No, road gators are not alligators that have made their way into the roadway.
What are Road Gators?
Road gators are tires, tire chunks, or tire shreds that have come off of vehicles during a tire blowout and ended up in the middle or side of the road. These are typically seen when driving on the highway and occur for several reasons. Here is what you should know about road gators.
Common Causes of Road Gators
While all types of vehicles can blow a tire, trucks and commercial vehicles are far more likely to, given the daily wear and tear they experience. The following factors typically cause tire blowouts:
- Improper tire inflation - both over and underinflation can lead to tire blowouts
- Defective or worn-out tires
- Overloaded vehicles
The Dangers of Road Gators
Road gators present serious hazards to the driver experiencing a tire blowout and other drivers on the road.
Dangers to the Driver
When a driver’s tire or tires blow out, they are likely to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in a jackknife, rollover, or 2-vehicle accident. As with any truck-related accident, injuries and fatalities are likely to occur.
Dangers to Other Drivers on the Road
Whether a road gator is airborne, having just flown off of another vehicle, or if it is lying on the road, numerous dangers are present. Keep in mind that most road gators are seen on the highway, and as such, unsuspecting drivers are usually driving at high speeds when they encounter them, resulting in the following:
- High-Speed Swerving: Swerving at high speeds is extremely dangerous and often results in an accident.
- Vehicle Damage: Whether the road gator hits a driver’s windshield as it flies off the truck or if one gets run over and destroys another vehicle's undercarriage, vehicle damage is almost guaranteed, and accidents are likely to occur.
Injured? Your Fight is Our Fight.
If you, a family member, or a friend has been injured due to a road gator that was dangerously left in the road, you deserve justice. Contacting an experienced lawyer as soon as possible is crucial as there is a 2-year statute of limitations to file a claim for your personal injury case in Texas.
With over 17 years of legal experience handling car accident cases, you can trust that the team at Jeff Chandler Law has the experience and skill necessary to seek the compensation you deserve.
To schedule your free case evaluation with our personal injury attorneys in San Angelo, please contact us online or call us today at (325) 309-5846. Se habla Español.