Some of the most devastating accidents on the roadways are caused by tire blowouts. Tire blowouts occur without warning and can cause severe accidents. If you have been injured in a tire blowout accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. But first, read below to learn more about how blowouts happen and who is liable for them.

What causes tire blowouts? 

Tire blowouts occur when a tire explodes, causing the tire to lose air and deflate. A blowout can occur suddenly and cause a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, resulting in a collision. Some of the major causes of tire blowouts include:

  • Underinflation: Tires require a specific amount of air pressure to function properly. If the tire does not have enough air in it, the fabric, rubber, steel, and other parts of the tire will stretch beyond their limits and weaken. This weakening can cause the tire to explode.
  • Overloading: A tire blowout can also occur when a vehicle is too heavily weighed down. Tires, particularly underinflated ones, are not always able to handle the weight of a heavy vehicle.
  • Road hazards: Any potholes or debris on the roadways can result in tire damage that can lead to a blowout, especially when you are traveling at a high speed.

Who is liable for a tire blowout?

Tire blowout accidents can result in severe property damage and injury. Multiple parties may be liable for the accident and injuries depending on the circumstances.

  • The other driver: If another driver’s tire blows out and causes your accident, s/he may be liable for your damages. Drivers have a legal duty to inspect and maintain their vehicles. If there are any problems that would have been obvious to the reasonable driver, the driver should have been able to spot them and make the necessary repairs.
  • Manufacturers or retailers: Tire manufacturers can be liable for poor design and manufacturing defects under product liability. Retailers can also be liable if damage to the tire occurred in store.
  • The person who installed the tire: If someone improperly installed the tire or installed in the wrong tire, s/he could be liable for the accident.
  • Government entities: If your blowout occurred due to a pothole or other roadway hazard, you might be able to hold the government entity in charge of the roadway liable. (Even though Florida waives sovereign immunity, filing a claim against the government will be difficult.)

Recovering Damages After a Tire Blowout

If you were involved in an accident caused by a tire failure, you may be entitled to compensation. However, these cases can be challenging. Proving a case based on product liability or negligence will likely require strong expert testimony regarding the reason for the blowout.

The car accident attorneys at Montero Law have years of experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents and can collect the evidence and expert testimony you need to build a successful case.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation: 954-767-6500.