Clearwater Blownout Tire Truck Accident Lawyer

Bigger vehicles, particularly trucks, have an increased number of tires to help add stability as it spreads out the pressure of the weight on the tires. Despite this lowered amount of pressure on the tires, trucks still remain susceptible to the risks and consequences caused by tire blowouts. Unfortunately, a tire blowout on a big truck can cause a dangerous and potentially lethal truck accident. In 2017 alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 738 fatalities caused by tire-related crashes.

When a tire blowout occurs, the truck driver often will lose control of their vehicle. As soon as it happens, the vehicle may pull to the side aggressively and unexpectedly enough that the driver struggles to safely maneuver the truck, and the truck will often continue to move at a high speed. These risks, coupled together, can cause catastrophic truck accidents that have the potential to result in serious injuries or, in worst cases, even death.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a tire blowout truck accident in Clearwater, then you may deserve compensation. Because it is not always easy to determine who is responsible for an accident, or how to navigate the complicated Florida legal system, then it is important to consider enlisting the help of knowledgeable personal injury lawyers. Our Clearwater truck accident lawyers at The Law Place will be able to take on big insurance companies on behalf of you to ensure you are not taken advantage of and help fight for your rights to compensation. So, call us today to schedule a free consultation at (941) 444-4444.

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts on Trucks in Clearwater, FL

The heat in Florida can put a lot of pressure on tires and wear them down quicker, and whilst the heat is not usually the only cause for a blowout, it does worsen the issue severely and can decrease how long it takes for a blowout to occur. Below is a list of common causes of tire blowouts in Clearwater:

• Underinflation – This is one of the leading causes of truck tire blowouts, and also one of the easiest to prevent. Underinflated tires put a greater amount of stress on the individual truck tires, which can lead to the tire’s internal components to stretch beyond what they should and heat up, thus resulting in a blowout.
• Overloading – If a truck is overloaded, then it will be exceeding its gross vehicle weight rating. This puts excess pressure on its tires, which weakens its structure and leads to a tire blowout.
• Road hazards – Things such as potholes, curbs, and other obstructions in the roads can pinch the tire and cause damage. If the tire is immediately sliced, then it may fail straight away. If the damage is more subtle, it could take weeks or sometimes even months for the blowout to happen.
• High speeds – Driving at high speeds, even if you’re not speeding, results in heat buildup and the weakening of tires, which eventually causes them to blow out.
• Defective tires – Occasionally, defective tires make it out of the factory and make it onto big trucks. These tires are not able to safely hold together and can cause serious tire blowout truck accidents. This can also occur if a tire was poorly repaired.
• Lack of maintenance – The chance of a tire blowout is less likely with adequate upkeep. Truck drivers should perform an inspection of their tires before every trip, and so it can be noticed, and then fixed if their tires are experiencing any issues which could then lead to a blowout.

Regardless of the cause of the blowout, if you were involved in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, then you may be entitled to compensation. If you call The Law Place today and book a free consultation, then an experienced Clearwater truck accident lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and offer you legal advice and guidance and let you know whether you have grounds to make a claim and recommend the best next steps for you.

Assigning Liability in a Blowout Tire Truck Accident in Clearwater, FL

In can be a complicated process when determining who is liable in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, and can require a lot of investigation. The reason for the tire bursting must first be discovered, and the following list is some of the most common individuals who are to blame:

• The truck driver/owner – If they failed to safely use and drive their truck and/or adequately maintain their tires.
• The trucking company – If the trucking company ignored the mechanic’s recommendations, has policies against swapping tires because of the costs, or forces drivers to carry on driving even when there are suspected defects, then the trucking company could be at fault.
• The tire manufacturer – If the tire blowout was caused because the tire was defective and/or poorly designed, then the tire manufacturer could be at fault for the accident as they allowed that tire to be used.
• The tire distributor – Trucking companies usually buy tires from the distributor rather than the manufacturer, and it is their responsibility to properly store tires to reduce the risk of wear and tear; quality check the tires; provide the right tires for their customers. If they fail to do this, and it results in a tire blowout, then they could be held accountable.
• The mechanic who installed it – If the mechanic noticed defects on the tires, or should have noticed them, but still fitted them, then the mechanic may bear some responsibility.
• Government entity – If there was a particularly large pothole or road hazard, and the correct authoritative organization had already been made aware of it but ignored the danger, then they could be liable for the accident.

Determining who is liable for the truck accident can be incredibly difficult if you don’t have much experience in dealing with Florida law or the means or authority to adequately investigate the crash. This is why it may be crucial to the success of your claim to work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in working with victims of tire blowout truck accidents. Here at The Law Place, all our accident attorneys are fully capable of investigating your case and ensuring that fault is placed with the correct party, so call us today to book a free case evaluation, and give yourself the best chance at winning the financial compensation that you deserve.

