A tire blowout can cause a sudden car accident. The vehicle with the tire blowout may swerve and hit other vehicles, causing them to roll over. Cars trying to avoid the tire debris may brake suddenly and cause a rear-end accident chain reaction as the cars behind them have no choice but to run into the cars in front. Liability for a tire blowout accident can be more complicated than a regular car accident because, in addition to driver negligence, there is a chance that a defective product may have had a role in what happened.
If you have been injured in a tire blowout accident, it may not be immediately apparent who is liable. A lawyer can investigate what happened and bring a claim against the responsible party. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve obtaining driving records, maintenance logs, and the testimony of experts.
What Causes a Tire Blowout Accident?
A tire blowout happens when the tire bursts and then rapidly loses air pressure. Tires need to be adequately maintained or they can deteriorate to the point of blowing out while the vehicle is being driven. Failure to regularly check tires and perform the necessary maintenance is negligence on the driver’s part. Tires must be inspected periodically to see that the treads are not worn down, the tire pressure is correct, and that there are no nicks or scrapes that could affect tire performance. Drivers also have the responsibility to use the right tires for the vehicle they are using. Tires should fit properly and be able to bear the load the vehicle was designed to carry.
Despite good care, a tire may blow out due to poor road conditions. Roads are usually maintained by local and state authorities responsible for their repair and safety. Potholes and rough surfaces that damage tires can cause a tire blowout accident.
Manufacturing defects can also cause tire blowout accidents. Occasionally, tires with defects are recalled by the manufacturer, and then it is up to the vehicle owner to respond and have the tires replaced. If the installation of the tires is not done correctly, the installer may be liable for any resulting accidents.
Injuries Caused by Tire Blowout Accidents
Tire-related crashes cause hundreds of preventable deaths and injuries every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire-related accidents are more likely to result in vehicles rolling over than other crashes. Rollovers raise the risk that the occupants will suffer serious injuries or fatalities.
Common injuries from tire blowout accidents include:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Crushing injuries such as internal organ damage
- Cuts and lacerations
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Contact a Mount Holly Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman for Help After a Tire Blowout Accident
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a tire blowout, determining liability can be challenging. For legal help, contact a Mount Holly car accident lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman. Call 856-751-2345 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we represent injured clients in Burlington County and the surrounding areas.