One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a vehicle on the road is having a tire blowout. The risk is bad enough in smaller vehicles, but the results can be much more catastrophic when this happens to commercial trucks.
How do truck tire blowouts happen and what are your options if you are caught up in a road traffic collision with a larger vehicle?
Lack of maintenance
Companies and drivers alike have a legal duty to perform regular checks on their vehicles. The state of Louisiana has imposed legislation that requires fleets to meet safety standards. Trucks that are not regularly maintained could have faulty tires, which increases the risk of a blowout significantly.
Overloaded trailers
The tires on commercial trucks can only withstand a certain amount of weight. Again, the state of Louisiana has implemented legislation that takes this into account. The weight limit per truck will depend on its size, but there are maximum limits in place to optimize safety. An overloaded truck could cause even a new tire to blow out. At high speeds, this sort of accident can be devastating for the driver and anyone in their path.
The owners and managers of commercial fleets have a duty to ensure that they are roadworthy. Drivers are also obliged to operate their vehicles with due care and attention. If you have been injured in a collision with a truck, then you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal guidance will help you to hold all negligent parties to account.