What Happens When a Tire Blowout Causes an 18-Wheeler Crash?

 Posted on July 22, 2025 in Truck accidents

Since 18-wheeler trucks are so large and heavy, tire blowouts can be catastrophic. These massive commercial vehicles are difficult to control under the best of circumstances, and a sudden tire failure can cause the truck to swerve, jackknife, or roll over. In high-traffic areas like I-35 and I-10, something like that could quickly lead to multi-vehicle collisions and serious injuries. If you were hurt in a collision with a truck, speak with a qualified Comal County, TX personal injury lawyer about whether a tire blowout played a role.

How Can a Tire Blowout Impact a Truck?

Tire blowouts are a common and dangerous cause of truck accidents. When a tire blows out, it loses air pressure rapidly and the driver can lose control of the truck. Unlike a flat tire that slowly deflates, a blowout is an explosive rupture that can instantly destabilize a vehicle. For a fully loaded 80,000-pound truck, this can mean disaster not only for the driver, but also for anyone nearby.

Commercial truck tires are under constant stress, especially in Texas, where long highway hauls and intense summer heat are routine, so proper tire care and inspection are critical. When something goes wrong, the crash that follows can result in lifelong injuries or even fatalities.

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts on 18-Wheelers

There are many reasons a truck tire might fail, and most of them can be traced back to human error or oversight. Poor maintenance, overloading, heat buildup, underinflation, or road debris can all play a role. In some cases, the tire itself was defective from the start.

Trucking companies in Texas must follow both state and federal safety standards, including regular inspections and repairs. If they cut corners to save money or to rush trucks onto the road to meet delivery schedules, they could be held liable if a tire failure causes harm.

Who Is Legally Responsible for a Crash Caused by a Blowout?

Responsibility for a truck accident does not always fall solely on the driver. Multiple parties might share the blame. Depending on the facts, a tire blowout crash might involve:

• The trucking company, for failing to maintain the vehicle or allowing overloaded cargo

• A tire manufacturer, if a defective product failed under normal conditions

• A repair or maintenance provider, if inspections were skipped or improperly done

• A cargo shipper, if the truck was overloaded or unbalanced

• A government entity or road contractor, if hazards like debris or potholes were left on the road

A detailed investigation can get to the bottom of what caused the tire blowout. Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts and industry professionals to determine what happened and who should be held accountable.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Crash?

If a tire blowout led to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both financial and emotional harm. This could include medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent injury, damages may also reflect long-term care costs or loss of future earning capacity.

Contact a Comal County, TX Truck Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a truck crash caused by a tire blowout, you do not have to handle it alone. Contact a Guadalupe County, TX truck accident attorney at The Bettersworth Law Firm who will fight to hold the right parties accountable. Our firm intentionally limits the number of cases we take so that our clients can work directly with an experienced attorney who gives them the full attention they deserve. We are aggressive in pursuing fair compensation and will not hesitate to go to trial if the trucking company or its insurer refuses to negotiate. Call us at 830-606-0404 today to schedule a free consultation.