Damages That Are Frequently Awarded in a Tire Blowout Truck Accident in Clearwater, FL

Once liability has been established, your attorney will then assess the number of losses you may have had to endure, and now deserve compensation for. This will ensure that you receive the highest amount of financial compensation possible. Listed below are the most common types of damages that The Law Place recovers compensation for:

• Medical bills – If the injuries that you sustained in the truck accident were severe enough that you had to see a professional and it cost you money, then these expenses should be covered by financial compensation. Expenses can also include past and future medical bills, as well as travel to and from appointments, prescriptions, surgery, and more.
• Lost wages – If you could not attend work as a result of the accident, then you may be reimbursed for the wages you lost as a result.
• Property damage – If your vehicle was at all damaged in the crash, then the costs of repairs may be covered.
• Pain and suffering – If you are suffering mentally and/or emotionally from the trauma of the accident, then you may deserve financial compensation. However, as this is very hard to prove, it is crucial that you have a highly trained lawyer on your side to help fight for your right for compensation.
• Wrongful death – If you lost a loved one in the accident, then certain family members may be able to receive compensation for loss of consortium, funeral costs, loss of income, and more.

While we know that receiving financial compensation will not automatically fix everything for you, it can help relieve you of any financial burdens and serve as some form of comfort and proof of justice for you. We understand how important this can be for victims of a tire blowout truck accident, and will do everything in our power to ensure that you win the justice that you deserve. So contact The Law Place today to speak to an experienced and determined lawyer.

How To Avoid a Tire Blowout Accident

In order to best avoid a tire blowout, truck drivers should do the following:

• Regular maintenance – Truck drivers should regularly check for any bumps, dents, or weak areas on their tires, as well as the tires’ pressure, all of which can lead to blowouts.
• Planning – Truck drivers should plan their general route to avoid construction areas, rough roads, or other paths that present a high risk of debris. This is because debris on the road can puncture the tire, causing a blowout. If the truck driver does have to pass through these types of roads, they should check their tires as soon as possible afterward.

If you experience a blown tire in your vehicle while driving, you should try to follow the below steps:

• Grip the wheel – By holding onto the wheel tightly, you’ll have a better chance at keeping control of the vehicle.
• Adjust your speed – You should accelerate briefly, as this will help stabilize your vehicle, and then release the accelerator. Don’t slam on the brakes.
• Steer straight – While you may automatically want to turn in the opposite direction, you should drive the vehicle straight down your lane to decrease the risk of a spinout.
• Pullover – Pull to the side of the road out of the way.
• Check the vehicle – Have a qualified mechanic check the vehicle after a blowout in case there was any extra damage.

Clearwater Blown-Out Tire Truck Accident Lawyer

Meet the Team

David Haenel leads our Clearwater tire-failure litigation group and studies Federal Motor Carrier Safety rules on tire inspection, inflation, and tread depth. Darren Finebloom turns forensic lab reports and brake-event data into clear stories juries believe, showing exactly why rubber separated at highway speed. AnneMarie Rizzo partners with engineers to photograph skid marks, rim gouges, and sidewall tears before afternoon thunderstorms wash evidence away. Paralegals Rose and Tracy open claims the day you call, arrange specialist care, and text nightly updates so no client feels forgotten.

Reviews & Testimonials

“A steer-tire blowout sent a semi across the Howard Frankland Bridge and crushed my SUV. David traced the tire to an expired retread and settled for every insurance layer.”
“They explained each step and treated my concussion case like family business. Darren proved the carrier ignored low-pressure alarms and the company paid full limits.”
“After a trailer recap peeled off on US 19 they guided me through surgery, rehab, and wage-loss paperwork until everything was covered.”

Case Studies

Steer-Axle Blowout on I-275
A front tire burst at sixty-five miles per hour, sending a tractor-trailer into two lanes of traffic. Event-data recorder logs and a forensic tire autopsy showed inner-liner separation from age-related dry rot. The carrier and distributor paid $1,050,000 and installed electronic inflation monitors fleet-wide.

Retread Failure near the Bayside Bridge
A trailer recap detached and struck a minivan. Maintenance records revealed the carrier skipped the required sixty-day inspections. Settlement reached for $880,000 and the fleet replaced all trailer retreads with new tires.

Under-Inflated Dump Truck Rollover on the Courtney Campbell Causeway
Two under-inflated tires overheated and exploded, causing a rollover that blocked eastbound lanes. Pressure-monitoring data proved repeated alarm overrides. Recovery of $925,000 funded spinal-fusion surgery and forced the contractor to install real-time tire-pressure systems.

Comprehensive FAQ

What causes truck tires to blow out?

Commercial tires run under heavy loads and high temperatures. Under-inflation, overloading, age-related dry rot, road debris, and flawed retread bonding weaken internal belts. Heat builds inside the sidewall until steel cords snap and the tire bursts.

Which regulations cover truck tire safety?

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 393.75 sets minimum tread depth, bans exposed fabric, and requires no audible leaks. Regulation 396.11 mandates a daily driver inspection that includes tire pressure and visible damage. Carriers must keep inspection records for at least three months.

Who can be liable after a blown-tire crash?

Liability may fall on the driver for ignoring alarms, the carrier for poor maintenance, the tire retailer for installing mismatched casings, the retreader for bonding defects, or the manufacturer for design flaws. Each party carries separate insurance, expanding compensation pools.

