A fatal truck accident on U.S. Highway 550 near Counselor, New Mexico, claimed the life of a 36-year-old Farmington man early on the morning of Dec. 3.
According to the New Mexico State Police, the 2011 Kenworth commercial vehicle that Timothy J. Broccolo was driving suffered a blowout of one of its left tires, causing it to cross over the northbound lanes and strike a guardrail before rolling.
Broccolo, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene by the Office of Medical Investigator. Investigators do not believe alcohol contributed to the crash, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Various factors, including underinflation, vehicle overloading, improper tire maintenance, and manufacturing defects, can cause tire blowouts. To reduce the risk of a tire blowout, drivers should regularly check their tire pressure, inspect the tires for signs of wear and tear, and replace tires when necessary.
It is also important to drive safely when a tire blowout occurs. Drivers should try to control their vehicle by staying on the road and not over-correcting their steering. They should also slow down gradually and avoid using the brakes until the vehicle has slowed to a safe speed.
A tire blowout is a frightening and dangerous event that can occur without warning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that tire blowouts cause approximately 11,000 crashes each year, resulting in around 500 deaths and over 16,000 injuries. Car accident attorneys are all too familiar with the destruction these events can cause.
Fortunately, there are some steps drivers can take to help prevent tire blowouts. These include:
- Checking tire pressure regularly. Tires should be checked every month, including the spare tire. Using the correct tire pressure as the vehicle manufacturer recommends is also important.
- Inspecting tires for signs of wear. Look for signs of bulges, cracks, and other damage. These can be indicative of a tire that is becoming weak and more prone to blowouts.
- Replacing tires when necessary. Tires should be replaced every six years or sooner if the treadwear indicators are showing.
- Avoiding overloading the vehicle. Excess weight can cause tires to wear out faster, increasing the blowout risk.
- Taking care to avoid potholes and other road hazards. Hitting a pothole or other road hazard can suddenly cause a tire to fail, leading to a blowout.
By following these steps and being aware of the risks associated with tire blowouts, drivers can help ensure the safety of themselves and others on the road.
When an 18-wheeler is involved in a significant accident, knowing what to do and what rights you have is essential. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, it’s important to find an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer that can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Factors such as fatigue, distracted driving, and reckless driving can cause trucking accidents. But one of the most common causes of trucking accidents is tire blowouts. A tire blowout can be caused by excessive heat, improper inflation, or an overloaded vehicle.
When a tire blowout occurs, the driver may not have enough time to bring the truck to a stop. This can lead to a catastrophic accident, with devastating consequences for everyone involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident due to a tire blowout, you should contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer right away. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Your lawyer will investigate the accident to determine the cause of the tire blowout and will review the truck’s maintenance and inspection records. Your lawyer will also review applicable regulations and laws to determine if the trucking company or driver was negligent.
An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer will be able to negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company or their insurance company, and if necessary, take the case to court.
Getting the help of an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident due to a tire blowout. Your lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, so you can move on with your life.