PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — An 18-wheeler driver had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment of severe injuries May 17 after a tire on his big rig failed.
According to a witness interviewed by local authorities, the semi’s front left tire blew out at about 1 p.m. while the vehicle was in the outside lane of the interstate. The blowout caused the semi to travel into the center lane and strike the right rear of a Land O’Lakes Recycling truck. The semi then traveled back onto the outside shoulder, and the cab rotated, causing the vehicle to jackknife before overturning on its side.
First responders flew the semi driver to an area hospital with “incapacitating injuries.’ The recycling truck driver was transported to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel by ground ambulance with possible injuries.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing. No additional information was immediately available, including the names of the victims.
I am grateful to learn that the semi’s driver survived this horrific accident, and no other victims were seriously injured or killed. Specializing in tire defect litigation, my law firm is called by attorneys across the nation to investigate cases where their clients have been injured due to a sudden loss of tire pressure. Unfortunately, over the past few years, we have seen an alarming number of these cases occurring on big rigs, often leading to catastrophic results.
This is a serious issue. As shown in this crash, when a truck’s steer tire fails at highway speeds, the driver’s control over the vehicle is curtailed, and the truck destroys everything in its path. The injured victims need to have this case investigated to determine if they are entitled to recover against the tire manufacturer. If this tire failed due to a design defect, similarly situated tires must be removed from our roadways as soon as possible. Additionally, to ensure an accurate investigation can be conducted, it is important that the tire and all remaining tread pieces are preserved.
Until then, I pray the victims can make a full and speedy recovery and begin moving forward as soon as possible
