Tire Blowout Truck Accident Attorneys in Albany, NY 

Silent Danger: How Tires Blow Off Albany Streets Turn into Danger 

Truck accidents caused by tire blowouts are terrifying. You’re driving down I-87 or maybe cruising through Albany on NY-7 when suddenly, everything goes wrong. A massive truck loses control, debris scatters, and you’re caught in the aftermath. It’s overwhelming, confusing, and downright scary. 

After an accident such as this, you are probably feeling anger, frustration, and fear. As your Albany truck accident lawyers, we’ll help you figure out what happened, who's responsible, and—most importantly—how to get the compensation you deserve.

Why Do Truck Tire Blowouts Happen? The Danger Lurking on the Road 

Tire blowouts don't appear out of nowhere. There's always a reason, which often has something to do with cost-cutting. Blows up trucking accidents can quickly turn into disastrous tragedies within mere seconds. Why? Because trucks are big, and once one is out of control, it can be intimidating because it is dangerous. 

Some of the most common include the following: 

• Overloaded trailers: This happens when trucks carry more weight than the tires can handle. Over 13,000 truck accidents happen in New York every year, many of them illegally overweight to be our on our roads. 
• Neglected tire maintenance: Bald tires or ones with low air pressure are accidents waiting to happen. 
• Road hazards: Albany's roads aren't always in perfect shape. Potholes, debris, or sharp objects can easily puncture a tire. 
• Defective tires: Sometimes, the problem starts at the factory. A poorly designed or flawed tire can fail under normal conditions. 

Overloaded Trailers: When Profit Wins Over Safety 

Overloading a truck might save companies a buck or two, but it's a gamble with lives. Tires are designed to handle a specific amount of weight. When that's exceeded, bad things happen—quickly. 

Every extra pound makes tires work harder. Over time, that stress leads to overheating and wear, which is a recipe for disaster. On Albany's steep inclines or busy roads, this becomes even more dangerous. One sharp turn or sudden stop, and boom—a tire blows, putting everyone nearby at risk. 

Federal and New York State trucking weight limits, as outlined in NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 385, govern the amount of weight that can be carried by a truck. Most of the time, over/under weight limit violations are central to proving negligence. 

When Maintenance is Neglected, Everyone Pays the Price 

Truck maintenance is not an option; it is a safety requirement. Yet, some trucking companies view it as a chore they can skip. And it is reckless. 

Low tire pressure, worn-out treads, and unnoticed punctures are red flags that cannot be ignored. But when they are, accidents happen. And these are preventable. If trucking companies and drivers only followed routine inspections and fixed problems early, lives could be saved. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations require regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs for all commercial vehicles. Violation of these rules often indicates negligence on the part of the trucking company. New York also enforces these rules under New York Transportation Law § 140, ensuring compliance with federal and state safety standards. 

Who is Liable for a Truck Tire Blowout? 

Figuring out who's at fault after a tire blowout is not always straightforward. It's not just the driver who could be to blame. Here's a quick rundown of who could be held responsible: 

• The driver: Failed to do a pre-trip inspection? That's on them. 
• The trucking company: Overloaded trailers, skipped maintenance, or poor training often point to negligence. 
• The tire manufacturer: If the blowout was caused by a defect, they might share the blame. 

Each case of an accident is unique, but one thing for sure: there is someone's action or lack thereof that triggered it. In such a situation, having an experienced Albany personal injury attorney by your side could make all the difference. 

After a Tire Blowout Accident: The Steps You Can’t Miss 

The aftermath of a trucking accident is frantic. However, everything you do is what will define your case afterward. Here's how to get started and safeguard yourself: 

1. Move to safety: If you can, get out of harm's way. Try to remain calm and not panic. 
2. Call 911: You will need police and medical help at the scene. Do not omit this step; it is critical. 
3. Document everything: Take the best photos possible of the truck, the tires, and your surroundings. The more detail you capture, the better. 
4. Exchange information: Get the truck driver's details, the name of their company, and contact information for any witnesses. You’ll need this information later when filling out an MV-104 form. 
5. See a doctor: Even if you feel okay, injuries like whiplash can show up later. Let a professional check you out. 

Taking these steps not only keeps you safe but also sets the stage for a strong legal claim. 

When Should You Take Your Case to Court? 

Sometimes, a fair settlement cannot be had. That is when to file a personal injury claim. The following scenarios indicate when that will likely happen: 

• The trucking company denies liability 
• A settlement offer that doesn't cover medical costs, lost wages, or other costs 
• The injuries are permanent and need lifelong care. 

Under New York CPLR § 214, you will have three years from the accident date to file your personal injury claim. Don't wait until the last minute to act. 

Your Rights After a Truck Tire Blowout Accident: Don’t Settle for Less 

In a trucking accident case, compensation is not just for current bills. You may be eligible for: 

• Medical bills: Emergency treatment and even future physical therapy. Your New York No-Fault insurance will be responsible for your medical bills after a crash. 
• Wages: If you lost work or can't go back to your job, this counts. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to get your No-Fault lost wages paid. 
• Property damage: Car repairs or replacing the damages in your home. 
• Pain and suffering: Because the emotional impact of a car accident isn't something to be taken lightly 
• Loss of companionship: If the accident has affected your relationships, this can count towards your damages. 

Our mission? To ensure you don't leave money on the table. 

Contact Horn Wright, LLP: Why Legal Representation Matters Most 

You are dealing with a truck accident. In this situation, an experienced attorney really makes a difference. Albany is unique in its roads, trucking routes, and courts. An attorney familiar with the area can be an enormous difference-maker. 

Horn Wright, LLP, takes pride in being one of the best law firms in America. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today and let's get you moving forward again.