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Thousands of lives are tragically lost each year in U.S. truck accidents, often due to a preventable culprit: blown tires. The immense stress truck tires endure makes them more susceptible to failure, and when they do, the consequences can be devastating. Collisions involving these massive vehicles often turn fatal due to their sheer size and weight.

This is why trucking companies and drivers have a legal responsibility to meticulously maintain their vehicles, including tires. Proper maintenance can prevent blowouts and the catastrophic crashes they cause.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, a Connecticut truck accident lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance after such a life-altering event.

Why Do Truck Tires Blow Out?

Preventing blown tire accidents often comes down to vigilance and responsibility. While the accident itself is sudden and unpredictable, a closer look at the cause often reveals negligence. Here are the common causes of blown tires:

• Road hazards, such as potholes and debris, can damage tires. These encounters can lead to weak spots and eventual blowouts.
• Faulty tires are a risk. Defects from the factory or wear over time make tires vulnerable. Regular inspections and timely replacements are necessary.
• Improper inflation affects tire durability. Tires with too little air overheat and fail, while those with too much are prone to punctures due to reduced shock absorption.
• Overloading puts excessive strain on tires, similar to carrying too much weight. This pressure increases the likelihood of blowouts.
• Lack of maintenance compromises tire integrity. Skipping routine checks and rotations allows hidden problems to worsen, heightening the risk of tire failure.

Who Might Be Liable for Truck Blown Tire Accident

Determining who is responsible for truck accidents can be complex, because liability may fall on different parties depending on the specifics of the accident. The trucking company might be at fault for not ensuring proper maintenance, employing unqualified drivers, or overloading the truck beyond safe limits. In cases where a tire defect caused the accident, the tire manufacturer could be held responsible under product liability laws. The truck driver can be liable if the blowout resulted from failure to maintain the vehicle properly, such as driving on worn-out or under-inflated tires, and mechanics who improperly installed or inspected the tires might also be liable for any resulting accidents.

Each scenario requires a thorough investigation to establish who is at fault. Consider contacting a Connecticut truck accident attorney who will help you identify the liable party to pursue compensation for your losses.

How Connecticut’s At-Fault System Impacts Your Compensation

To pursue compensation, remember that Connecticut is an at-fault state for any motor vehicle accident claims. This means to hold any party legally responsible, whether it is a driver or a trucking company, you must prove their fault in the accident. Additionally, Connecticut follows a ‘modified comparative negligence’ rule, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced in proportion to your degree of blame.

To prove the extent of your damages, Be ready to establish not only physical injuries but also the emotional and psychological impact that the accident had on your life. It can be dealing with anxiety or depression, loss of enjoyment of life, or strain in personal relationships. Connecticut truck accident attorney will help you document the extent of your pain and suffering damages effectively.

One method often used to value pain and suffering is the multiplier method. This approach involves multiplying your economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, by a number—typically between 1.5 and 5—to estimate the value of your pain and suffering. This method reflects an understanding that non-economic damages are a significant component of the total harm suffered, warranting careful evaluation and fair compensation.

Act Now to Secure Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Connecticut law sets a two-year deadline for truck accident victims to file a claim. Etemi Law has the expertise and experience to advocate for you. Our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of holding trucking companies and their drivers accountable for the damage they cause.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact our personal injury lawyers today for a free, no-obligation initial case review. From our offices in Waterbury and Watertown, we serve clients across the region, including Hartford, Wolcott, and Naugatuck. Let Etemi Law fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses and suffering.