A tire blowout can cause a devastating accident if an 18-wheeler is involved.
Semi-Truck Tire Blowout Shuts Down I-35 on San Antonio’s South Side
According to a report from News4SanAntonio, a major accident involving an 18-wheeler shut down Interstate 35 on the South Side early Thursday morning.¹
Police say the crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12th, on the southbound lanes of I-35 near Somerset Road on the Southwest Side.
Authorities reported that the 18-wheeler was traveling northbound when one of its tires blew out. The sudden failure caused the driver to lose control of the truck. The vehicle swerved into the grassy median and struck an overpass sign, knocking it down across the highway.
No injuries were reported, but the highway remained closed for several hours while crews cleared debris and removed the damaged sign.
Did You Know?
Defective or slick tires contributed to 3,975 crashes across Texas in 2024, according to data from the Texas Department of Transportation.²
What to Do If a Semi-Truck Tire Blowout Causes a Crash
When a tire blows out on an 18-wheeler, the situation can become dangerous very quickly. Commercial trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and a sudden tire failure can make the vehicle extremely difficult to control.
A blowout can cause a truck to swerve across lanes, enter a median, or strike roadside structures. In some cases, large pieces of tire debris may scatter across the roadway, creating hazards for nearby drivers.
Why Tire Blowouts Are Especially Dangerous on Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks operate under intense mechanical stress. Their tires must carry heavy loads, travel long distances, and withstand high temperatures generated during highway driving.
When a tire fails, the driver may experience an immediate loss of stability. The truck may:
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Pull sharply to one side
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Drift across multiple lanes of traffic
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Strike guardrails, barriers, or road signs
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Scatter large tire fragments into surrounding lanes
Because trucks require longer distances to slow down and stop, drivers may have very little time to regain control after a blowout occurs.
What Causes Truck Tire Blowouts?
While some tire failures occur suddenly, many blowouts are linked to preventable maintenance or equipment problems.
Common causes include:
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Worn or damaged tires
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Improper tire pressure
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Overloaded cargo
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Inadequate vehicle inspections
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Road hazards or debris
Federal safety regulations require trucking companies to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to reduce the risk of tire failures.
Who May Be Responsible After a Blowout Crash?
When a semi-truck tire fails and causes a crash, investigators often examine several possible sources of responsibility.
Depending on the circumstances, liability may involve:
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The truck driver
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The trucking company responsible for maintenance
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A company that improperly loaded cargo
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A manufacturer that produced a defective tire
Determining what caused the tire failure is a critical part of evaluating a potential injury claim.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Truck Blowout Accident
If you are involved in a crash caused by a truck tire blowout, taking the right steps immediately afterward helps protect both your safety and your legal rights.
Important steps include:
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Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately
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Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible
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Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and debris
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Collect contact information from witnesses
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Avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding your legal rights
Truck accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and complex investigations.
Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident? Call Shaw.
If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
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Medical bills and hospital care
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Pain, suffering, and long-term injuries
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Lost wages during recovery
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And more.
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.