Did a Defective Tire Cause Your Car Accident?

 Posted on September 21, 2021 in Car Accident

Not only does a vehicle get its passengers from one location to another, but it also acts as a form of protection against other vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, in some cases, a vehicle’s components may put its passengers at risk. Tires are a key factor in vehicle performance, and when tires fail, catastrophic accidents can occur. Understanding how tire blowouts are caused and who may be responsible for the blowout can help injury victims start to recover from these accidents.

What Causes Tire Blowouts?

Many tire blowouts are a result of hazardous road conditions. When potholes are present on roadways, tire blowouts are much more likely to occur. Other hazards that may create cuts or small punctures in the tire exist on all roadways, and it is the driver’s responsibility to monitor their tire’s tread for damage. It is also critical for a driver to monitor their tire pressure. It is not uncommon for tire blowouts to occur due to the tires being overinflated or underinflated.

In some cases, tires are sold after they have spent a considerable amount of time on shelves, making them much older than buyers assume. Additionally, high speeds and aggressive braking can lead to tires weakening at a quicker rate. Driving at high speeds can also lead to tread separating from the tire, often leading to severe accidents.

Who is Responsible for Damages Resulting from Tire Blowouts?

In the event that a tire blowout accident leads to serious injuries, responsibility must be determined in order for victims to recover compensation.

It is possible for tire blowouts to occur due to poor design or manufacturing. Manufacturing companies may try to cut corners to save money or time, or they may simply overlook a flaw or risk in the manufacturing process. A negligent manufacturer can be held liable in the event that a defective tire causes an accident and injuries.

Alternatively, the driver of the vehicle that had the blowout may be found at fault if they failed to keep their tires properly maintained. If a tire blowout causes an accident resulting in injuries to passengers or occupants of other vehicles, these injury victims may have a negligence claim against the driver.

Contact Our Fort Collins Personal Injury Attorney Today

Establishing the cause of a tire blowout and determining liability can be a challenging and complex issue. On top of the physical recovery after an accident, it can seem like a burdensome decision to pursue a personal injury claim. However, at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our Larimer County personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process and fight for any damages you may be entitled to. Call 970-225-2190 today to set up a free consultation and learn how we can help.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/tires

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=073500050HArt.+II+Pt.+21&ActID=2017&ChapterID=56&SeqStart=20700000&SeqEnd=21800000