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Large commercial trucks (semis) are everywhere on our highways. They are the backbone of commerce as we know it. However, when these trucks have accidents, they usually end up on the 6 o’clock news. The virtual size, weight, and/or the nature of their cargos, usually results in severe injuries or fatalities. 

One such accident occurred in the summer of 2016 when a 59-year-old man was killed in Brevard, FL when a semi tractor-trailer hauling a road construction excavator had a tire blowout causing it to crash through the south median guardrail on I-95. The semi hit the man’s pickup truck in the northbound lane. He died instantly, and the semi driver was taken to the hospital with severe injuries. The north lanes of I-95 were closed for the entire day as road crews worked to clear the highway of crash debris and diesel fuel, according to WFTV News. 

The Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported to Congress in 2005 (updated April 2014). This study, according to FMCSA, was the “first-ever national study to attempt to determine the critical events and associated factors that contribute to serious large truck crashes.” According to the study: 

• Over 60 percent of trucks involved in crashes were tractors pulling a single semi-trailer (also known as 18-wheelers) that haul most of the nation’s freight. 

• Roughly 30 percent of large truck crashes are due to a vehicle malfunction such as a brake failure or tire or wheel failure. 

How is a tire blowout defined? 

The Tire Industry Association defines the term blowout as, “a rapid loss of inflation pressure of a pneumatic tire leading to an explosion.” 

What causes a tire blowout? 

Defective tires can sometimes cause tire blowouts, says Truckingsos.com. However, tire blowouts are often attributed to acts of negligence. The air pressure and alignment of all tires should be checked on a regular basis. When the tires are not properly maintained, they become more vulnerable to being damaged by debris and other hazardous road conditions. Additional factors that can lead to a tire blowout are: 

• Overweight freight load
• Excessive use of break pads
• Defective tires
• Rain, snow or icy road conditions
• Failure to maintain proper air pressure
• Excessive miles being driven on the same set of tires
• Excessive heat which can cause excess pressure in the tire
• High air pressure which can stress a tire beyond its limits and cause a blowout
• Running over a large sharp object can tear a large hole in the tire causing it to instantly deflate, which can result in a blowout.
• Low air pressure, which can cause the tires to flex, more than they are designed to do. This can cause the belts to separate which would compromise the integrity of the tires. 

When a blowout happens, the truck may roll or spin out of control. As a precautionary measure, the FMCSA requires every commercial vehicle company to periodically inspect vehicle tires and keep reports of the inspections. 

Inspection of tires for tread wear, sidewall damage and air leaks is the responsibility of the truck driver. However, trucking companies are responsible for requiring their drivers to outfit their trucks properly. Tires are to meet federal requirements for tread depth, match in size and wear levels. Tire blowout opportunities are reduced when routine inspection and maintenance is done. Should truck drivers and trucking companies not conduct routine inspections and perform the correct maintenance, they may have liability for any accidents caused from tire blowouts. 

What if the tire itself is defective? 

In the case of tire defects, the manufacturer, designer, and seller may be some of those who can be held liable. 

“Being injured in a large truck accident is usually devastating. Contact our Fort Myers truck accident attorneys to assist you in determining your rights,” said Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.