Tire Blowout

Tire problems contribute to a surprisingly large amount of car accidents in the United States. According to information compiled in a National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey, which examined 5,470 crashes, nine percent of the accidents involved tire problems during the pre-crash phase, which may have contributed to the wreck.

Although many consumers may be well aware of the dangers associated with driving on defective tires, tire blowout should be of equal concern, as it can occur at any time on the road and without warning. Proper preparation and diligence though can you ensure that this catastrophe does not happen.

What is tire blowout?

Tire blowout is a phenomenon that occurs when an air escapes from the tires, either slowly or all at once. As the pressure in the entire decreases, the rubber is then forced to overcompensate, creating a greater amount of friction between the tire and the road. This subsequently leads to the tire overheating, which causes the internal structure of the tire to become compromised, ultimately ending in a blowout.

Cars overloaded with more weight than the tires can carry or by the existence of unknown punctures in tires that slowly allow air to escape commonly cause blowouts. Tire blowout can also be attributed to old or immediate impact damage.

How to avoid tire blowout?

Accidents caused by tire blowout can often lead to devastating personal injuries to both the driver and passengers, and may even lead to death. It is imperative that all drivers take the necessary steps to reduce the possibility of blowing out a tire.

In order to prevent a tire blowout, National Tire & Battery has provided specific measures a driver can take to ensure their safety on the road, which include:

• regularly checking tire pressure and inflating tires when the pressure is below desired levels;
• regularly inspecting tires to make sure that they are free of any defects and that their structural integrity is still sound; and
• avoiding any hazards on the road that could puncture the tire and lead to a tire blowout. 

In some cases, a tire blowout may still occur despite valiant prevention efforts.

In the event of a tire blowout, National Tire & Battery recommends that a driver:

• keep pressure on the accelerator, so that the vehicle maintains momentum moving forward; and
• steer in the opposite direction that the car is pulling.

The main goal after a tire blowout is to regain control of the vehicle. Once a driver has control of the car, he or she should pull over to the shoulder of the road or another safe area.

Contact a Defective Tire Lawyer

In some cases a tire blowout may be an unfortunate and unavoidable accident. In others though, a defective tire could have been the underlying cause. If you have been seriously injured in a tire blowout accident from a defective tire, contact the attorneys at Chalik & Chalik. We have experience working with clients harmed in similar situations, and will work to hold the responsible parties liable. Call us today at 855-529-0269 to begin.