Truck drivers must ensure that their rigs are safe to be on the road. That means checking regularly for any tire defects that could cause an accident and injure innocent motorists. The law requires drivers to give their trucks thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections daily. However, some truckers are not as careful.
If you have been seriously hurt in a truck wreck caused by a tire blowout, call Cellino Law right away. Our team of Rochester, NY, tire blowout accident lawyers has helped New Yorkers get the compensation they deserve for over 60 years. In that time, we have settled more than $2 billion in damage claims.
If you need a tough New York attorney with proven results, you do not have to look very far. Call Cellino Law at (888) 888-8888 for a free case evaluation. There is no fee for our services unless you win.
Can Tire Defects Lead to Major Truck Accidents?
According to the NHTSA, there were 664 tire-related traffic accident deaths in 2020. The FMCSA also collects data about truck accidents. In their 2007 Large Truck Crash Causation Study report, it was found that 6 percent of large truck accidents are caused by tire defects.
Due to a truck’s large size and heavy weight, it can be difficult to maintain when a tire blows. The truck can pull immediately to the side of the blown tire and into other lanes of traffic or even roll over. These types of collisions are deadly and can be prevented, so regular inspections and maintenance are imperative for the safety of other motorists and passengers.
What Types of Tire Defects Cause Truck Accidents?
Truck tires are specially designed to handle tremendous amounts of pressure. The average semi-load of goods can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. This can create a dangerous situation if a tire were to burst.
The common defects in tires that can cause a blowout include:
- Tread separation
- Steel belt separation
- Under-or-over inflated tires
- Improper mounting
- Unbalanced tires
- Using wrong tires for the type of truck
- Retread issues
- Incorrect puncture repair
- Worn tires
- Wrong tire pressure
Tire manufacturers, truck drivers, and maintenance workers must all do what they can to inspect tires for common wear and tear. Failure to do so can result in a truck accident that hurts many people. If a defective semi-tire accident has caused you injury, call Cellino Law today.
Types of Truck Accidents Linked to Tire Blowouts
While tire blowouts are the starting cause, they often trigger other serious truck accidents, such as:
- Rollovers – A loss of control can flip the truck onto its side.
- Jackknife Accidents – Sudden braking after a blowout can cause the trailer to swing outward.
- Rear-End Collisions – A truck that veers out of control may slam into vehicles ahead.
- Underride Accidents – Cars can get trapped under a truck that stops suddenly due to a blowout.
By linking blowouts to these accident types, victims and their families understand the full scope of dangers involved.
Common Causes of Tire Blowouts in Rochester, NY
Tire defects are only one factor that can lead to a commercial vehicle tire blowout. Even tires with no wear or tear on them may be susceptible to failing. Several external issues can cause a perfectly good tire to lose its integrity, such as the following.
Overloaded trucks
The heavier the load, the more tires a truck must use to transport it. You might have seen an oversized load on the interstate that used more than the standard 18 wheels. In some cases, a tractor-trailer can use upwards of 30 tires. That is because each tire is specifically rated to handle a certain amount of weight. If they are overloaded, the structural integrity of the tires can be compromised.
Hazards on the road
Increased pressure and stress can cause cracks and bulges along the sidewall of the tire. If a truck is barreling down the highway with a full load, any type of road debris might weaken these vulnerabilities even further. For example, a jagged piece of concrete, a piece of metal, or another object can puncture a tire sidewall that’s already bulging.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions, especially changing weather patterns, can increase the chance of a blowout. Air pressure inside the tire can be manipulated by the air temperature and pressure outside. For example, extreme heat or cold can cause the rubber and air inside to expand or contract. Most tires are built to handle these types of weather changes. The problem is that dramatic temperature swings can cause extra wear and tear.
Using recalled tires
Many larger trucking companies often have a maintenance crew on hand. For this reason, they may buy tires in bulk to keep a steady supply on hand. Sometimes, a tire may be recalled if it was found to be unsafe. Older tires may continue to be used to save time and money.
