What to Do When a Truck Tire Blowout Hits Your Car

When you’re driving on a highway, the last thing you expect is for a massive piece of rubber from a semi-truck tire to hit your vehicle. But truck tire blowouts are more common than you might think. When they happen, the consequences can be catastrophic. A blown tire can send debris towards nearby vehicles, cause chain-reaction crashes, or even force an out-of-control truck into other motorists. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to a truck tire blowout, you may be entitled to compensation. 

What Causes Blowouts in Semi-Truck Tires?

Semi-truck tires undergo extreme stress, often traveling hundreds of miles per week while carrying heavy loads. While tires are designed to withstand these conditions, they can and do fail. Some of the most common causes of truck tire blowouts include:

1. Underinflation or Overinflation

Tires must be maintained at proper pressure to support the weight of the truck and cargo. If a tire is underinflated, it can overheat and weaken, increasing the risk of a blowout. If tires are overinflated, they may rupture under excessive pressure.

2. Excessive Wear and Tear

Tires naturally degrade over time, and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles have properly maintained tires. If a truck is operating with bald, cracked, or severely worn-out tires, the risk of a blowout can significantly increase.

3. Overloading the Truck

Truck weight limits exist for a reason. When a truck is overloaded beyond its legal capacity, it places undue pressure on the tires, making a blowout far more likely.

4. Defective or Poorly Manufactured Tires

Some tire failures occur due to defects in manufacturing or design. If a tire was poorly made, or if there was a recall that wasn’t addressed, the manufacturer may be at fault for the blowout.

5. Road Hazards and Poor Maintenance

Potholes, sharp debris, and poorly maintained roadways can damage truck tires. If a truck driver hits a deep pothole at high speed, the sudden impact can cause a tire to explode.

6. Negligent Maintenance

Trucking companies must conduct routine inspections and replace worn-out tires before they fail. If they neglect these responsibilities, they may be held liable when a blowout causes injuries. 

Blowouts are Dangerous for All Motorists

A blown truck tire is a serious hazard that can lead to life-altering injuries. Due to their velocity and unpredictability, truck tire blowouts cause a lot of harm because of: 

• Flying Debris: large chunks of tire rubber can smash through windshields, leading to head trauma, lacerations, or even fatal injuries. 
• Loss of Vehicle Control: a sudden blowout can cause the truck driver to lose control, swerving into other lanes and colliding with nearby vehicles. 
• Multi-Vehicle Crashes: on highways, a tire blowout can lead to sudden braking, chain-reaction collisions, and pileups that involve multiple vehicles. 
• Motorcyclist Fatalities: motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable—if hit by flying debris or forced to swerve suddenly, they may be thrown from their bikes, leading to catastrophic or fatal injuries. 

Victims of truck tire blowouts may suffer from:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis 
• Severe fractures and broken bones 
• Internal organ damage 
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement 

If you or a family member were involved in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, you have legal rights. But determining who is responsible can be complex. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Tire Blowout?

Liability in truck tire blowout cases depends on the cause of the failure. Several parties may be responsible, including:

1. The Trucking Company

Trucking companies have a duty to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. If they fail to inspect, repair, or replace dangerous tires, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.

2. The Truck Driver

Drivers are responsible for conducting pre-trip inspections and reporting any tire issues. If they ignored warning signs—things like bulging tires, low pressure, or visible wear—they may be partially at fault.

3. The Tire Manufacturer

If the blowout occurred due to a manufacturing defect, the tire company may be held liable under product liability laws. In some cases, an entire batch of truck tires may be defective and subject to recalls.

4. Warehouses and Distribution Centers

If a truck was overloaded, or if cargo was improperly balanced, the extra weight and shifting forces could have contributed to the tire’s failure. In these cases, the shipping company responsible for loading the truck may be at fault.

5. Governments

If a blowout was caused by dangerous potholes, debris, or road hazards that should have been addressed by city or state agencies, the government may be liable. However, suing a government entity requires navigating strict legal procedures, making legal representation essential. 

What to Do If You or a Family Member Are Catastrophically Injured by a Truck Tire Blowout

A truck tire blowout accident can leave you in shock, dealing with severe injuries and an uncertain future. You don’t have to face a catastrophic accident alone. If you or a loved one has been injured, here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if injuries aren’t immediately visible, internal trauma or concussions can be life-threatening. Seek medical help right away and document all injuries.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

A police report can help in establishing fault. Officers will document the scene, interview witnesses, and note whether tire debris was a factor in the crash.

3. Take Photos and Videos

If you can, take pictures of: 

• Your vehicle damage 
• The blown tire or debris 
• The truck involved 
• Any road hazards or skid marks

4. Collect Witness Information

Eyewitnesses can provide critical details about what happened, including whether the truck was swerving or if the blowout occurred before the crash. Also, take a look for traffic cameras or any other security cameras in the area that may have captured the accident.

5. Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Representation

Trucking and insurance companies will try to minimize their liability. They may pressure you into accepting a low settlement or even try to blame you for the accident. Don’t agree to anything before speaking with a truck accident lawyer.

6. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately

Truck accident claims are complex and require an experienced attorney who can investigate, identify liable parties, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. At Morelli Law, our experienced team of accident attorneys will handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence, and take your case to court if necessary. 

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, you don’t have to navigate this battle alone. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—these are not burdens you should have to bear because of someone else’s negligence. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life. 

Call us today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.