decreased. Most cases generally involve the failure to inspect. In others, it may be attributed to material issues in the tire itself leading to failure.
Who is Liable in Wheel-Off Commercial Truck Accident Cases?
Even the safest and most defensive drivers may be involved in a wheel-off big rig crash. All drivers are obligated to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle. This duty encompasses adherence to traffic laws. Drivers are also required to ensure the safe condition of their motor vehicles, including brakes, tires, and other components. While fault may be apparent in some cases, others may require an in-depth investigation to properly establish liability.
Identifying the factors and root causes of wheel-off truck accidents holds significance in the outcome of a personal injury or wrongful death case. In these matters, an immediate independent investigation is necessary to uncover the truth and preserve evidence before it is too late. Evidence preservation letters must be prepared and sent to the opposing parties in a commercial truck accident case right away before evidence is destroyed or lost.
What are the Common Reasons for Tractor-Trailer Tire Blowouts?
Big rig tire blowouts may occur when a compromised tire is exposed to sudden impact or pressure loss. These may cause a rapid loss of air pressure or the tire to explode. The factors listed below may cause or contribute to a tractor-trailer tire blowout:
- Heat: When outdoor temperatures are high, the heat can be dangerous for tires. It may lead to overinflation and, combined with the scorching hot pavement, may intensify the stress on an overinflated truck tire. As such, a tire blowout may be inevitable in these scenarios.
- Overloaded Trucks: When a big rig is overloaded with cargo, the weight may exceed the bearing capability of the tires. When the tires exceed the maximum capacity, it may further increase the potential for tire blowouts.
- Potholes: When a tractor-trailer tire strikes a pothole or another object in the roadway, the tire’s internal components may compress. It may result in significant wear or a complete rupture of the rubber and fabric of the tire.
- Underinflation: Failure to maintain tires at the correct air pressure may cause excessive flexing of the internal components in the tire. This may also lead to the internal components flexing more than their intended limits.
- Wear and Tear: Big rig tires may wear and tear over time. This may result in a gradual weakening of the tire due to exposure to the aforementioned factors. It may take weeks or even months for the cumulative effects to reach a breaking point, and a tire blowout occurs.
If a tire blowout occurs, and another party is injured due to this incident, a personal injury claim may be brought against the truck driver and other potential defendants. An experienced truck accident lawyer from our law firm can assist you in seeking total compensation and justice in your case.
Truck Accident Lawyer in California
Since 1982, our experienced and knowledgeable California truck accident lawyers at AutoAccident.com have worked hard to protect the rights of those we represent in personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a tractor-trailer collision due to another party’s negligence, our legal team can take your call and provide free, friendly advice to explore your options moving forward. Call (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 today for a free case review.
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