You will often hear tractor trailers referred to as eighteen wheelers. As the name suggests, there are eighteen wheels on the large commercial vehicle—ten on a typical truck and eight on a typical trailer. As a truck’s tires are the only part of the vehicle that is actually supposed to make contact with the road, it is imperative that they are safe. Tire issues cause many crashes. Here, our Stockton truck crash lawyer highlights the risks posed by tire problems, the obligations of truckers and trucking companies, and the key things you need to know about the claims process in California.
Tire Problems Contribute to a Significant Number of Semi-Truck Accidents
Tire-related issues are a contributing factor to a large number of commercial truck accidents. According to research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 6 percent of serious large truck accidents were primarily caused by tire blowouts or other tire problems. For reference, there are around 14,000 semi-truck accidents reported statewide in California on an annual basis. That means that tire problems are a main causal factor in around 840 tractor trailer crashes in California each year.
Common Causes of Eighteen Wheeler Tire Problems
There are a number of different types of tire-related issues that can make a commercial truck more likely to crash. It is imperative that truckers and trucking companies ensure that the vehicle’s tires are safe. Some common tire-related issues that contribute to eighteen wheeler crashes include:
- Underinflation of Tires: A truck’s tires must be properly inflated. Underinflated tires generate excessive heat due to increased friction with the road. They are more prone to blowouts. Beyond that, poor inflation also reduces handling and braking performance.
- Overworn Tires: A commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The tires take a lot of stress. Wear is normal. Tires need to be replaced on a regular basis. An overworn tire increases the risk of an accident, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Tire Alignment Problems: Misaligned tires cause uneven wear and can impact the overall stability of the truck. Poor alignment also makes steering more difficult. A truck with misaligned tires is more likely to end up in an accident.
- Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout can cause a catastrophic accident. It happens suddenly. Though the underlying issue that causes the tire to fail is often not sudden. It might be related to the tire’s age or any previous damage.
- Improper Tire Installation: Incorrect installation of truck tires can also lead to serious problems. In the very worst cases, loose or improperly torqued lug nuts can cause wheels to detach while in motion. There could be a catastrophic crash.
- Defective Tires (Product Liability): In some cases, it may be the tires themselves that are defective. Manufacturing defects—such as weak sidewalls or problems with early tread separation—can lead to sudden tire failures. A tire manufacturer may be liable for this type of crash through a product liability claim.
Know the Truck Tire Safety Regulations
There are specific safety standards for truck tires at both the federal level and the state level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations concerning commercial motor vehicle tires. They must have a minimum tread depth of 4/32 of an inch on the front (steering) tires and 2/32 of an inch on all other tires. They must also be free from defects such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or tread separation. California state law regulates tire inflation. Section 3325 of the California Code of Regulations specifies that tire inflation should be performed using a clip-on chuck with a minimum 24-inch length hose to an in-line foot or hand valve and gauge.
California is a Fault-Based Semi-Truck Accident State
California is a fault-based truck accident state. The party (or parties) responsible for causing a crash through negligence can be held liable for the damages. Every truck accident requires a thorough investigation. If problems with the tires contributed to the crash, the trucking company must be held accountable. Truckers and trucking companies need to inspect tires before a vehicle is ever allowed on the road. They need to ensure that they are inflated properly, not overly worn, and that there are no other problems. Profits should never take priority over public safety.
Recovering the Maximum Financial Compensation After a Crash
In California, truck accident victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for any non-economic losses. However, in truck accidents that are caused by bad tires, it can often be difficult for victims and families to get justice. Truck companies and their commercial insurance providers fight to settle cases for less. Our Stockton truck accident attorneys are committed to helping clients get the maximum compensation, including for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care expenses;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement;
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Help Truck Accident Victims With Crashes Caused By Unsafe Tires
Hurt in a tractor trailer crash caused by a dangerous and defective tire? You may have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and exactly what comes next in the legal claims process. You do not have to take on the system alone. At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, we are proud to put victims and families first. Case results matter. Our firm has recovered more than $25 million on behalf of injured victims. You do not have to take on the personal injury claims process alone: Our Stockton truck accident lawyers provide free, no obligation initial consultations.
Speak to Our Stockton Eighteen Wheeler Accident Attorney Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Stockton semi-truck accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims get justice and the greatest possible settlement. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a tractor trailer’s tire problems, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review. With an office in Stockton, our firm handles eighteen wheeler accident cases across the region, including in Sacramento, Sutter Creek, Lodi, Galt, and Manteca.