An 18-Wheeler Tire Blowout Hit My Car, What Can I Do?

If an 18-wheeler tire blowout hit my car, what should I do? It’s normal to be feeling both shaken and uncertain about your next steps. The sudden impact from a truck’s blown tire can cause severe damage and potential injuries. But that’s okay! It’s vital to know how to protect yourself and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage the aftermath of this challenging situation.

Table of Contents

An 18-wheeler tire blowout hit my car, what do I do?

A truck tire damaged my car, what should be done next? If you were in an accident due to an 18-wheeler tire blowout, it’s important to know the proper steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. The aftermath of such an incident can be complex, involving immediate actions and longer-term considerations.

Here’s an extensive guide on what to do after an 18 wheeler accident no matter the common causes of truck accidents:

Ensure Safety First: After the blowout, your first priority should be safety. Move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call emergency services immediately.
Document the Scene: Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including your vehicle, the truck, and any relevant road conditions. Capture the tire blowout damage and any visible injuries. This documentation will be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Gather Contact Information: Collect contact details and insurance information from the truck driver and any witnesses. Make sure to obtain the truck’s license plate number and the trucking company’s information if possible. This information will be necessary for your claim and any follow-up actions.
File a Police Report: Report the accident to local law enforcement and file an official police report. This report will include crucial details about the incident, which can support your claim and provide an official record of the event.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel immediately injured, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but could have long-term effects. Document all medical treatments and diagnoses.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant information and documentation you’ve gathered. This will initiate your claim process and ensure that you receive the necessary support for repairs and medical costs.
Contact a Lawyer: When can I consult a lawyer for a truck accident?Considering the hardhips involved in accidents caused by large vehicles, consulting with an Oklahoma City truck accident lawyer can be important to do as soon as possible A legal expert can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
Keep Detailed Records: Keep a thorough record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair costs, and any lost wages. This will be essential for claiming compensation and tracking the financial impact of the accident.
Follow Up on Your Claim: Stay in regular contact with your insurance company and lawyer to follow up on the progress of your claim. Ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted and that your case is moving forward. Knowing what to ask a truck accident lawyer in regard to this, is important.
Consult with an Auto Repair Specialist: Get your vehicle inspected by a qualified auto repair specialist to assess the full extent of the damage. This will help you understand the necessary repairs and the associated costs, which can be important for both your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
Contact the Trucking Company: If possible, contact the trucking company involved in the accident. Inform them of the incident and provide them with any necessary documentation. This can sometimes facilitate a quicker resolution, especially if the trucking company’s insurance is directly involved.
Report DOT Violations: If you suspect that the truck driver or trucking company violated Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, you can report DOT violations anonymously. The DOT investigates such claims and ensures that safety regulations are upheld, which can help prevent future accidents.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Carefully review your insurance policy to understand your coverage and any limitations. Ensure that you’re aware of what is covered in terms of vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and other related costs.
Consider Medical Follow-Up Care: Follow up with your healthcare provider for any ongoing treatment or evaluation. It’s important to address any lingering health issues that may arise from the accident, as these can affect your recovery and claim.
Monitor Your Recovery and Impact: Track how the accident is affecting your daily life, including any physical, emotional, or financial impacts. Documenting these effects can help you demonstrate the full scope of your damages when seeking compensation.

Taking these steps will help you effectively manage the aftermath of a truck tire blowout and ensure your rights are protected. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional legal help to guide you through the process.

Who is liable if a truck tire blowout hit my car?

Determining truck accident liability in an accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved when a truck accident injury occurs. Understanding who is responsible is crucial for pursuing compensation and holding the right parties accountable. Here’s a detailed look at who might be liable:

The Truck Driver: If the tire blowout resulted from improper maintenance or pre-trip inspections by the truck driver, they might be held liable. Drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is operating safely before hitting the road. Negligence in this aspect could make the driver at fault.
The Trucking Company: Often, the trucking company that employs the driver can be held liable, especially if they failed to enforce proper maintenance schedules or didn’t provide adequate training. Companies are responsible for the vehicles they own and the actions of their employees. Systemic issues contributing to the blowout could lead to company liability.
The Tire Manufacturer: If a defect in the tire itself caused the blowout, the manufacturer may be liable. Tire manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are safe and free from defects. A defective tire causing the blowout could lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
The Maintenance Provider: If the truck’s tire blowout was due to improper maintenance or repair work performed by a third-party service provider, that maintenance company could be held responsible. This applies if the maintenance provider fails to identify or fix issues leading to the blowout.
Shared Liability: Liability may be shared among multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances of the blowout, both the trucking company and the tire manufacturer could be partially responsible. Shared liability requires careful investigation to determine each party’s responsibility.
Insurance Companies: Insurance companies representing the truck driver, trucking company, or tire manufacturer will often be involved in the claims process. They may try to settle claims or negotiate compensation based on their liability assessment.

If you’ve been involved in an accident where a truck tire blowout hit your car, dealing with these complexities can be challenging. To ensure you receive over the average truck accident settlement deserved and hold the responsible parties accountable, legal guidance may be able to help if a truck tire hits you.

Contact us if you’re in our area for personalized assistance and to discuss your case. Our experienced truck accident lawyer team is here to guide you through the process and advocate for your rights.

Reasons for a semi truck tire blowout accident

Semi truck tire blowouts can result from various factors, each contributing to the risk of a serious accident. Here’s a detailed look at the common tire blowout causes:

Underinflation: One of the leading causes of tire blowouts is underinflation. When tires are not properly inflated, they can overheat, which increases the risk of a blowout. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for preventing such incidents.
Overloading: Excessive weight places additional stress on truck tires. When a semi truck is overloaded, it accelerates tire wear and raises the likelihood of a blowout. Ensuring that the truck adheres to weight limits is crucial for safe operation and avoiding tire failures.
Tire Wear and Tear: Worn-out or damaged tires are more prone to blowouts. Tires with visible signs of wear, such as cracks or low tread depth, should be inspected and replaced promptly. Regular tire maintenance helps identify and address issues before they lead to a blowout.
Improper Maintenance: Neglecting regular tire maintenance, such as failing to perform tire rotations or alignments, can lead to uneven wear and an increased risk of blowouts. Proper maintenance practices are necessary to ensure that tires remain in good condition and function safely.
Road Hazards: Debris, potholes, and other road hazards can cause damage to truck tires, potentially leading to blowouts. While some road hazards are unavoidable, driving cautiously and avoiding known hazards can help reduce the risk.
Manufacturing Defects: Occasionally, tire blowouts result from manufacturing defects, such as faulty rubber compounds or poor construction. If a defect is suspected, the tire manufacturer may be held liable for the blowout.
Extreme Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures, particularly hot weather, can increase tire pressure and contribute to blowouts. Additionally, icy or wet conditions can impact tire performance. Adapting driving practices to weather conditions is important for preventing blowouts.
Driver Error: Driver actions like abrupt braking or sharp turns can also contribute to tire blowouts. Practicing safe and controlled driving can help minimize the likelihood of such incidents.

Key takeaways on semi tire blowout accidents

Semi tire blowouts can lead to serious accidents with devastating consequences. Ensuring proper tire maintenance and regular inspections can significantly reduce the risk of blowouts. In the event of an accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek immediate legal assistance to address potential liabilities and secure fair compensation.

If you’ve been affected by a semi tire blowout collision or car accident in our area, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.