Why Truck Tire Failures Lead to Catastrophic Accidents
By Attorney Adam P. Smith
Partner, Fried Goldberg, LLC
When a tractor-trailer experiences a tire blowout or wheel separation, the results can be devastating. These failures can cause trucks to lose control, roll over, or send debris flying into other vehicles, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable maintenance failures and poor inspections contribute to these accidents. If you were injured in a crash caused by a truck’s tire failure, understanding who is responsible is key to recovering compensation.
What Causes Tire Blowouts and Wheel-Off Accidents?
Tractor-trailers put heavy stress on their tires, especially at highway speeds. When maintenance is neglected, or parts fail, disaster can strike. Common causes of truck tire failures include:
- Poor Maintenance: Trucking companies must rotate, balance, and replace tires regularly. Neglecting these tasks can lead to blowouts.
- Defective Manufacturing: Some tire failures occur due to structural defects in the rubber or tread.
- Overinflation or Underinflation: Incorrect tire pressure can weaken the structure and increase the risk of a blowout.
- Excessive Loads: Overloaded trucks put additional pressure on tires, making them more prone to failure.
- Loose or Over-Torqued Lug Nuts: If the lug nuts are not tightened properly, an entire wheel assembly can detach at high speeds—known as a “wheel-off” accident.
The Dangers of Wheel-Off Accidents
Wheel-off incidents are particularly dangerous because the detached wheel continues rolling at highway speeds. A runaway truck wheel can slam into another vehicle or a pedestrian or even cause secondary crashes as drivers swerve to avoid it.
These incidents are almost always preventable. When wheels detach, it’s usually because:
- A recent repair or tire change was performed incorrectly.
- The trucking company failed to inspect and catch the warning signs.
Who Is Responsible for Truck Tire Blowouts and Wheel-Off Accidents?
When a crash occurs due to a tire failure, multiple parties may be liable, including:
- The Trucking Company: Federal law (49 C.F.R. § 396.3) requires commercial carriers to ensure their trucks are in safe operating condition at all times. If they fail to inspect and maintain tires properly, they can be held accountable.
- A Third-Party Repair Company: If an outside company performed maintenance and failed to properly torque the lug nuts or inspect the tires, they could be liable.
- The Tire Manufacturer: In cases where a blowout results from a design or manufacturing defect, the tire company could be responsible.
Proving Liability in a Truck Tire Failure Case
Establishing fault in a blowout or wheel-off accident requires a thorough investigation. Key evidence includes:
- Tire and wheel remnants from the crash scene.
- Maintenance and inspection records.
- Data from the truck’s electronic control module (ECM), which may show pre-crash warnings or sudden deceleration.
- Expert analysis of whether the failure resulted from neglect, faulty repair work, or a product defect.
Without immediate legal action, critical evidence may be lost, making it harder to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Why Experience Matters in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident litigation is complex, especially when dealing with mechanical failures like tire blowouts or wheel detachments. At Fried Goldberg LLC, our firm is nationally recognized for handling truck accident cases, and we have the experience, resources, and expert network to build a strong case.
We understand the trucking industry’s safety regulations and know how to hold negligent trucking companies and repair providers accountable. Our track record includes securing significant verdicts for victims of tire-related truck accidents, such as:
- $20.25 million for a claim involving a woman who suffered multiple fractures requiring several surgeries after a wheel came off a tractor-trailer and struck her vehicle head-on in North Georgia.
- $16 million for a claim involving a vehicle that was rolled over after being struck by a detached truck wheel, leading to a severe brain injury in Los Angeles.
If you or a loved one was injured due to a truck’s tire failure, we can help. Contact Fried Goldberg LLC today for a free consultation.
“I just want to say that this law was absolutely amazing. Not only were they able to settle the case quickly, but amazingly. Thank you very much, Adam Smith, for all you did for me and my family.” — Johaan V., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