Although the vast majority of truck accidents are the result of driver error, there is still a significant portion caused by problems with the vehicles themselves. One of the most common vehicular issues that leads to truck accidents is poor tire condition and tire failure.

The following are some of the most common causes of tire failure:

• Tire defects. Tires could be defective as soon as they’re made by the manufacturer, which would make them liable, or distributors could knowingly sell tires proven to be defective. Trucking companies are expected to regularly check recall lists to make sure that they are not using defective tires in their operations.
• Lack of proper tire maintenance. Trucking companies might fail to meet minimum tread depth requirements mandated by the Department of Transportation, or could mix radial and bias tires on the same axle. They might also mount tires that are mismatched due to size or amount of wear, which could cause safety issues.
• Failure to inspect tires before a trip. Truck drivers are expected to do a full check of the vehicle before they go on a trip. These inspections should include the tires and feature elements like checking the tire pressure, looking for tire deterioration or tread damage, air leakage and more.

If the tires were not defective, then the trucking company itself could be liable for poor maintenance or inspections. To learn more about what to do after a truck accident in the Atlanta area, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at McMenamy Law, LLC.