Catastrophic Trucking Litigation

Tire Blowouts Are Preventable — and Deadly.

Reviewed by Jason Hicks on May 10, 2026|Last Updated: May 10, 2026

A tire blowout on a fully loaded semi-truck can cause the driver to lose control, cross the median, or shed tire debris that strikes other vehicles. Proper inspection and maintenance prevent blowouts.

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Catastrophic Trucking Litigation

A tire blowout on a fully loaded semi-truck can cause the driver to lose control, cross the median, or shed tire debris that strikes other vehicles. Proper inspection and maintenance prevent blowouts.

Proof track

Tires below minimum tread depth are prone to blowout, especially in wet or hot conditions.

Federal regulations prohibit retreaded tires on the front steer axle.

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01

Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts

  • Under-Inflation: The leading cause of tire blowouts. Under-inflated tires generate excessive heat, weakening the tire structure until it fails catastrophically.
  • Overloading: Exceeding the tire's load rating increases stress and heat beyond design limits.
  • Worn Tread: Tires below the minimum 2/32" tread depth (4/32" for steer tires) are prone to hydroplaning and blowout.
  • Retread Failure: Retreaded tires can experience tread separation, shedding large pieces of rubber on the highway.
  • Age and Weathering: Tires degrade over time from UV exposure and ozone. Old tires are more prone to failure regardless of tread depth.
  • Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, and curb strikes can cause internal damage that leads to delayed blowout.

02

Evidence in Tire Blowout Cases

  • Failed Tire: The physical tire must be preserved for expert examination — tread depth measurement, internal inspection, age dating, and determination of failure mode.
  • Tire Maintenance Records: Purchase records, rotation records, and inflation checks.
  • Pre-Trip Inspection Logs: Did the driver document tire condition in the pre-trip inspection?
  • CVSA Inspection History: Prior roadside inspections that documented tire violations on the same vehicle.
⚠️ Time-CriticalThe failed tire and the vehicle must be preserved immediately. If the carrier replaces the tire or disposes of the debris, the physical evidence is gone forever.

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Common Questions

Is a tire blowout always the driver's fault?

Not necessarily. Liability may fall on the carrier (for failing to maintain tires), the maintenance provider (for negligent inspections), or the tire manufacturer (for defective products). We investigate the full chain of responsibility.