Phoenix Worn Truck Tires Accident Lawyers
Fighting for personal injury victims and families since 1991
Tractor-trailers, semis, rigs, and all types of commercial trucks use more tires and bigger tires than cars. Just one tire blowout or one tire that can’t fully absorb a proper weight amount can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, causing deadly or catastrophic accidents. Worn tires are a leading cause of blow-out accidents.
Our Phoenix worn truck tire accident lawyers have the skills and working relationships with truck driver safety professionals to help you obtain justice. At Plattner Verderame P.C., we demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages, including the cost of medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. Call us now to assert your right to compensation.
How dangerous are worn truck tires?
Worn tires make it more difficult for drivers to brake properly because the tires fail to grip the road, which can be especially dangerous on wet roads. Worn tires can increase the risk of loss of control, and if the vehicle is improperly loaded or secured, this may cause cargo to shift dangerously. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that tire damage was a factor in around 646 deaths in 2023.
What causes truck tires to become worn in Phoenix and Tempe?
United Tires Libraries states that worn-out tires are “Tires with uneven or excessive tread wear.” Tires that are worn cannot grip the road properly and do not have the necessary stability to keep the driver in control of their truck. Worn-out tires are a “risk factor for blowouts.” Generally, truck drivers and trucking companies should regularly inspect the depth of tire treads and replace tires that are worn out immediately.
According to USA Wheel & Tire Outlet, Inc., some of the reasons tires become worn out or may cause a truck accident include the following:
- Low tread levels. Thin tread increases the risk of a tire blowout “because there’s less rubber that can absorb shocks from the road. Tires that have worn treads are more prone to punctures as well as other damage.” A simple test is to use a coin to check the tire’s depth.
- Under-Inflation. Tires that don’t have the proper inflation level can “stretch more, which causes friction and the formation of heat. The added stress weakens the tire’s structure, which makes it more prone to break.” Truck drivers and other responsible parties should regularly check the pressure of all their trucks with a digital gauge to ensure the tire pressure meets the manufacturer's guidelines.
- Weight limit failures. Each type and brand of truck tire can carry specific weight limits. Truck overloads can increase the pressure on a tire to the point that the tire cannot bear the weight of the load. The excess weight can cause the tire to fail, especially if it’s already worn to begin with. Truck drivers and truck owners should know the weight limits of their truck’s tires.
- Hot weather. As everyone in the Phoenix region knows, the weather can get quite hot even in the spring, summer, and fall. Hot weather can cause air leaks and other tire dangers.
- Dangerous road objects. Potholes, glass, metal, and other dangers can cause a tire to puncture. Worn tires are more prone to puncturing.
- The age of a tire. With time and use, tires “begin to degrade which weakens the tire’s structure.” Generally, no matter the condition of a truck tire, tires need to be replaced on a routine basis “every one to six years, regardless of appearance.” The manufacturing year and week should be on the sidewall of each tire.
Preventive worn tire measures
Some of the many ways that drivers and trucking companies should take to reduce the risk of worn tires include the following, according to USA Wheel & Tire Outlet, Inc.:
- Routine tire pressure checks
- Rotating the tires – once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, and balancing the tires when rotating them
- Inspecting the treads and sidewalls for wear, cracks, and bulges, which may indicate alignment problems
- Don’t overload the vehicle – comply with Arizona load requirements and industry standards for the type of truck and type of cargo
- Replace tires, depending on usage and other factors
Other factors that increase wear and tear on truck tires include driving at high speeds and using mismatched tires. Trucks should have tires that are the correct size.
Who is responsible for worn tire accidents in Phoenix and Tempe?
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., our truck accident lawyers file personal injury and wrongful death claims against everyone responsible for a truck accident due to a worn tire. The defendants may include:
The truck driver
Drivers of commercial trucks have a duty to inspect their truck’s tires before starting each trip and during the trip (if the driver is aware of any dangers, such as that the truck hit a large pothole or the cargo is moving too much). Drivers should inspect the tires for tread, punctures, wear and tear, inflation level, and other safety concerns.
The truck driver’s employer and/or the owner of the truck
Generally, the employer of the truck driver is liable for the truck driver’s negligence, including failing to inspect the tires and failing to respond properly at the first sign of tire damage.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific inspection, repair, and maintenance regulations. Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers also review the appropriate truck industry safety standards. Truck employers and truck owners may be liable for failing to follow the FMCSA rules and the proper trucking standards.
Our truck accident lawyers review the relevant records, including the date of purchase of the tire, all tire inspections, any maintenance (including rotation), and any repairs.
We also review the loading details to determine if your accident is due to a truck overload.
A company responsible for inspecting, repairing, and replacing worn truck tires
We file claims against any independent companies (independent from the truck owner or employer) if they fail to comply with their contractual duty to properly inspect, repair, and/or maintain a truck’s tires.
A manufacturer of defective tires
Tires may be worn or susceptible to more wear and tear than usual because they’re defective. The defects may be due to improper design or improper construction. Defects also include improper instructions about inflation amounts, weight limits, and other factors. Our Phoenix truck accident lawyers file product liability claims against tire manufacturers (and others in the supply chain) if their tires are defective and the defect causes a truck accident.
The state of Arizona or other governmental entities/agencies
Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation, local counties, and cities may also be liable for worn tire accidents if improper road design or maintenance causes dangerous levels of wear and tear. Road designers should understand how much weight the road can bear. However, claims against state and local government entities have strict notice requirements and can be quite complex. It’s best to speak to an attorney right away to learn whether this option is possible in your case.
Do you have a worn truck tire accident lawyer near me?
Yes. Our truck accident lawyers meet clients at our Phoenix office located at 316 E Flower St. We also speak with clients by phone and through online video discussions. We can see you away from our offices, if you can’t travel due to your injuries.
We’ve helped many accident victims like you obtain strong recoveries.
Call our experienced worn tire truck accident lawyers now
At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycle riders, and families when worn tires cause truck accidents. Our Phoenix and Tempe truck accident lawyers have the experience and working relationships with truck tire professionals to help you obtain justice. Please call us or contact us today to schedule a free consultation.