When you think of car accidents, it’s normal to think of them as being caused by a reckless or negligent driver. However, car accidents are not just limited to those that are caused by drivers who are focused on their phones as opposed to the road. Tire blowouts are a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire blowouts account for 78,000 accidents per year.
Continue reading to learn more about how tire blowouts happen, if they can be prevented and how a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation if you’re injured.
How Do Tire Blowouts Happen?
Tire blowouts are often attributed to having a tire that is underinflated. In other words, there isn’t enough air in the tire. When there isn’t enough air in a tire, the sides expand, allowing for heat to enter, which causes them to blow out.
However, tire blowouts can also be caused by:
- Potholes
- Glass, nails, or other penetrating objects
- Hitting a curb
- Overloading your vehicle
- Old and/or defective tires
What Should I Do If My Tire Has A Blowout?
The most important thing to remember after a tire blowout is to stay calm. If you experience a tire blowout:
- Remove your foot from the gas pedal immediately
- Maintain control of the steering wheel
After your vehicle has slowed to 30mph or under, pull off the road to safety. Make sure you do not use your brakes until you have complete control of your vehicle. While it’s tempting to want to move the steering wheel after a tire blowout, doing so can actually cause your vehicle to spin out.
How Do I Prevent a Tire Blowout?
To prevent a tire blowout:
- Maintain good tire pressure
- Don’t overload your vehicle
- Make sure your tires are in good shape
- Follow your vehicle’s manufacturing instructions
When Negligence Is Responsible for a Tire Blowout
Sometimes, you can do everything you’re supposed to do when it comes to maintaining your tires and a blowout still occurs as a result of a defective tire. In other cases, you may be involved in a car accident that was caused by another vehicle’s blowout.
Your personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze whether or not the other driver overloaded their vehicle or failed to keep their car properly maintained.
Tire blowouts don’t get as much attention as they deserve, but they are extremely dangerous and can result in catastrophic injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Severe lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by a tire blowout, don’t delay calling our firm for a personal injury consultation. We’ll investigate the details of your case and work with you so you and your family get the compensation you deserve on your road to recovery.
Contact A Lake Worth Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Car Accident Case In Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured in car accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, and throughout Florida. Call 561-898-0497 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.