Tire Blowouts Can Lead to Deadly Auto Accidents

If a tire blows out, drivers face major dangers with regard to overall control and maneuverability of their vehicle. A sudden tire blowout can increase the risk of a vehicle swerving out of control, veering into other lanes, and harming others in the process. Even if a driver does not swerve, their vehicle may slow down rapidly and become hard to control, resulting in a higher risk of rear end auto collisions.

Out team of Brooklyn lawyers have years of experience with lawsuits involving catastrophic and fatal auto accidents. We'd like to take a moment to consider the dangers of tire blowouts and what legal options may be available to you.

Statistics on Tire Blowout Accidents

The numbers on tire blowouts are telling. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that tire blowouts are linked to 78,000 collisions every year. Of that number, an estimated 400 annual deaths occur due to tire blowouts.

What Causes Tire Blowouts?

Tire blowouts can occur as a result of sharp or harmful debris on the road, major wear and tear on the tires, and a host of other factors. Sometimes the tire problems are caused by issues with the tires themselves, such as poor tire design, issues with tire storage, and issues with the manufacturing process. Combinations of factors may be present as well, which can make these sorts of incidents complicated to say the least.

Who Is Legally Liable in a Tire Blowout Accident?

Given the many potential causes of a tire blowout, it can be difficult identifying a liable party. This is why it's important to work with a skilled attorney if you suspect that a tire maker or local authorities in charge of road maintenance may have been responsible for the collision. An attorney can consider the evidence of your case and offer smart legal counsel in injury and/or product liability litigation.

What to Do If Your Tire Blows Out

If your tire blows out and rapidly deflates while you are on the road, consider the following advice:

• Do NOT Brake – Braking with a blown out tire can increase your chances of losing control and skidding. You may have to accelerate to keep your vehicle steady instead of slowing down.

• Hold the Steering Wheel Steady – To keep your vehicle in control, it's imperative that you hold the steering wheel as steady as possible, locking your vehicle in a straight line to maintain control.

• Turn on Your Hazard Blinkers – Alert drivers around you to an issue with your vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights so others on the road can make room for you and ensure everyone's safety in the process.

• Slow Down Though Gear Shifting or Natural Deceleration – Rather than using the brakes, you'll want to rely on natural deceleration of the vehicle or shifting gears to prompt deceleration. This allows you to maintain control and slow down.

• Change the Tire as Soon as Possible – When you have safely pulled over, change the tire immediately. Never drive on a flat or damaged tire.

Contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C.

To learn more about your legal options following a tire blowout or tire failure, be sure to contact our team of injury and accident attorneys today. Our team will help you in your time of legal need, offering expert legal counsel.