Why are Clearwater highways risky for blown-tire events?

I-275, US 19, and the Bayside Bridge see heavy freight traffic and high heat from summer sun. Tires already near their temperature limit fail when surface temperatures exceed 120 °F. Pinellas beach sand and construction debris add puncture hazards.

How quickly should evidence be preserved?

Tire fragments, rim shards, and rubber streaks may be swept away within hours to reopen lanes. Event-data recorders overwrite brake and speed data after thirty-six engine hours. Send a preservation letter within forty-eight hours to lock debris, driver inspection reports, and pressure-monitoring downloads.

What is a forensic tire autopsy?

Experts photograph the tire, slice cross-sections, and inspect belt edges under magnification. They look for oxidation cracks, foreign-object punctures, and bonding voids. Matching fracture patterns to service records shows whether the failure came from misuse, under-inflation, or factory defects.

Can I recover if the driver was not at fault?

Yes. An inherent design defect or retread error can shift liability to the manufacturer or service shop. Florida’s modified comparative negligence lets you recover damages as long as your fault stays below fifty percent. Expert analysis limits blame on victims and highlights systemic failures.

What damages are available?

Victims may recover medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Severe injuries justify life-care plans that fund attendant care, mobility equipment, and home alterations. Families of deceased victims may claim funeral costs and future support.

Are punitive damages possible?

Punitive damages punish reckless conduct such as knowingly installing recalled tires, ignoring low-pressure alarms, or falsifying inspection logs. Courts require clear and convincing proof. Maintenance records, email warnings, and prior citations often meet this standard and raise settlement value.

What steps should I take after a blown-tire crash?

Call 911 and accept medical evaluation. Photograph tire debris, skid marks, license plates, and DOT numbers. Collect witness contacts and note weather and road conditions. Contact a trucking lawyer promptly so preservation letters secure evidence before towing crews clean the scene.

How do experts prove under-inflation or overloading?

Pressure-monitoring logs show historical PSI readings. Scale tickets and cargo manifests reveal axle weights. Combining these data sets lets engineers calculate internal heat that triggers sidewall failure. Objective numbers persuade insurers to settle.

Will health insurance pay my bills while the case is pending?

Health insurers usually pay first, then assert liens on any settlement. Your lawyer negotiates lien reductions so you keep more net recovery. Personal Injury Protection covers up to $10,000 regardless of fault, and many carriers hold medical-payments coverage that offsets deductibles.

How long does a blown-tire case usually take?

Clear-liability claims with completed treatment often settle in nine to twelve months. Disputed defects, severe injuries, or multiple insurers can extend litigation to eighteen months or more. Setting deposition dates and trial calendars prompts carriers to negotiate.

What if the tire was a steer-axle retread?

Federal rules ban retreads on steer axles. Using one creates negligence per se. Documenting the recap code and position on the truck makes liability straightforward and boosts damages.

Can dash-cam or traffic-cam footage help?

Yes. Video shows tread peeling, lane position, and driver response. Clearwater traffic-management cameras store footage for up to seven days, so acting quickly secures valuable evidence.

How do life-care plans affect settlement value?

Life-care planners project future costs for surgeries, therapy, and equipment. Their reports turn abstract injuries into dollar figures that insurers must address. Including a detailed plan often adds six-figure value to negotiations.

Does filing a claim raise my auto insurance rates?

Using the at-fault carrier’s liability coverage typically does not affect your premiums. Your insurer may adjust rates only if you claim collision benefits or are found mainly at fault. Successful recovery that reimburses your carrier helps keep rates stable.

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

Representation is contingency based. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money. Standard fees are one-third before litigation and forty percent once a lawsuit is filed. All costs, including expert fees and tire autopsies, are advanced by the firm and reimbursed only from a successful settlement or verdict.

Why choose a Clearwater lawyer for a blown-tire crash?

Local counsel knows Pinellas County judges, jury preferences, and defense teams. Quick access to bridges and beach corridors allows evidence collection before debris is removed. Familiar ties with area doctors streamline treatment and expert referrals, helping you heal and recover financially.

What should I bring to the first meeting?

Bring the crash report, photos, medical records, hospital bills, insurance cards, repair estimates, pay stubs, and any tire fragments or dash-cam footage. Complete documentation lets our team send preservation letters immediately and start building a compelling claim.

Contact a Clearwater Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The attorneys at The Law Place boast a wealth of experience, contacts, and skill, all of which will help increase the likelihood of your claim being successful. If you choose to work with us, you can be sure that we will be in your corner every step of the way through this stressful time, and do all the hard work for you, allowing you much needed time to heal from the accident.

Fighting for justice yourself can be incredibly difficult, especially if you have no experience in personally dealing with Florida law. This is why if you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident caused by a tire blowout, then you may want to contact a lawyer. By doing so, you will be giving yourself the best possible chance of receiving all the financial compensation that you deserve.

Call The Law Place on (941) 444-4444 to book a free case evaluation with an esteemed truck accident lawyer.