Tread Separation and Truck Accidents

Most commercial vehicles have steel-belted radial tires in which steel belts reinforce the shape and ensures that the tire remains flat while on the road. The tread is the external rubber on the tire that provides traction, and tread separation occurs when it detaches from the steel frame.

Steel-belted radial tires are designed to prevent blowouts, but if the tread separates, a serious and possibly fatal collision could occur. Drivers and those responsible for maintaining commercial vehicles need to be vigilant in examining their tires for signs of possible tread separation, such as uneven wear on tires, tread that appears thin, and sidewall cracks.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Tread Separation?

Tread separation can happen for a variety of reasons, but most of the time it is caused by failure to inspect, maintain, or replace the tire before it becomes too worn or damaged. For example, a truck that has uneven tire alignment can cause excess wear and tear.

In many other cases, tread separation may be the result of possible external road hazards, such as potholes. When tread separation begins on a tire, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Tread separation is a significant concern for commercial motor vehicles because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles and the speeds at which they travel. A blowout caused by tread separation could endanger not just the truck driver, but also the lives of everyone else on the road.

Who is Responsible for Collisions Caused by Tread Separation?

When a commercial truck is involved in a crash caused by tread separation, determining liability can be challenging. In many cases, the individual or company that owns the truck could be liable for failure to maintain the tires on the vehicle.

In some cases, however, it may be possible that a third-party maintenance company is actually responsible for not inspecting or replacing tires when necessary. Tire manufacturers could also be liable for accidents caused by tire tread separation. A tire could have tread defects caused by improper design or manufacturing, and if so, the manufacturer could be liable for the accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allows people to perform online searches for recalled tires. Many automakers and tire manufacturers also provide this service, and you should certainly check to make sure that your tires have not been subject to a recent recall.

You are going to want to have an experienced truck accident attorney examine all of the evidence to determine which party or parties might be responsible.

Accidents Caused by Tire Blowouts

When a tire blows out on a commercial truck, the driver could lose control of the vehicle. This could cause the truck to jackknife, sideswipe a vehicle, or veer into oncoming lanes of traffic.

A tire blowout usually causes a driver to veer to the side of the vehicle where the blowout occurred. A blowout could also possibly cause a commercial truck to roll over.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident Caused by Tread Separation

As soon as you are involved in a truck accident, you are going to want to retain legal counsel as quickly as possible so you can have your attorney immediately commence an independent investigation into your crash. This is important because the lawyer is going to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears, is altered, or destroyed.

Contact a New York Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away

Did you suffer serious injuries or was your loved one killed in a truck accident possibly caused by tire tread separation? You do not want to delay in contacting Finz & Finz, P.C.

Our firm was founded in 1984 by a former New York State Supreme Court Justice, and we have obtained multiple multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients, including a record $24.50 million settlement for a spinal cord injury caused by a negligent truck driver who was driving a loaded tractor-trailer. You can have us discuss all of your legal options with you when you call (855) TOP-FIRM or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.