Driving down the highway, you suddenly hear a loud bang and feel your car start to swerve. You try to maintain control but ultimately veer off the road or into oncoming traffic. The cause? A catastrophic tire blowout.
These abrupt tire failures can happen without warning and lead to devastating crashes. So, does experiencing a blowout automatically make you liable for any resulting accident?
What Causes Tire Blowout Accidents?
Before assessing who may be at fault in a tire blowout accident, it is important to understand what causes these hazardous tire failures. Some common reasons include:
- Underinflated tires – Driving on tires that are under the recommended tire pressure makes them more susceptible to overheating and sudden blowouts.
- Worn tires – Tires that are bald, have insufficient tread depth, or are otherwise damaged are more likely to experience a blowout.
- Potholes and road debris – Hitting objects in the road can cause punctures, cuts, or bulges in tires that lead to blowouts.
- Tire defects – Manufacturing flaws like weak spots or tread separation issues can cause sudden tire failures, even in newer tires.
- Installation errors – Improper tire mounting or balancing can cause tires to fail prematurely.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes each year. Unfortunately, a tire blowout can happen even when a driver takes all reasonable precautions. So, who may potentially be at fault when a blowout leads to an accident?
Assessing Liability After a Tire Blowout Crash
In the aftermath of a tire blowout accident, your attorney’s top priority is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause. Your attorney will carefully evaluate all evidence to pinpoint any negligent parties who may share liability for the crash. Potentially responsible parties can include:
The Driver
As the operator of the vehicle, the driver does have a duty to maintain the car in safe working condition. Failing to conduct routine tire inspections or driving on damaged, underinflated tires could be considered negligence. However, a tire can also blow out suddenly, even with proper tire maintenance.
The Vehicle Owner
If the owner of the vehicle failed to replace worn tires or installed used tires against manufacturer recommendations, they could share liability. Owners are responsible for general vehicle maintenance and repair.
Tire Shops
Did a tire shop perform faulty work like improper tire installation, rotation, or balancing? They may be liable if their negligence directly led to a tire blowout.
Tire Manufacturers
Sometimes, a tire blowout is caused by a defect in the tire’s design or manufacturing process. In these cases, the tire maker could be held responsible through a products liability claim.
Government Entities
Poor road conditions like potholes or debris that cause tire damage could implicate a negligent government agency. Sovereign immunity laws may apply, however.
Pinpointing the root cause of your tire blowout helps your attorney build the strongest injury claim possible against any liable parties.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation
After a tire blowout accident, available damages can include:
- Past and future medical expenses – Your car accident lawyer will fight to get all your hospital bills, medications, therapy, and other medical costs covered.
- Lost income – If injuries force you to miss work, we’ll seek compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and diminished business profits.
- Pain and suffering – You deserve money damages for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries.
- Loss of consortium – We’ll pursue compensation if injuries impact your ability to maintain family relationships.
- Punitive damages – If gross negligence caused the accident, we’ll seek additional punitive damages as permitted under Ohio law.
Pursuing an injury claim after a tire blowout crash requires navigating complex legal processes under tight legal deadlines. In Ohio, victims typically have just two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
The attorneys at The Jones Firm understand these cases inside and out. They offer injured victims and families responsive legal guidance at no initial cost. Their team explores options, explains investigation processes, and clarifies Ohio claim laws so clients can make fully informed decisions during difficult times.
If you suffered harm in a tire blowout or other serious auto accident, consider contacting The Jones Firm online or by phone for a free consultation. Their attorneys provide personalized representation to injury victims across Ohio – with compassion and integrity at every turn.