Experiencing a tire blowout is one of the most terrifying things that can happen while you’re driving. One second, you’re fine and in control; the next, your vehicle is swerving out of control.
If you were involved in a tire blowout accident, various parties could be at fault, including the manufacturer of a defective product, a mechanic who performed negligent maintenance, or the vehicle’s owner for failing to properly maintain the vehicle.
An experienced Albuquerque truck accident lawyer can investigate your tire blowout accident and explain your legal options for seeking compensation.
Dangers of Tire Blowouts
During a tire blowout, the vehicle might start decelerating abruptly because it cannot maintain the same rate of speed while on only three wheels. The vehicle might pull strongly to one side and be difficult to steer.
The unsuspecting driver may not be able to stop in time before colliding with another motorist or a fixed object. These factors increase the likelihood that the vehicle may be involved in a car crash. If the road is busy, a tire blowout could cause a multi-vehicle pileup.
If the motorist behind the truck with the blown tire was following too closely, they might not be able to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision.
Common Causes of Tire Blowouts and Accidents
Tire blowouts can happen for several reasons and cause accidents due to factors such as:
- Old or worn tires: Tires must be replaced periodically as the tread becomes worn or the tires sustain damage. If the rubber wears down, it can’t expand and contract appropriately due to temperature or pressure changes. Worn tires are much more likely to blow out than newer tires in good condition.
- Air pressure: Tires can pop when they have too much or too little pressure.
- Overloaded vehicles: When vehicles have excess weight, more pressure is added to tires, and accidents are more likely to occur due to blowouts.
- Punctures: Tires can be punctured due to damage from nails, glass, rocks, or other debris they pick up along the way. Even small punctures can cause an unexpected loss of air in the tire, which can lead to an accident when pressure builds up in the tire while the driver is traveling at a higher speed.
- Potholes: Potholes and other road hazards can damage tires. Pothole damage can cause tires to expand and contract rapidly, leading to a tire blowout.
- Impact damage: Tires can blow out if they run over something on the road. While some tire blowouts occur immediately after impact, others don’t cause blowouts until later.
Damages in a Tire Blowout Accident
If you were injured in a tire blowout accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to file a truck or car accident claim to seek compensation for:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Towing services
- Medical expenses for injuries caused by the accident
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today for Your Free Consultation
If you were injured in a tire blowout accident, an experienced car accident attorney can investigate your case, determine who is responsible, and negotiate for fair compensation. Contact Caruso Law Offices at (505) 883-5000 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.