Tractor Trailer Tire Blowout Kills Brevard County Deputy

The recent death of a decorated 32-year old Brevard County deputy has been attributed to a tractor-trailer’s bad tire.

The Titusville truck accident occurred when the tread on the truck’s front left tire separated in a blowout, causing the tread to wrap around the axle. The driver lost control of the semi, which veered to the left and struck the deputy’s patrol car. At this time, police continue to investigate the accident, but the preliminary cause has been identified as a bad tire on the truck.

Tire problems are a contributing factor in 11,000 truck accidents each year – up to 6% of all truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Blowouts, in particular, almost always cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle due to its significant weight. On the other hand, a tire blowout on a passenger car, while a dangerous situation, may be handled by a skilled driver who may be able to quickly pull the vehicle to the side of the road.

Problems with Truck Tires

• Tire defects. There are many components of the tire that can be defective or damaged. Tread separation is the most common type of defect. When the treads separate, the rubber between the belts may separate and cause one or more of its steel belts to detach. This situation can cause the driver to lose control of the truck, as happened in the Titusville accident.
• Inadequate truck maintenance and inspection. The trucking company, leasing firm and/or the driver is responsible for regular truck inspections and performing proper maintenance on the vehicle and tires.
• Recalls. At any time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will list dozens of tire recalls for semi-trucks as well as other vehicles. These tires are recalled for manufacturing defects that can cause accidents. It is the trucking company’s responsibility to monitor recall bulletins and replace any problematic tires immediately.
• Inadequate Tire testing. Tire manufacturers test their products primarily within their company. With this limited process, they can re-test until they obtain a positive result. There is little government testing or regulating of truck tires.

A tire blowout that causes an accident may result from many factors, including manufacturing defects and negligent maintenance. We have significant experience with serious injuries and even fatalities that have resulted from truck and car blowouts. Let us fight for your rights in a car or truck accident case.

We Can Help if You Have Been Injured in a Truck Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed in a truck or car accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. immediately. Our experienced attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.