Excessive braking
The braking system of any vehicle influences the life of the tire. If a driver adds too much pressure or brakes often, the tread can wear down more quickly. This is especially true for large, heavy vehicles like trucks. These types of commercial vehicles need more stopping distance.
Accident Reconstruction in Tire Blowout Cases
In many cases, blowouts require advanced investigation. Accident reconstruction experts may study:
- Tire debris and skid marks
- Black box (event data recorder) data
- Vehicle weight and load distribution
- Road and weather conditions
At Cellino Law, we partner with tire engineers and reconstruction specialists to prove negligence and secure the strongest case possible.
Who Should Be Held At Fault for a Defective Tire Accident?
New York is a no-fault state. This means you can only hold the other party at fault if your injuries are severe enough to receive additional compensation. Even if this qualification is met, determining who is responsible for the accident may not be easy. There could be several parties who share the fault. This is why you need to hire a Rochester, NY, truck tire blowout accident lawyer to investigate.
Those who could be held responsible for a tire blowout accident include:
- Designers
- Manufacturers
- Distributors
- Maintenance crews
- Trucking companies
- Truck drivers
- Local municipalities
Common Injuries Caused by a Truck Tire Blowout Accident
Truck accidents are devastating for a variety of reasons. These accidents can be random, especially when they are caused by a tire blowout. Due to a truck’s size, speed, and weight, it can be rare for someone to walk away from these types of accidents completely unharmed.
Injuries caused by a truck tire blowout accident can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Permanent disability
Wrongful Death in Tire Blowout Accidents
If a tire blowout causes a fatal crash, surviving families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support and income
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim before passing
Our firm handles these cases with compassion, ensuring families receive both justice and financial relief.
What Types of Damages Can I Get After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident?
If you have been injured in a truck tire blowout accident, you may be facing many difficulties. Life will be challenging, and you deserve to be compensated for your pain and losses. There are two types of damages you can receive: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages allow accident victims to recover financial losses. The financial losses you may experience include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Loss of earning ability
- Disability if unable to work
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lower quality of life
- Anxiety
- PTSD
If you lost a loved one in a truck tire accident blowout, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Your attorney will be able to calculate the total cost of what you are owed and put together a fair settlement claim.
New York Truck Accident Laws & Tire Blowouts
In New York, truck accidents are covered by two critical laws:
- No-Fault Insurance Law (Section 5102): Provides up to $50,000 in medical coverage and lost wages, regardless of fault. To go beyond this, a victim must show a “serious injury” under state law.
- Negligence Law: If the blowout was due to driver error, poor maintenance, or a defective tire, you may sue the responsible party for additional damages.
Cellino Law helps victims determine which path applies and builds cases that maximize compensation.
What Should I Do Right After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident in Rochester, NY?
Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, tire debris, and road conditions.
Get witness statements and exchange information with the truck driver.
Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
Call Cellino Law right away so we can protect your rights and begin investigating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim in Rochester, NY?
In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally three years, but acting quickly gives your attorney the best chance to secure evidence.
How much does it cost to hire Cellino Law?
There are no upfront fees—we only get paid if you win.
What if the trucking company blames me?
Don’t worry. Even if you are partially blamed, New York law may still allow you to recover compensation. Our lawyers fight aggressively to reduce unfair fault claims.
Call Cellino Law Today to Get What You Are Owed
Winning any type of accident lawsuit in New York is going to be difficult. You will need to provide evidence that proves the other party was negligent. Trucking companies are notorious for being tough against any claims of wrongdoing. Winning additional compensation can require legal knowledge and experience.
Our team doesn’t just file paperwork—we act quickly to collect maintenance logs, black box data, driver inspection reports, and manufacturer defect records. We work with tire experts and accident reconstruction specialists to prove negligence and maximize your compensation.
The personal injury attorneys at Cellino Law do not back down and are not intimidated by anyone. That is why we are the right choice when looking for a Rochester, NY, truck tire blowout lawyer. We have proven ourselves against powerful opponents and have the results to back it up. Our team is available 24/7 for your convenience.
Call Cellino Law at (888) 888-8888 for your free case evaluation. There are no up-front fees.