Reasons For Tire Blowout Accidents and Who Is Liable

 Posted on January 05, 2024 in Car Accident

A motor vehicle accident as the result of a blown-out tire can occur at any time while on the road. The best thing you can do when this happens is to remain calm, keep steering true, and allow the car to slow itself until it is safe to put pressure on the brakes. Understanding what to do in the situation is important. What else is important is understanding how you got into this situation in the first place. Blowing out a tire can lead to potential injuries and knowing who is liable when that occurs can help when seeking compensation. For additional help in these legal matters, it is a great idea to consult a local personal injury lawyer.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

An underinflated tire is the most common reason for a blowout accident. When a tire falls below or above the recommended pressure, it can cause serious complications while out on the road. Strain is placed on the tires which causes them to overheat and lose structural integrity which can result in a blown tire.

It is important for a driver to regularly check their vehicle’s tire pressure. A slow leak that goes undetected is likely to result in a blowout. If the result of the blown tire is due to a driver’s neglect of routine maintenance, then they may be held liable for any accident that occurs.

Overloaded/Overburdened

Driving on tires with a larger-than-recommended load can increase the chance of a blown tire. A damaged, underinflated tire or one that has gone for long distances while carrying more weight than is recommended will further increase this possibility. Tires come with a specified load weight which they can support safely while driving. A driver carrying more weight on their tires than they can handle can be found liable for any accident or collision that takes place.

Road Debris and Conditions

Physical objects that drop off a vehicle can easily puncture a tire and cause a blowout. The same can be said for a tire driving in poor road conditions and hitting something like a pothole. The liability for the first example may fall onto the driver whose vehicle lost its contents causing another driver to have an accident. In the second example, the local government may shoulder the liability if they were aware of the road conditions but neglected to repair or warn drivers of the danger.

Defective Product

Defects do occur and can be difficult to detect. That is why it is important to have regular inspections and maintenance performed to help discover any abnormalities or possible future complications with your tires. Manufacturers do not advertise defects so even tires that seem healthy may contain hidden defects that could lead to a blown tire. If you can prove the manufacturer is at fault for the blown tire then they may be liable for any collision, accident, or injuries that come as a result.

Contact a Larimer County, CO Personal Injury Attorney

Suffering personal injuries through no fault of your own demands compensation. To achieve it will require knowledge that only an experienced Fort Collins, CO motor vehicle accident lawyer can provide. Contact the Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. at 970-225-2190 for assistance concerning personal injury liability following a car or truck accident.