One second, you're cruising along the interstate. The next, an 18-wheeler veers across the road after a tire explodes, and you're caught in the chaos.
Tire blowouts are no small issue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tire-related factors are among the top 10 causes of fatal commercial truck crashes in the United States. A blowout at highway speed can transform a 40-ton vehicle into an uncontrollable hazard in a matter of seconds.
If you've been injured in a truck crash involving a blowout, you're probably wondering who should be held responsible. Was it the driver? The trucking company? Maybe even the tire manufacturer?
This is where a qualified truck accident lawyer becomes critical.
What Causes Tire Blowouts in Commercial Trucks?
Tire blowouts don’t happen out of nowhere. They're usually the result of negligence, poor maintenance, or manufacturing defects. Here are the most common causes:
- Underinflation or Overinflation: Tires not kept at proper pressure can overheat or rupture. Underinflation is especially dangerous under heavy loads.
- Worn Tread: Bald tires reduce traction and are more likely to blow out.
- Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding a truck’s weight limit puts enormous strain on the tires.
- Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can weaken tires over time.
- Defective Tires: Sometimes the issue begins at the factory. Design flaws or poor materials can make a tire prone to failure.
In Alabama, where trucking is a major industry due to central logistics hubs like Birmingham and Montgomery, I-65 and I-20 see frequent truck traffic. With summer temperatures regularly topping 90°F, tire pressure fluctuations are common. Regular inspections become even more important in these conditions.
FMCSA Tire Maintenance Rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict tire safety standards for commercial trucks under 49 CFR § 393.75. These rules are in place to reduce the risk of blowouts, improve highway safety, and hold commercial carriers accountable for poor maintenance practices.
Here’s what the regulation requires:
- Minimum tread depth: Steer tires must have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread depth. All other tires must have at least 2/32 of an inch. Any tire worn beyond these limits is considered unsafe and must be replaced before the truck can operate.
- Tires must be free from damage: Tires cannot have exposed ply or cord, visible sidewall bulges, tread separation, or any material embedded that could compromise the tire’s integrity. Even a small puncture that exposes internal structure makes a tire illegal under FMCSA rules.
- Daily inspections: Drivers are required to perform a pre-trip inspection every day before operating their vehicle. This includes checking tire pressure, tread wear, sidewall condition, and lug nut tightness. Any defects must be reported and corrected before driving.
- Flat or underinflated tires: If a tire is flat or significantly underinflated, the truck is not allowed to be driven until the tire is repaired or replaced. Operating a vehicle with an underinflated tire is a direct violation of federal safety standards.
The FMCSA also requires trucking companies to keep maintenance records, conduct periodic inspections, and train drivers to recognize and report tire defects. Failure to comply with any of these requirements is not just a regulatory issue. It can serve as strong evidence of negligence in an injury claim.
When a blowout leads to a crash, one of the first things a truck accident lawyer will request is the vehicle’s maintenance log and inspection records. If those documents are missing, outdated, or incomplete, it can strengthen your case. It may also reveal systemic problems with the company’s safety practices.
Common Causes of Truck Tire Failures
Beyond underinflation and tread wear, truck tire blowouts often stem from:
- Aging tires past manufacturer-recommended lifespan
- Poor-quality retreads or improper installation
- Mismatched tires with different load ratings or pressure
- Failure to replace recalled tires
- Improper wheel alignment that increases wear
These issues are preventable with proper maintenance. When ignored, they become grounds for liability.
18 Wheeler Tire Blowout Liability Explained
Liability depends on why the tire blew out and who had control over that risk. In most cases, there are multiple parties involved.
Truck Driver
Drivers are legally required to inspect tires before each trip. If they skipped checks or ignored visible damage, they could be liable.
Trucking Company
Companies must maintain inspection records and follow FMCSA standards. If there’s no record of tire checks or replacement, the company can be held accountable.
Tire Manufacturer
If the tire had a manufacturing flaw, the company that made or sold the tire might be responsible under product liability law.
Maintenance Contractor
If an outside mechanic or shop was responsible for checking or replacing tires and did so improperly, they can be named in a claim.
Cargo Loaders
Poorly balanced or overweight loads increase tire stress. If a third-party loading service is involved, they may share fault.
Data Sources for Proving Tread Separation
Tread separation is a common failure in blowout cases. It can be proven using:
- Recovered tire fragments showing peeling or belt failure
- Maintenance logs that indicate overdue replacements
- Inspection records listing worn tread or surface damage
- Tire serial numbers linking to defect recalls
- Crash scene photos and dash cam footage
- Expert analysis of the rubber, steel belt, and heat exposure
A commercial truck crash attorney will gather these data points to build your claim.
Multiple Insurance Policies in Trucking Cases
Most truck accident cases involve multiple layers of insurance:
- The driver’s liability policy
- The trucking company’s commercial coverage
- Cargo insurance covering freight-related risks
- Policies for third-party maintenance shops
- Manufacturer liability insurance for defective components
Each policy has its own limits and exclusions. Filing against all of them is key to recovering full compensation. That process is complex. A lawyer will know how to handle it.
Steps to Preserve Black Box Evidence
Most commercial trucks have black box devices called Electronic Control Modules (ECMs). These record:
- Vehicle speed
- Brake usage
- Sudden steering maneuvers
- Tire pressure warnings
- Time and location of the crash
This data can support your case, but it’s often overwritten in days or weeks. A lawyer can send a spoliation letter to the trucking company demanding that the data be preserved. Without that step, crucial evidence may be lost.
What To Do After a Tire Blowout Truck Crash
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a tire blowout, your steps immediately afterward will affect your claim:
- Call 911 and get medical attention.
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness info.
- Get a copy of the police report as soon as possible.
- Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer to launch an independent investigation.
Trucking companies act fast to limit their liability. You should act just as fast to protect your rights.
When To Call a Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries, lost a loved one, or are dealing with steep medical bills, you need a professional to handle your case. A truck accident lawyer can protect your rights, collect evidence, and deal with the trucking company’s insurance on your behalf.
You don’t have to manage it alone.
Talk to a Commercial Truck Crash Attorney Today
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we’ve represented injury victims across Alabama and beyond for over 40 years. Our legal team knows how to investigate tire blowout crashes, hold every liable party accountable, and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery. Contact Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free consultation.