The
truck accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm know it can be scary sharing the road with large commercial trucks, especially when one blows out a tire.
Picture this: You're driving down a Colorado highway like Interstate 25,
enjoying all the beautiful scenery Colorado has to offer, when suddenly your car is struck by flying debris from a semi-truck's tire blowout that damages your car or even causes an accident that causes injuries to you or possibly any passengers you may have in the car with you. What do you do when this type of situation happens? Our
truck crash lawyers at Metier Law Firm have created this guide for you, so you know what to do next if this happens on the road.
Stay Calm and Stay Safe
First things first, try to be as calm as possible. It's easier said than done, but staying calm is crucial. Here's what you need to do immediately:
1. Don't slam on the brakes or floor the gas pedal. This might seem counterintuitive, but sudden changes in speed can make things worse.
2. Maintain your speed until it's safe to stop. Look for a safe spot to pull over, like a wide shoulder or exit ramp.
3. Gradually slow down and move to the side of the road. Use your turn signals or hazards lights and be aware of other vehicles around you.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Once you're safely off the road:
1. Take a deep breath and check yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, so be thorough.
2. Check on your passengers. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay.
3. Call 911. Even if no one seems hurt, it's important to report the incident and get a police report.
4. If you or your passengers were injured don't hesitate to call Metier Law Firm. Speak with our Colorado truck accident lawyers about holding the trucker and trucking company accountable.
Document EVERYTHING
If you're able to safely do so, gather as much information as possible.
1. Take photos of the scene if possible. This includes damage to your car, the truck (if it stopped), and any debris on the road.
2. Get the truck driver's information. If the truck stopped, exchange insurance and contact details.
3. Collect witness statements and contact info. Other drivers may have seen what happened.
4. Write down your recollection of the events. Do this while it's fresh in your mind.
Understanding Tire Blowout Accidents
Semi-trucks and other large commercial transport vehicles over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are common on interstate highways all around Colorado. While they're essential for our economy, their size and sheer power also bring potential for devastating accidents with passenger vehicles.
When truck drivers or their trucking companies act negligently, they raise the risk factors for all drivers and endanger everyone else on the road. Truck tire blowout accidents are extremely serious, and if you were involved in one, you are likely eligible for compensation for any damages and injuries from the incident with a
personal injury claim.
What Causes Tire Blowouts?
While you're not responsible for maintaining a semi-truck's tires, it's good to
know what can cause these dangerous blowouts:
- Low tire pressure
- Overloaded trucks
- Poor road conditions
- Old or worn-out tires
- Mechanical issues like misalignment
Truck drivers and companies are supposed to
regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent these issues. If they don't, they could be held liable for accidents caused by tire blowouts.
Why You Shouldn't Go It Alone
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck tire blowout can be overwhelming. Here's why you might want to consider getting help from the experienced
truck crash lawyers at Metier Law Firm:
1. Insurance companies can be tricky. They might try to lowball you or deny your claim.
2. Trucking companies have legal teams. They're prepared to protect their interests within minutes of a reported accident, so you should protect yours too.
3. You may be entitled to compensation. For medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, or other damages.
4. Determining liability can be complex. The truck driver, trucking company, or even the tire manufacturer could be at fault.
How Metier Law Firm Can Help
At
Metier Law Firm, we understand that after an accident, you may feel overwhelmed. Our legal team will help you navigate the Colorado claims process and build a successful case so that you can focus on recovery. We have extensive experience in truck accidents and injuries, with two
NBTA Board Certified Truck Accident Attorneys on staff. Our expertise in this specific area of law means we're uniquely qualified to handle the complexities of truck accident cases more than the average personal injury attorney.
Here's how we can assist you:
1. Thoroughly investigate the accident.
- We'll gather crucial evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and truck maintenance records.
- Our team will work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly what happened.
- We'll review the trucking company's safety records and the driver's history to identify any patterns of negligence.
