No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but if you are hit by a truck whose tire has blown out, there are certain steps you need to take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve from the trucking company’s insurance or the responsible party. Here’s what you need to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
1. Get to Safety
The first thing you need to do is get yourself and your passengers to a safe place, off the road if possible. Once everyone is safe and out of harm’s way, you can assess the damage to your vehicle and call for help. A truck’s tire bursting can cause serious harm to you and other people on the road; even pedestrian accidents due to vehicles’ loss of control. It is paramount that you get to safety as quickly as possible.
2. Call the Police
Even if there doesn’t appear to be any damage to your car or injuries sustained, it’s important that you call the police and file a report. This will create an official record of the accident that can later be used as evidence if needed. It’s also a good idea to exchange insurance information with the other driver at this time.
3. Take Pictures & Gather Evidence
If you have a camera or camera phone with you, take pictures of all the damage to both vehicles as well as any skid marks on the road. These pictures can be helpful in proving how the accident happened and who was at fault. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses who may have seen what happened, as they might be able to provide their testimony later on.
4. Seek Medical Treatment Right Away
Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, it’s important that you see a doctor right away after an accident involving a truck. This is because injuries associated with car accidents, especially whiplash and internal injuries, may not present themselves immediately but can still cause serious long-term problems if left untreated.
5. Talk to an Experienced Attorney
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck, it’s important to speak with an experienced Gulfport injury lawyer who can help you investigate the cause of the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often try to downplay the role that tire failure played in an accident, but an experienced lawyer will know how to uncover the truth and get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts
One of the most common causes of a truck tire blowout is improper inflation. When a tire is under-inflated, the sidewalls flex more than they should. This repeated flexing can cause the tire to heat up, which can lead to a blowout.
Another common cause of tire blowout is overloading. When a truck is carrying more weight than its tires are rated for, the tires can be damaged by the increased stress. This can again lead to heating and eventually a blowout. If you were injured after a semi-truck’s tires blew out, one of our Gulfport truck accident lawyers can help you move forward financially.
Lastly, damage to the tires can also cause blowouts. If a tire is punctured or otherwise damaged, it can weaken the structure of the tire and make it more susceptible to failure. This is why it’s so important for everyone to inspect their tires regularly for any signs of damage and to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible if any damage is found.
If you need help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.