Who Is at Fault for a Tire Blowout?

Who Is at Fault for a Tire Blowout
Tire blowouts are, unfortunately, an everyday occurrence. However, that does not make them any less severe or scary. A tire blowout can lead to a devastating accident with damaging injuries. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Association reported 664 traffic fatalities in 2020 were due to tire-related accidents. A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of their car and collide with other vehicles or with stationary objects. A tire blowout on a commercial truck can be especially catastrophic. If you or a loved one were involved in a tire blowout accident, you might be entitled to compensation from one or more liable parties. At Hartley Law Firm, we have years of experience advocating for accident victims. Contact us today to begin investigating your potential tire liability claim.  

What Is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout occurs when a car or truck tire explodes while the vehicle is being driven, and all the air pressure escapes quickly. It is a common misconception that blowouts are caused by too much air pressure when they are actually caused by the tire pressure being too low. A tire without an adequate level of inflation will over-flex and overheat, causing the rubber to separate from the steel belt inside the tire. 

Tire Blowout Liability

If your tire exploded while driving, it might be bad luck or unfortunate circumstances. However, it may be much more than that. If you prove the tire was defective or improperly installed, you might be able to bring a tire blowout liability claim against the manufacturer or installer to recover damages. 

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts

There are many ways a tire blowout can occur, but there are several common causes.

Tread Separation Material Defect

One of the leading causes of tire blowouts is defective treads. Tires are made by compiling several layers of rubber together. If one or more layers are faulty or misplaced, it can lead to tread separation. Defective adhesive is another common cause of tread separation. These flaws can lead to the layers of rubber becoming separated while driving. Notably, tire manufacturing must take place under certain environmental conditions. For instance, if there is too much moisture, it can damage the integrity of the tire. It is relatively common to hear about tire recalls affecting millions of tires nationwide. These recalls are due in large part to defective tread manufacturing.  

Flawed Design 

The faulty or flawed design of a tire can be a significant cause of tire blowouts. If the tire manufacturer sells tires made from defective material, it could put the tire at risk of exploding. 

Low Air Pressure 

Low air pressure in tires can lead to tire blowouts. As a driver and operator of a motor vehicle, it is essential to monitor your vehicle’s tire pressure to avoid blowouts. Most cars are now equipped with tire pressure sensors to alert drivers to low tire pressure. If the pressure drops below a safe level, an alarm light or sound will notify the driver. However, if the warning light fails or malfunctions, the vehicle manufacturer may also be liable for injuries caused by the tire explosion. 

Improper Installation

Sometimes the tire installer is responsible for a blowout. If a mechanic installs a tire improperly or installs one not designed for your specific vehicle, it could lead to blowouts. 

Other Contributing Factors

In addition to defects, there are several other factors that may contribute to a tire blowout, including:

  • Inclement weather;
  • Poor road conditions, such as unrepaired potholes;
  • Overweight cargo; and
  • Running over objects, such as nails and glass.

These factors can further weaken faulty tires and lead to a tire exploding. 

Who May Be Liable?

Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding a tire blowout, several parties may be liable for damages, including the following:

  • Tire manufacturer,
  • Tire installer,
  • Trucking company,
  • Truck driver,
  • Mechanic, and
  • Cargo company.

Every situation is unique, and the circumstances surrounding your accident will dictate who might be liable. Often, it is best to pursue a claim against multiple parties. A thorough investigation will shed light on who is responsible for your injuries. 

Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Tire Blowout Liability Claim?

While there is no law requiring you to hire a lawyer to pursue a product liability claim, it is always best to have legal counsel when you are considering filing any personal injury lawsuit. Product liability claims involve extensive investigation, lengthy discovery, and complex litigation. Several parties may be responsible for the tire explosion, and identifying who is at fault can be complicated. Hiring an experienced attorney who is familiar with the investigation and claim filing processes can help your claim succeed. 

Tire Blowout Car Crash Attorney

If you suffered an injury because your tire suddenly burst, or if someone collided with you because their tire exploded, you may be entitled to compensation. At Hartley Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping accident victims fight for the damages they deserve. If someone’s negligence is responsible for your injuries, we can help you hold them accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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