Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are a specific type of vehicle equipment malfunction that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cause approximately 78,000 motor vehicle accidents each year in the U.S. These tire blowout accidents reportedly result in more than 10,000 severe injuries and more than 400 car accident deaths annually. Tire blowouts are dangerous because they can cause the driver of a vehicle to lose control of the car, which increases the likelihood that the driver will collide with another vehicle, a roadway median or another object. Tire blowouts can be especially catastrophic and result in serious injuries when any of the following factors also plays a role in the accident:

• The vehicle is going at a high speed when its tire blows out.
• The tire blowout occurs in conjunction with another equipment malfunction (such as the brakes not working properly).
• The vehicle that sustains a tire blowout is a large truck, semi or 18 wheeler (as these vehicles only need to be going at minimal speeds to cause serious damage due to their significant weights).
• There is a lot of traffic on the road when the tire blowout occurs, which can increase the likelihood of a multiple vehicle collision.

Tire Blowout Causes

Some of the factors that can contribute to dangerous tire blowouts include (but are not limited to):

• Potholes or missing manhole overs
• Sharp debris, such as glass or parts of other vehicles, in the roadways that can create large cuts in tires and lead to a quick loss of tire pressure (Small punctures to tires can also lead to blowouts as tire pressure slowly diminishes over time.)
• Overloading vehicles with excessive weight
• Failing to properly maintain tires by regularly checking tire pressure and adding air when necessary
• Defective tire design and assembly, which can increase the likelihood of tire detreading (also known as tire separation)

The party that can be held legally liable for victims’ injuries and damages will depend on the exact cause of the tire blowout. For example, when dangerous road conditions result in tire blowouts, the city or county responsible for the upkeep of the roads can be held liable; alternately, if a defective tire design has caused the tire blowout accident, then the manufacturer of the tire will most likely be the liable party.

At the law firm of Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., our experienced Mount Vernon car accident lawyers have been providing client-centered representation to our Southern Illinois clients since 1950. Our trusted attorneys focus on our clients’ needs, and we do everything we can to help them get the maximum possible compensation for their injuries so they can focus on recovery and moving on with their life. If you or a loved one has sustained any type of injury due to a tire blowout accident, contact us by calling (800)-553-3125 for a free, thorough assessment of your case, along with professional advice regarding the best manner in which to move forward.