Car Accidents Caused by Tire Failure/Blowout

A tire blowout can be a terrifying experience. You hear a loud noise, almost an explosion, and suddenly you completely lose control of your vehicle. Tire blowouts commonly lead to serious accidents, whether the vehicle runs into a divider, a telephone pole, or another car on the road. Read on to learn about tire blowout accidents and who can be held liable. If you or a loved one suffers injury in a tire failure accident, call an experienced Dallas car accident attorney for assistance.

What Happens When a Tire “Blows Out”?

A tire blowout accident occurs when a tire takes so much damage that it loses all its air at once, known as “blowing out.” When a tire blows out while a driver is actively driving the vehicle, the car is likely to suddenly become extremely difficult to control. Drivers are apt to swerve into objects or other cars, or to reflexively slam the brakes. Blown tires render it nearly impossible to operate a vehicle safely, and an accident is extremely likely unless there are no other cars or hazards around.

What Causes a Tire Blowout?

Tire failures can occur for a number of reasons. Some of the most common contributing factors to tire blowout include:

• Manufacturer defect. Tires are designed to take significant punishment and carry heavy loads without rupturing. If a tire is defectively designed, or if an error was introduced during the manufacturing process, defective tires are at a much higher risk of a blowout. Defects might include a foreign object lodged in the tire during manufacturing, a design leaving a tire wall too thin, or poor bonding between the tire’s constituent parts.
• Underinflation. Tire blowouts most commonly occur when there is insufficient air in the tire. Tires should be kept inflated to manufacturer specifications.
• Minor punctures. Small holes in the tire can leak air until the tires become underinflated, at which point the tires are at much higher risk for a blowout.
• Potholes. Blowouts can occur when a tire hits a pothole, especially when the pothole has sharp edges causing a tire puncture. Even without an additional puncture, the sudden shift in pressure on the tire can lead to a blowout.
• Excessive load. A vehicle loaded with too much weight can put more pressure on the tires than they are designed to bear for a given vehicle type, increasing the risk of a blowout.

Depending on the cause of the tire blowout, various parties may be liable. If another driver’s tire blows out because they failed to properly maintain their vehicle, that driver is liable for any injury they cause you. If you experience a blowout because your tire was designed or manufactured defectively, you have the right to hold your auto and/or tire manufacturer liable for putting your life and your family at risk. The zealous auto accident injury attorneys at the Turley Law Firm are ready to take on whoever is responsible for your tire blowout injuries, whether they are negligent drivers, insurance companies, or the biggest auto manufacturers.
If you or a family member has been injured in a Texas car accident, please contact the Turley Law Firm online or call 214-691-4025 or email turley@wturley.com today to schedule your free consultation. Our seasoned Dallas attorneys serve clients throughout Texas and multiple Southern and Southwestern states.