Truck Accidents Caused By Bad Tires
A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 40 tons in Palm Beach County. These large vehicles need safe, well-maintained tires. When a truck is on bad tires, it can dramatically increase the risk of a serious crash. Trucking companies must be held accountable for their failure to conduct proper vehicle maintenance—including for not changing tires. Here, our West Palm Beach tractor trailer accident lawyer provides an overview of crashes caused by bad tires.
Tire Issues are a Factor in Thousands of Truck Accidents Each Year
A truck’s tires are the only part of the vehicle that actually make contact with the road. It is imperative that they are in good condition. Overly worn or otherwise damaged tires can cause a serious crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that as many as 10,000 semi-truck crashes in the United States each year are caused, at least in part, by bad tires.
Why Bad Tires on Large Trucks are So Dangerous
Why are bad or worn out tires so dangerous? They can increase the risk of a truck accident for a number of different reasons. Here are some key reasons why poor tires are so risky:
- Trucker May Lose Control: Bad tires impair a trucker’s ability to steer and maneuver safely—especially so under adverse weather conditions. It is a big issue in South Florida where we get more than our fair share of rain. Worn or uneven tire treads can lead to reduced traction and make it difficult for the driver to maintain control during lane changes.
- Longer Stopping Distance: To come to a safe stop, a commercial truck needs an attentive driver, good brakes and good tires. Tires in poor condition often result in longer stopping distances. That can cause terrible crashes. When a semi-truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, it could be a potentially life-threatening crash.
- Tire Blowout Risk: Finally, bad tires create a very serious blowout risk. When a tire blows out, it can lead to sudden loss of control of the vehicle, with the potential to involve multiple vehicles in a high-speed accident. Blowouts are often unexpected and leave little time for the driver or the surrounding vehicles to react.
A Trucking Company has a Duty to Ensure Vehicle’s Tires are Reasonably Safe
Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure that their fleet of eighteen wheelers have good tires. Allowing a semi-truck on the road with bad tires can be a very serious safety violation. Failure to comply with federal and state safety standards can result in liability.
Get Help From a Truck Accident Lawyer in West Palm Beach
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident lawyers have the legal expertise that you can trust. Hurt in a truck crash caused by bad tires? We can help you hold the trucking company accountable. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation. With a legal office in West Palm Beach, we handle semi-truck accident injury claims all across South Florida.
Source:
ntsb.gov/safety/safety-studies/Documents/SIR1502.pdf
