Many drivers do not properly maintain their vehicles. For example, even if they notice one or more of their tires are underinflated, they often do not add more air on their own. They often wait until the next time they bring their vehicle in for service to address the problem.
If the tires on a vehicle are old, some drivers may not have the money to buy new tires. That leads to some drivers putting it off and continuing to drive on old tires with worn treads.
Some drivers are unsure of how to add air to their tires and may overinflate them. They may let air out of the tires without realizing it.
Poor tire maintenance could increase the odds of a tire blowout, which could result in a dangerous crash that could cause serious injuries. When this happens, drivers are often at fault for failing to maintain their tires. However, tire manufacturers and mechanics/repair shops may also bear liability.
If you have questions about seeking compensation after a tire blowout crash, give us a call today. We can discuss the situation in a free consultation and talk about possible legal options. Our firm has secured millions on behalf of our clients.
Why Do Tire Blowouts Happen?
Many times, tire blowouts are caused by underinflated tires. When a tire is underinflated, it causes the tire to flex. When tires flex, they may overheat, which can cause the bond between the rubber and the internal fabric and steel cord reinforcement to loosen.
If you are driving at high speed on an interstate with a tire that is underinflated, there may be a much higher risk of a blowout. That said, blowouts can still occur at slower speeds.
Tire blowouts may also be caused by a design or manufacturing defect. A defect could weaken the bond between the rubber and internal fabric and steel cord reinforcement. Defects could cause tires to heat up more than they should, increasing the risk of a blowout.
Overinflating your tires could also cause a blowout, as the rubber is getting stretched beyond the acceptable limit.
Fault for a Tire Blowout Crash
The driver of the car that suffered a tire blowout is often found liable for damages. He or she may have failed to properly maintain his or her tires, such as by overinflating or underinflating them. He or she may have failed to replace old tires.
Vehicle owners have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles so they are safe and not unreasonably dangerous.
However, your Harrisburg-based vehicle collision attorney would need to establish the other driver was negligent in maintaining his or her tires. This would likely require analysis of the tires and your lawyer may need to bring in an expert witness.
If the case goes to trial, your attorney may be able to subpoena maintenance records in the discovery process. These records may show problems with tires that were not addressed.
While drivers are often found at fault, other parties may bear liability. For example, the repair shop may be liable. It is possible they did not fix a problem with the tires, such as by leaving tires underinflated or overinflating them. They may have failed to notify the driver that the tires were old. It is also possible the repair shop failed to properly rotate the tires or balance them.
Product manufacturers could potentially bear fault as well for a design or manufacturing defect that caused or contributed to the blowout. Maybe there was a problem with the way the tire was designed, the materials used, or the way it was manufactured.
Product liability claims are complicated, which is why victims of tire blowout crashes should seriously consider seeking legal representation.
If the tires were under a recall, the driver may be liable for not getting the recall repaired. Recall repairs are free for the vehicle owners, so there is really no excuse for failing to address a recall.
Preventing Tire Blowouts
Performing regular maintenance on your vehicle could help lower the risk of a mechanical issue causing a crash. That means following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
If you regularly go to the same mechanic, they may agree to quickly refill your tires if they get low. You can also refill your tires at the gas station. Each time you fill up, visually inspect your tires. Many newer vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems that will alert you if the pressure in the tires is too low.
Tires usually only last a few years so make sure to replace them when they get old. A repair shop can advise you when the treads on your tires are too low.
Contact Schmidt Kramer to Discuss Your Accident
For decades, our attorneys have been advocating for those injured in car crashes and other types of accidents. We work on contingency, which means no upfront fees and no fees while working on your case.
Give us a call to learn more. We are prepared to manage the legal process on your behalf, including negotiating for full compensation. We are also prepared to take cases to court if necessary. Unlike the insurance companies, we are focused on securing maximum compensation.
Free consultation. Call today to learn more. (717) 727-1837