The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that tire blowouts were responsible for 78,392 crashes, 10,275 injuries, and 414 deaths per year before tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) were installed in vehicles. While these numbers have declined significantly with more advanced technology, in a random sampling of crashes, tire issues were cited as critical events that led to nine percent of motor vehicle accidents.
If you were injured in this type of accident, a McAllen accident caused by tire blowout lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins may investigate your claim and review the circumstances to determine if you are eligible to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. Our car accident lawyers can handle your entire case while you rest.
Potential Compensation After a Car Accident Involving a Tire Blowout
Your car accident losses may warrant a variety of compensation, including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
Many Factors Can Lead to Tire Blowouts
There are many reasons for tire blowouts, including the following:
- Lack of tread: The NHTSA reported that when tires had a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or less, vehicles experienced tire problems before the crash three times more often than vehicles that had more tread.
- Underinflated tires: Tires that do not have enough air, according to the specifications of their manufacturers, are a leading cause of tire problems.
- Overinflated tires: Tires that have too much air may put additional stress on the tire and make it more likely to blow out.
- Age: Some drivers may avoid replacing their tires due to the cost involved. However, the NHTSA explains that the rubber in tires breaks down over time, which may compromise the tire’s integrity in an indetectable manner. Some tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires six to 10 years old, regardless of tread depth.
- Too much weight: Trucks or cars with too much weight on them may cause the tire to blow out under the pressure of the excess weight.
- Mechanical issues: Some mechanical issues, such as a misalignment or worn suspension, may cause tiers to wear rapidly.
- Weather: Tires lose pressure when it is cold. Heat accelerates the breakdown of rubber. Heat can also increase the pressure in tires so that they become overinflated and cause a blowout.
- Road hazards: Potholes, cracks in the pavement, or debris on the roadway can cause damage to tires, potentially leading to a blowout.
- Defects: Sometimes, a tire blowout is caused by a manufacturing or design defect.
Because there are so many potential causes of tire blowouts, it can be helpful to have a McAllen accident caused by a tire blowout lawyer assist you. They may be able to investigate how the accident happened and who might be liable for your damages
Dangers of Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can be dangerous. If a tire blows out, it may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially causing them to crash into another vehicle. It can also cause tread separation, which might enter the roadway and damage other vehicles.
For a free legal consultation with a Tire Blowout Accidents lawyer serving McAllen, call 877-239-4878
Texas Tire Laws Mandate All Drivers Must Upkeep Safe Tire Conditions
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) states that all vehicles must have tires “in proper and safe condition with a minimum depth of 2/32 of an inch.”
The TxDPS further notes that old or worn tires with minimal or damaged tread can be dangerous. It directs drivers who have a flat tire or blowout to take the following steps:
- Do not apply the brakes suddenly or hard.
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal.
- Gently apply the brakes.
- Steer straight ahead to a stop.
McAllen Tire Blowout Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
We Can Help Determine Liability in Tire Blowout Cases
After a tire blowout, you may have sustained significant damages, including vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Before you can recover any compensation, you must legally establish who is liable for your accident. Some parties who may be held responsible for tire blowout accidents include:
- The driver: Drivers are responsible for checking that their vehicles do not pose a hazard to others.
- The vehicle’s owner: If the driver was not the vehicle’s owner, the vehicle owner may ultimately be responsible for the accident. Vehicle owners are responsible for regularly maintaining their vehicles, including components like tires. They should regularly check tire pressure, tread wear, and alignment so that they can promptly correct any discovered issues. If they fail to take care of their vehicle, they may be held responsible for any resulting accident caused by mechanical failure.
- The trucking company: Many tire blowout accidents involve commercial trucks. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that trucks operate safely and may be held liable if a tire blowout occurs.
- The mechanic: In some situations, a mechanic or the company responsible for maintaining vehicles may be at fault for a blowout if they negligently repaired the vehicle.
- The tire manufacturer: If the tire was defective due to a manufacturing error, the tire manufacturer may be held responsible for the tire blowout.
- The government: If a road hazard caused the accident, the governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway may be to blame.
Contact our McAllen Tire Blowout Accident Attorneys today
How Our Car Accident Team Can Help
In tire blowout cases, it can be an arduous process to determine who is liable for an accident. However, if a personal injury attorney can preserve the evidence and obtain the tire that was involved in the blowout, they may be able to determine the cause of the accident by having the tire analyzed by an expert. This analysis may determine that the tread was deeply worn and the tire should have been replaced or that a manufacturing defect was present.
Sometimes, an investigator or accident reconstructionist may need to be brought in to explain how the accident was caused, such as if there was a road hazard or the vehicle was overloaded. This analysis can help determine who is ultimately liable for the accident so that you can pursue a claim against the responsible party.
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Call to Get Started on Your McAllen Tire Blowout Car Accident Case
A McAllen accident caused by a tire blowout lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins may investigate your case and assist you throughout the litigation process. Call us to begin the claims or lawsuit process.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
