Each year there are nearly 10,000,000 large commercial trucks traveling on the roadways across the country. Unfortunately, there are also thousands of a accidents involve large trucks each year. Over 100,000 people are seriously injured in such accidents each year, and nearly 5000 people are killed. While there are many reasons for truck accidents, one reason is related to the condition of the truck’s tires. If the tire of a car is bald, meaning it does not have sufficient tread, it is more likely to blow out and lead to a car accident. The same goes for bald tires on a truck. However, when there is a truck accident caused by a blowout, the result is more likely to be catastrophic. Statistics show that tire problems on trucks cause thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths on roads across the country. Regardless of the reason for the blowout, the consequences are often tragic. If a large truck collides with a much smaller sedan, an SUV or even another semi-truck, victims often suffer serious injuries such as a brain injury, contusions, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, paralysis, or spinal cord injury. Sadly, many tire blowout truck accidents are fatal. If you were injured in a truck accident, it is important that you immediately contact a Bronx Bald Tires Accident Lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through a personal injury claim. In addition, if while treating you for your injuries your doctor is negligent resulting in a medical malpractice claim, the truck driver may be legally required to compensate you for that as well.
Federal Tire Safety LawThose who drive large commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers or semis are required by federal law to inspect tires before they get on the road and to maintain an inspection log detailing their visual inspections. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules to ensure that trucks traveling across New York highways and highways across the country are in good condition so that blowouts are less likely to occur. Under § 393.75 of FMCSA, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle with any tire that has tread separation. Furthermore, the tread groove pattern on the front wheels of a truck must have a depth of at least 4/32.
To ensure that tires are safe and in compliance with the federal regulations, under FMCSA § 396.11. truck drivers must check tires as part of their daily and periodic inspections. Periodic inspections are critical as a tire that is in acceptable condition at the beginning of a trip can wear out over the course of a long haul. This is particularly true where the truck encounters potholes in the road, debris on the road, or travels in extreme cold or hot weather. Other facts that can lead to the deterioration of tires include poor tire alignment, aggressive driving, speeding, and an overloaded trailer.
Pursuing a Truck Accident ClaimTruck accidents can be devastating to a victim as well as to the victim’s family. Truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries such as a spinal cord injury, broken bones, brain injury, amputation, paralysis, and all too often, death. Through a personal injury lawsuit, New York law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for the losses you suffered. Victims who suffer serious injuries in truck accidents have significant medical bills. In addition, because victims of serious injuries often have to miss a great deal of work or are unable to return to work at all, victims have the right to sue for lost wages and loss of earning capacity. If a loved one died in a truck accident, then New York law allows loved ones to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.
Bronx Bald Tires Accident LawyerIf you were involved in a truck accident that was caused by a bald tire it is important to immediately contact an experienced truck accident attorney since the rules that apply to a truck accident are in many ways different from those that apply to a car accident. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims resulting from truck accidents, as well as SUV accidents, car accidents, and motorcycle accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.