2. Deal with insurance companies.
- We'll take on the stress of negotiating with insurers on your behalf.
- Our attorneys are skilled in countering common tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts.
- We'll ensure all communication goes through us, protecting you from potentially saying something that could harm your case.
3. Determine fair compensation.
- We'll assess all your damages, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Our team will consult with medical experts to understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
- We'll calculate non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of quality of life to ensure you're fully compensated.
4. Represent you in court if necessary.
- While many cases settle out of court, we're prepared to go to trial if that's what it takes to get you fair compensation.
- Our trial-tested attorneys have a track record of successful verdicts in truck accident cases.
- We'll keep you informed and prepared every step of the way if your case does go to trial.
5. Provide personalized support.
- We understand each case is unique, and we'll tailor our approach to your specific situation.
- Our team will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the process.
- We'll provide regular updates on your case, ensuring you're never left in the dark.
At Metier Law Firm, we're not just your legal representatives in a
truck accident case – we're your advocates, supporters, and partners in seeking justice. Our goal is to secure the justice you deserve while allowing you to focus on what's most important: your recovery and well-being.
Preventing Tire Blowouts: A Shared Responsibility
While it's primarily the responsibility of truck drivers and companies to prevent tire blowouts, as a driver, you can also play a crucial role in road safety. By being proactive and vigilant, you can help reduce the risk of accidents caused by tire blowouts:
1. Keep a safe distance from trucks.
- Maintain at least a 4-second following distance behind trucks.
- This buffer zone gives you more time to react if something goes wrong, such as a sudden tire blowout.
- Remember that trucks have large blind spots, so staying back helps ensure the driver can see you.
2. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Regularly scan the road ahead and behind you, paying special attention to the trucks around you.
- Look for signs of tire problems, such as smoke coming from the wheels, wobbling, or pieces of tire on the road.
- Listen for unusual sounds, like loud thumping or hissing, which could indicate a tire problem.
- Be extra cautious during hot weather or when trucks are climbing steep grades, as these conditions increase the risk of blowouts.
3. Report unsafe trucks.
- If you notice a truck with visibly damaged or worn tires, don't hesitate to report it.
- Look for the company name and truck number, usually displayed on the cab or trailer.
- If possible, safely note the license plate number.
- Contact the trucking company directly if you can find their information.
- In urgent situations, call the police non-emergency number or highway patrol to report the hazard.
- Remember, your action could prevent a serious accident and save lives.
4. Avoid driving in a truck's "No-Zones".
- These are the
large blind spots around trucks where the driver can't see you.
- They're typically directly behind the truck, directly in front, and on either side near the cab.
- If you can't see the truck's side mirrors, the driver can't see you.
5. Be predictable in your driving.
- Use your turn signals well in advance when changing lanes near trucks.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or braking when near large trucks.
- Give trucks plenty of space when they're turning, as they need a wide berth.
6. Educate yourself about truck safety.
- Learn to recognize signs of truck tire wear or damage.
- Understand the challenges truck drivers face, such as long stopping distances and wide turns.
- Consider taking a defensive driving course that includes information about sharing the road with large trucks.
7. Plan your trips wisely.
- If possible, avoid driving during peak trucking hours, typically early morning and late night.
- Be extra cautious during adverse weather conditions when tire blowouts are more likely.
Moving Forward
Remember, if you've been involved in a semi-truck tire blowout accident in
Colorado, you don't have to navigate the aftermath alone. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm are here to help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and ensure you get fair compensation for any damages or injuries.
Stay safe out there, and remember these tips if you ever find yourself in this scary situation. With the right knowledge, actions, and legal support, you can protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.
Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident caused by a truck tire blowout, our highly experienced truck accident attorneys can help you get the recovery you need and deserve. Call Metier Law Firm at 866-377-3800 toll free or fill out an online contact form for a free, confidential, no-obligation personal injury case evaluation at
metierlaw.com.
