Tire blowouts involving tractor trailers are a serious hazard on Chicago’s busy roadways. When a commercial truck experiences a sudden tire failure, it can lead to catastrophic accidents, causing severe injuries or even fatalities. The size and weight of these vehicles amplify the danger, often affecting multiple motorists in a matter of seconds.
Understanding the common causes of tire blowouts—such as poor maintenance, overloading, or manufacturing defects—is essential for drivers and victims alike. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of such an incident can also make a significant difference in your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we are committed to helping victims of accidents seek justice. Our experienced Chicago tractor trailer tire blowout lawyers investigate the incident thoroughly, determine liability, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in Chicago, Illinois, contact us today at (312) 726-1616 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
How Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout Accident in Chicago, IL
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand the overwhelming challenges that come after a serious accident. With decades of combined experience serving the Chicago community, our team of dedicated attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling complex personal injury cases.
We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients and are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs. When you choose us, you are choosing a firm that stands by you every step of the way.
Our legal team will work hard for you by:
- Conducting thorough investigations to gather critical evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensuring all legal documents are correctly filed and deadlines met
- Consulting with experts to build a robust case
- Representing you aggressively in court if necessary
If you’ve been involved in an accident, trust the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys to provide the legal help you need. Reach out today for a free case review.
What Is a Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout?
A tractor trailer tire blowout happens when one of the large tires on a truck bursts, often unexpectedly. These tires are much larger and heavier than the ones on regular passenger vehicles, and when one blows out, the effects can be far more dangerous. Tractor trailers rely on their tires for stability, and when a tire blows, it can cause the truck to lose control, veer into other lanes, or even jackknife.
Causes of Tractor Trailer Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts in tractor trailers can happen for several reasons:
- Under-inflated tires: Tires that are not properly inflated are more likely to overheat, which can cause them to blow out.
- Overloaded trucks: When a tractor trailer carries too much weight, it places extra pressure on the tires, leading to an increased risk of blowouts.
- Worn-out tires: Tires that are old or have worn treads are more prone to bursting, especially under heavy loads or high speeds.
- Poor maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance, including checking tire pressure, tread, and alignment, can lead to tire blowouts. Many truck companies or drivers may neglect necessary maintenance.
While some of these factors may be out of the driver’s control, proper maintenance, weight limits, and road safety can reduce the likelihood of a blowout.
The Dangers of Tractor Trailer Tire Blowouts
A tractor trailer tire blowout can cause several dangerous situations for both the truck driver and other motorists on the road, such as:
Loss of Vehicle Control
When a truck experiences a tire blowout, especially on the rear tires, it can cause the vehicle to lose control. A sudden loss of control can result in the truck swerving across lanes or into oncoming traffic. This increases the likelihood of a multi-vehicle crash.
Jackknife Accidents
One of the most serious accidents that can occur from a tire blowout is a jackknife. A jackknife happens when the trailer portion of the truck swings out at a sharp angle to the cab, creating a dangerous situation where the vehicle is blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Collisions and Injuries
Truck accidents resulting from tire blowouts can cause severe collisions that result in serious injuries or fatalities. Due to the size and weight of tractor trailers, accidents involving these trucks are often more catastrophic than those involving smaller vehicles.
Liability in Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout Accidents
Determining liability in a tractor trailer tire blowout accident can be complicated.
Several parties may be responsible, including:
- The truck driver: If the driver failed to properly maintain the truck or was speeding when the blowout occurred, they may be partially or fully liable.
- The trucking company: The company that owns the truck may be responsible if it failed to ensure proper maintenance, overloading the truck, or enforcing safe driving practices.
- Tire manufacturer: If the blowout was caused by a defective tire, the tire manufacturer could be held accountable for product liability.
A thorough investigation by a Chicago truck accident lawyer can help identify who is at fault for the accident.
Contact Our Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout Attorneys for a Free Consultation
At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we understand the serious consequences of tractor trailer tire blowout accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
Our experienced Chicago tractor trailer blowout attorneys will help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started on your case.