Tire blowouts from large trucks can cause deadly accidents on Missouri roads. However, accidents caused by tire blowouts are often avoidable. First, the blowout itself can be avoided with proper truck maintenance. Second, if a blowout does occur, the driver’s skill can keep a crash from happening if they can stabilize the vehicle.
Many people think of blowouts as something that happens solely from road hazards. It is maintenance issues that are to blame for most blowouts. In 80% of these incidents, the tire tread or casing contributes to the condition. This can be avoided with frequent inspection and maintenance. Road hazards only cause about 20% of tire blowouts.
Even if a blowout occurs, many drivers can keep their truck steady enough to avoid causing an accident if they know what to do to steady their vehicle. Many drivers will try to hit the brakes after a blowout. However, they should be doing the opposite. They should be accelerating to use the power of the remaining tires to steady their vehicle. It is only after the vehicle is stabilized that they should slowly pull it off to the side of the road. Many drivers are not properly trained in how to handle a tire blowout, increasing the dangers to other motorists on the road.
Those who have been injured in a collision with a truck should consult a truck accidents attorney to learn more about their legal rights and how they would file a claim for compensation. The attorney may handle the settlement negotiations with the insurance company and could file a lawsuit if the settlement offer is not reasonable.
