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Why is tire safety important for preventing truck accidents?

Truck accident attorney Athens, TX

Tires are one of the most critical components of large commercial trucks. When a tire blows, a massive big rig weighing as much as 80,000 lbs. can easily lose control and cause a serious catastrophe.

One of the most common causes of truck tire blowouts is poor maintenance. Federal regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association require that fleet owners and trucking companies have all vehicles inspected and maintained. These regulations also require that accurate records of maintenance and inspection be kept.

Failure to properly maintain and inspect large commercial trucks can result in injuries and roadway fatalities.

How are tire manufacturers responding?

In order to better raise awareness of the importance of tire safety on large trucks, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) recently launched its annual tire safety awareness campaign.

The USTMA had its National Tire Safety Week in early September, which was originally scheduled for May, but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The message of the campaign is simple, "check your tires." This not only applies to car drivers, but also truck drivers.

Several tire companies who are members of the USTMA were involved in the campaign. This includes Bridgestone, Continental Tire, Cooper Tire, Michelin, Pirelli Tire and Yokohama Tire.

Tire safety tips for large commercial trucks

The campaign not only brought awareness about tire safety, but also offered important tips for truck drivers and trucking companies. Here are some important safety tips regarding large truck tires:

  • Correct inflation pressure. According to experts from Goodyear, maintaining proper inflation pressure is the “single most effective practice that a fleet or driver can employ to impact tire wear, casing life and overall performance.” A calibrated air gauge should be used to get an accurate reading.
  • Avoid dangerous speeds. Highway speed limits are not only important for preventing high-speed crashes, but also to prevent truck tire blowouts. Tires are generally not designed to travel at high speeds, especially for vehicles carrying loads of cargo.
  • Establish a tire management program. Tires inflation, tread depth, and wear patterns should be closely tracked. By having an effective tire management program in place, trucking companies and fleet owners can do their part to help prevent serious and fatal truck crashes.
  • Examine tires during pre-trip inspections. Truck drivers should closely inspect truck tires for under-inflation, cuts, cracks, bulges, and other damage before embarking on a trip.
  • Keep wheels aligned. Trucking companies and fleet owners should schedule regular wheel alignments to prevent irregular tire wear.

What if I was involved in a crash due to a truck tire blowout?

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash due to a tire blowout, your crash will require an extensive investigation to find out where negligence occurred. That's why it's critical that you consult with an experienced Texas truck accident attorney. A lawyer can gather the facts and help you build a strong legal claim.

Your attorney may find that the trucking company or fleet owner failed to have the truck properly maintained and inspected. Your attorney may also find that records were hidden, destroyed, covered up or forged.

Truck accident claims are generally more complex than car accident claims. Without the right legal representation, trucking companies and their insurers may take advantage of you. That's why Henderson County truck accident attorney Jeff Weinstein is dedicated to handling the trucking companies and their insurance providers on behalf of his clients.

Attorney Weinstein can also tally up all damages accrued from your crash. He will fight to help you maximize your compensation so you don't have to pay out of pocket. To get started on your claim, contact Weinstein Law and schedule your free legal consultation.

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