Truck Accident Caused by a Tire Blowout—Is It the Driver or Manufacturer’s Fault?

Truck accidents are among the most serious and deadly collisions on Georgia’s highways. When a truck tire suddenly bursts—known as a tire blowout—it can cause the driver to lose control, leading to devastating multi-vehicle crashes. But when the dust settles, an important legal question arises:

Who is responsible for the accident?
Is it the truck driver or the trucking company for failing to maintain the vehicle, or is it the tire manufacturer for producing a defective product?

At 770GoodLaw, we help victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve after tragic incidents like these. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of tire blowouts, who may be held liable, and how to build a strong legal case after a truck accident.

What Is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout is a sudden and rapid loss of air pressure, often accompanied by an explosive sound and an immediate loss of vehicle control. In a passenger car, this is dangerous—but in an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, it’s catastrophic.

Tire blowouts can lead to:

• Loss of steering control

• Jackknife accidents

• Rollovers

• Multi-vehicle pileups

• Cargo spills on the highway

Understanding what caused the blowout is key to identifying who should be held accountable.

Common Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts

Several factors can lead to a tire blowout in a commercial truck:

1. Improper Maintenance

Truck drivers and companies are legally obligated to inspect and maintain their vehicles. Failure to replace worn-out or damaged tires increases the risk of a blowout.

2. Overloaded Trucks

Too much weight puts excessive pressure on tires, particularly when weight limits are ignored. This weakens tire walls and makes blowouts more likely.

3. Under-Inflation or Over-Inflation

Incorrect tire pressure can compromise the integrity of the tire, especially during long-distance hauls.

4. Defective Tires

Sometimes, the tire was flawed before it ever hit the road. Manufacturing or design defects can cause premature tire failure—even with proper maintenance.

5. Hazardous Road Conditions

Debris, potholes, or uneven roads can contribute to sudden tire damage and dangerous blowouts.

Who Is Liable for a Tire Blowout Accident?

Determining liability is crucial when seeking compensation. In many blowout-related truck accidents, fault may lie with one or more parties.

🚛 1. Truck Driver or Trucking Company

Truck drivers are required to:

• Perform daily inspections

• Check tire pressure

• Report visible tire damage

• Avoid overloading cargo

Failure to do so may be considered driver negligence, especially if maintenance logs are incomplete or ignored.

Trucking companies may also be held liable for:

• Poor vehicle maintenance policies

• Inadequate driver training

• Pressuring drivers to skip inspections or overload freight

Examples of negligence:

• Driving on bald or damaged tires

• Ignoring vibration or steering issues

• Failing to respond to recall notices

🏭 2. Tire Manufacturer or Distributor

If the blowout was caused by a manufacturing defect, the tire manufacturer may be responsible under product liability laws.

Types of manufacturer liability:

• Design defects: The tire design was inherently flawed

• Manufacturing defects: Poor materials or processes caused weakness in the tire

• Failure to warn: The manufacturer failed to include adequate warnings about tire limitations

Proving this kind of liability often involves expert analysis and access to recall data or similar incidents involving the same product line.

How to Prove Liability After a Tire Blowout

Building a strong injury claim or lawsuit starts with a thorough investigation. Here’s how our team at 770GoodLaw typically approaches these cases:

✅ Step 1: Gather Evidence

• Police reports

• Photos of the damaged truck and tire

• Dashcam footage (if available)

• Witness statements

✅ Step 2: Review Maintenance Records

Inspection logs and maintenance schedules reveal whether the truck was being properly maintained.

✅ Step 3: Analyze the Tire

Experts can analyze the failed tire to detect manufacturing flaws or wear patterns indicating neglect.

✅ Step 4: Consult Specialists

We work with mechanical engineers, accident reconstructionists, and tire defect experts to build a clear, compelling case.

What Compensation Can Victims Recover?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, you may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, rehab, future treatment)

• Lost wages and lost earning potential

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

• Wrongful death damages (if a family member was killed)

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Tire blowout cases are not your typical accident claims. They involve:

• Complex federal trucking regulations

• Multi-party liability (driver, company, manufacturer)

• Powerful insurance companies and defense teams

At 770GoodLaw, we have the experience, resources, and passion to stand up for victims and families. We’ll fight to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure you’re fully compensated.

Contact 770GoodLaw Today

If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and Georgia’s statute of limitations puts a time limit on your claim.

Let us help you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

📞 Call Now: (770) GOOD-LAW
💻 Visit: 770GoodLaw.com
📍 Serving clients throughout Georgia

Accident?

Our team of experienced car accident professionals is ready to help you assess your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the negligence of others dictate your future–let us be your advocate in this challenging time. Contact us today at 770Goodlaw.