Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, one out of seven motorists check their tire pressure properly and regularly. That’s compared to six out of ten drivers who wash their vehicles at least once per month. While it’s great to care about the look of a vehicle, tire problems and blowouts – especially on large commercial trucks and big rigs – suggest that drivers and truck drivers need to pay more attention to tires.
According to experts, high heat can also trigger tire failure, making it especially important for truck drivers to check tires regularly. Florida hot weather can contribute to Florida tire blowouts and the truck accidents that blowouts can cause. Trucks travel at high speeds and with heavy loads; truck tires are especially designed to support these loads and the friction produced. However, all truck tires have design specifications, or ideal conditions under which they are designed to be used. Hot Florida days can cause tires to get heated above the safety standards set by tire manufacturers.
When hot weather is combined with excessive loads or under-inflated tires, the hazards can be even greater. Tires under this type of duress can already get dangerously overheated or damaged. When combined with hot asphalt, the result can be a serious Florida car accident or big rig accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that between 2005 and 2009, 116 000 people across the US were injured in truck accidents caused by tire issues. And, according to experts, there is more reason to be concerned now. With many truck carriers looking to reduce costs, maintenance may get less attention. However, since trucks can be up to 20 times the size of passenger cars, it is more important than ever for truck drivers and companies to check tire pressure and tire condition on tractor-trailers regularly. Some carriers and companies have taken steps to promote tire safety. In the early summer, some truck carriers took part in National Tire Safety Week, taking part in nationwide events to raise awareness about tire safety.
Most experts agree that it is not only truck drivers and carriers who are liable when truck tires fail. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has established design standards and testing requirements for manufacturers of truck tires. When truck manufacturers do not meet minimal standards, accidents are an unfortunate result and in these cases manufacturers are often held liable for the accidents defective tires have caused. Some truck manufacturers have developed excellent standards for tire safety, but the number of Florida tire defect cases and recalls shows that there is still room for improvement.
If you have been in a Florida truck accident – whether caused by a tire blowout or not – it is important to consult with a Florida truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. There are statutes of limitations which can limit your timeframe and evidence that needs to be secured. Many qualified attorneys, including the legal team at the Flaxman Law Group, can even visit you in the hospital if you need to arrange a consultation quickly after your accident.
The Flaxman Law Group has been fighting for fair compensation for South Florida personal injury victims for decades. Founded by Charles Flaxman, the Flaxman Law Group has decades of experience and offices in Miami, Homestead, and Miami to serve you better. We handle all types of personal injury cases, including truck accidents. To arrange for a free, confidential consultation, contact the Flaxman Law Group today.