Semi Tractor Trailer Accident Caused by Tire Blowout
Understanding New Mexico Law and Federal Regulations After a Tire Blowout Accident
One of the most obvious things about a semi tractor trailer is its wheels. Also known as an 18 wheelers, the wheels on a large commercial truck are vital to delivery. Not only do wheels help the truck move and go forward or backwards, but the wheels also serve to help stop the truck, distribute weight, and other important factors in operating a commercial vehicle. While most trucking companies and truck drivers take good care of the wheels of their semi, unfortunately some trucking companies cut corners to save money. This can result in a semi tractor trailer accident caused by a tire blowout in New Mexico.
Here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced Albuquerque semi tractor trailer accident lawyers know how dangerous it can be for a tire blowout in New Mexico. Victims can be seriously injured when a large big rig loses a tire and becomes an unguided missile on our roadways. Victims can sustain serious personal injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, broken bones, and other disabling personal harm. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a New Mexico semi tractor trailer accident caused by a tire blowout, call for a FREE consultation.
What is New Mexico Law and Tire Maintenance
All motorists, whether you drive a large truck, small motorcycle, or anything in between must make sure to keep their motor vehicles in safe operating condition. This means checking all tires for defects. Defects in a tire can be dangerous. A defect in a tire can be dangerous because it can cause a driver to lose control, spray shrapnel from a broken tire on the highway, or cause other dangerous conditions on the roadway.
This is why New Mexico law requires all motorists to keep their motor vehicle, and their tires, in safe, operating shape. The failure to keep a vehicle and its tires in a safe, operating condition but still using the vehicle could result in liability for personal injuries if a tire blows outs and harms another innocent person. This is known as negligence and allows a victim to recover compensation.
Federal Regulations for Tire Maintenance: Applicable in New Mexico
Not only do motorists such as truck drivers have to comply with New Mexico law, but all commercial drivers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Under these regulations, strict obligations are imposed on all truck drivers and trucking carriers. The most common and vast area of FMCSA regulations govern tires. The FMCSA regulations apply in New Mexico no matter where the truck originates from or is going to—even if neither are in New Mexico, so long as the truck is in New Mexico on our highways the truck driver must comply.
Under FMCSA regulation governing tires, which is 49 CFR section 293.75 (a):
(a) No motor vehicle shall be operated on any tire that –
(1) Has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall,
(2) Has any tread or sidewall separation,
(3) Is flat or has an audible leak, or
(4) Has a cut to the extent that the ply or belt material is exposed.
Were You Injured in a Trucking Accident Due to a Violation of New Mexico or Federal Regulations? We Can Help After an Accident Caused by Tire Blowout
If you or a loved one were injured in a serious semi tractor trailer accident caused by a tire blowout in New Mexico, call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for a FREE consultation to learn what your legal rights are under our state’s laws. Our experienced Albuquerque trucking accident lawyers are waiting to help you and your family recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
We handle cases throughout New Mexico, including in Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Roswell, Farmington, Hobbs, Lordsburg, or anywhere else in the state, including Albuquerque where our law office is located. Call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. by dialing (505) 883-5000 to learn how we can help. You can also contact us on our website through the easy to use and convenient Contact box located by clicking here.
