No matter what type of vehicle you drive, your safety on the road heavily depends on the functionality of your tires. Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks have 18 wheels and 18 tires to consider. A tire failure for one of these vehicles poses not only a threat to the truck driver, but also to everyone else on the road. Due to their massive size and weight, and the time it takes to stop and regain control, a crash resulting from a tire failure on an 18-wheeler often results in catastrophic injuries and, sometimes, even fatalities.
When you are hurt in a collision with a heavy commercial vehicle and believe a faulty tire may have been the cause, contact Distasio Law Firm. Our legal team has experience investigating tire defects in Wesley Chapel truck accidents. A diligent semi-truck crash attorney from our firm could collect the evidence needed to prove that a truck driver or company’s failure to properly maintain the vehicle directly led to your injuries. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
How Is Equipment on Trucks, such as Tires, Regulated?
Different regulatory regulations apply depending on the size of the truck. Another crucial component is whether the truck is involved in interstate commerce. Many trucks are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Act (FMCA) if the vehicle is of a certain size and is involved in interstate commerce. According to the FMCA, a truck should be placed out of service when it has a tire that:
- Is flat or has an audible leak
- Has any sidewall or tread separation
- Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed
- Has exposed body ply or belt material through the tread or sidewall
Additionally, the FMCA sets the minimum legal tread depth on all tractor-trailer tires at 2/32 of an inch. However, if the FMCA does not apply to a specific truck, the state of Florida has its own regulations requiring 18-wheelers to be maintained. During an initial meeting, a Wesley Chapel truck wreck lawyer, such as Scott Distasio, could explain which tire regulations apply in your particular case.
Consequences of a Defective Truck Tire
When a tractor-trailer continues to operate with a faulty tire, the tire will eventually blow out. When a tire blows out on a large truck, it can easily become unstable due to its large weight and length. This typically leads to the driver losing control of the truck and possibly colliding with another vehicle on the road.
When an 18-wheeler hits another vehicle, the damages are usually catastrophic because of the sheer size and weight of the truck. That is why Wesley Chapel truck drivers are supposed to check their tires regularly and ensure that they are inflated properly and have enough tread life on them to continue driving the truck safely. When they fail to do so, they could be liable for all ensuing damages.
Discuss Tire Defects in Wesley Chapel Truck Accidents With an Attorney
Truck drivers should thoroughly inspect truck tires before embarking on any trip to ensure they are safe for long-distance highway travel. Unfortunately, these routine inspections are frequently neglected, leading to a lack of proper tire maintenance or timely replacement.
When a truck driver or company’s negligence causes you to sustain injuries, you could take legal action. A successful personal injury claim could provide the financial compensation you need to fully recover from your accident-related injuries. Do not delay in pursuing the justice you deserve. Contact a knowledgeable legal professional at Distasio Law Firm today to discuss tire defects in Wesley Chapel truck accidents and how they could impact your case.
