Who Can I Sue If a Tire Blowout Caused My Truck Crash?

 Posted on August 28, 2024 in Auto Accidents

The Chicago area has a lot of tractor-trailer traffic from the many carrier hubs in the region and the presence of major trucking routes. Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, often producing severe injuries that require extended recovery periods. Even though 18-wheelers have 18 tires, a truck crash can happen if only one blows out.

If a blowout contributed to your truck accident, who is liable for paying your medical bills and compensating you for other losses? The answer to that question depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. A knowledgeable lawyer from Kaiser Law can identify all at-fault parties and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

What Can Cause Tire Blowouts?

Tire blowouts contribute to causing many truck accidents every year. There are several factors that increase the likelihood of a tire blowout, including:

• Wear and tear caused by normal usage

• Excessive wear, bald spots, and low tread depth

• Incorrect tire size or using more than one size tire

• Under- or over-inflation

• Overloaded or improperly balanced cargo

• Failing to replace unsafe tires

• Improper alignment and balancing

• Frequent braking

Potholes, uneven pavement, and other roadway obstacles can also cause tires to blow. When a tire blows out, the truck driver may lose control of their rig, leading to rollovers, rear-end collisions, and other kinds of crashes.

Who Is Liable When a Tire Blows Out?

Drivers are responsible for causing most accidents involving passenger vehicles. However, with these large commercial trucks, many parties may share liability for a tire blowout:

• Drivers who do not inspect their vehicles before their trips

• Trucking companies or truck owners that require drivers to operate trucks and trailers with dangerous tires

• Truck maintenance companies that do not identify hazardous tires, replace worn tires, inflate tires to the proper pressures, or comply with tire recalls

• Tire manufacturers that produce faulty tires

• Cargo loaders who do not distribute loads correctly or overload trailers

• Truck and trailer inspectors who fail to report dangerous tires

• Government agencies that fail to maintain roadways and keep them clear of debris

Many truck accidents require a full investigation to identify the contributing factors and the corresponding at-fault parties. When you choose Kaiser Law, we will do these tasks for you.

What If You Are Partially At Fault for Your Truck Accident?

Even if a tire blowout contributes to causing your truck crash, you might also bear some degree of fault. Illinois uses modified comparative negligence rules in these cases. As long as you are less than 51 percent to blame, you qualify to collect compensation. However, your percentage of fault also reduces the amount you can receive.

For example, say that you are 10 percent responsible for causing your crash, and your total damages are $200,000. The most you can get is 90 percent, or $180,000. Insurers often try to manipulate your degree of fault to minimize your payout, but your legal team from Kaiser Law will not let them get away with treating you unfairly.

Contact Us Now To Speak With Our Skilled Bensenville, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

At Kaiser Law, we understand the many potential challenges you may face in your truck accident claim. We will determine who is liable for the tire blowout and help you hold them accountable for your injuries. Call us at 630-274-4400 today for your free consultation with our dedicated Elk Grove Village, IL personal injury attorneys.