Unsafe Tires and Winter Weather Make Truck Accidents More Likely

This is not the new math. It’s as old as commercial trucks and tires, which started traveling the roads in the early 1900s. If a commercial truck strikes your vehicle (especially if the roads are slick), unsafe, worn tires may be to blame. Using overly-worn tires and not replacing them is good evidence of negligence.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a family member are injured in a Kentucky truck accident. Contact Satterley & Kelley PLLC online or by telephone at 855-385-9532 to schedule your free initial consultation.

A Perfectly Functional Truck and an Experienced Driver May Not Prevent an Accident Caused by Unsafe Tires

Commercial trucks crisscross our state’s and nation’s highways daily, transporting goods to their destinations. These massive vehicles play a crucial role in keeping our economy moving. But a potential danger lurks beneath them – worn-out tires. In adverse weather conditions such as rain, ice, or snow, they can be a ticking time bomb, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Tire treads are designed to provide traction and grip on the road surface, especially in wet or snowy conditions. Over time, tires rack up miles, and their treads wear down. Worn tires make bad driving situations worse.

Slip Sliding Away

The reduced tread depth diminishes the tire’s ability to push water and snow away, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning. This occurs when a layer of water lies between the tire and the road, so the truck isn’t traveling on pavement but on water. This lost contact with the pavement and lack of traction can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially causing a catastrophic accident.

In icy conditions, worn commercial truck tires struggle to grip slippery surfaces, making it challenging for drivers to navigate safely. Even with the best anti-lock braking systems and traction control, the compromised traction from worn tires increases the stopping distance. It makes it difficult for drivers to respond effectively to sudden changes on the road. They may be unable to avoid accidents and strike what’s in front of them or cause a jackknife accident.

Regular maintenance and inspections are required to reduce the risks of worn commercial truck tires. Trucking companies and drivers should adhere to recommended tire replacement schedules and monitor tread depth closely. Investing in quality tires with deep treads designed for all-weather conditions can significantly enhance safety on the road.

Truck Tires and Negligence

Unless there’s evidence of an intentional act, personal injury cases (like those involving car and truck accidents) are based on the negligence legal theory. You, the plaintiff (the injured party filing the lawsuit), have the burden of showing that the defendant(s) (the party or parties being sued) was/were negligent in causing the accident and resulting injuries.

To do that, the plaintiff must establish:

• There was a relationship between the parties: you shared the road with the truck and driver at the time and place in question
• The defendant(s) owed you a duty of care because of that relationship: the driver had to drive reasonably safely in a reasonably safe commercial truck provided by the trucking company
• The defendant breached or violated that duty of care: The driver failed to do a safety inspection before driving the truck, did one but didn’t look at the tires, or looked at the tires and ignored how dangerously worn they were. The trucking company wasn’t regularly inspecting the truck, or if it did, its employee failed to look at the tires or looked at them and reported they should be replaced, but the company refused
• That breach of duty is the factual and legal (or proximate) cause of the crash and your injuries (physical, psychological, emotional, and financial harm, known as damages, which includes what happened in the past and what’s reasonably expected to happen in the future)
• Under Kentucky law, the defendant(s) must compensate you for your damages

Each case is based on its unique facts and evidence. One of our most critical services is investigating our clients’ accidents. We gather evidence of what happened and why and base our decisions on what we find.

Accident victims lack the knowledge, resources, and expertise to do their investigations. Without this crucial step, you may miss additional defendants who are potential compensation sources and accept a settlement offer that’s far less than what your case is worth.

Speak To A Kentucky Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC, helps truck accident victims handle legal matters that may provide them compensation for their injuries. Put boots on the ground with help from our attorneys. Schedule a free initial consultation at our Louisville office by calling 855-385-9532 or completing our contact form today.