When you’re on the road, you always have to be alert. Driving requires you to multitask, and you must focus on many things when you’re operating your vehicle: your speed, signs, traffic laws, weather, road conditions, directions, and other vehicles around you. No one ever thinks about a tire blowout because many don’t see them as dangerous or common. Unfortunately, it’s the opposite—tire blowouts can quickly turn into terrible accidents. Such is the case for the 400 people that lose their lives to tire blowouts every year.
Another misconception is that tire blowouts are inevitable and can’t be prevented. This has been proven false, as several different factors can lead to a tire blowout, and under most circumstances, they could have been prevented or minimized if drivers took appropriate precautions. Yet, drivers aren’t always the ones responsible for a tire blowout. In this regard, let’s explore who else may be responsible for a tire blowout accident in Texas. We’ll also discuss the dangers of tire blowout accidents in general as well as how to avoid one when you’re on the road.
The Dangers of Tire Blowout Accidents
A tire blowout happens suddenly, often resulting in drivers losing control. It can be extremely difficult to handle a vehicle once a tire has blown, and many drivers are unaware of how to de-escalate the situation. When a tire blows, it can cause a vehicle to veer into another lane. At high-speeds, this situation can manifest itself into a roll-over, side-impact, rear-end, or head-on collision.
Of the 78,000 tire blowout accidents that occur yearly, thousands result in catastrophic and sometimes fatal injuries. From spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries to broken bones and internal complications, those involved in tire blowout accidents may have a long and uncertain road ahead. It’s unrealistic to endure these injuries without help. If you or a loved one was hurt in a tire blowout accident in Texas, Sutliff & Stout is just a call away.
Liability in a Texas Tire Blowout Accident
Tire blowouts don’t just happen for no reason. Technically, it’s the loss of tire pressure at a very fast rate that causes the tire to pop or shred due to wear and tear, defect, or under-inflation. That’s why tire blowout accidents typically result in one of two claims: product liability or negligence claims.
Product Liability
A tire that is not manufactured or designed properly can lead to its failure. A vehicle owner may bring a product liability claim against the tire manufacturer, designer, or seller if they can prove that the tire was defective. It may be the case that the tire was manufactured using low-grade materials, or that the tires installed were the wrong type. It’s even possible that the installation was poorly executed. In other cases, the original design may have been dangerous. For instance, during the tire-making process, the adhesive or other chemicals used to solidify the rubber may have been weak.
Driver Negligence
Drivers are responsible for ensuring tires are properly maintained before operating their vehicles. This includes sustaining adequate tire pressure and replacing worn or damaged tires. It’s possible that a driver ignored a low tire pressure warning light or that they haven’t changed their tires in years. Or it may be the case that a driver’s tire blew, and they continued to speed, causing them to lose control.
What to Do After a Tire Blowout in Texas
All drivers should keep a car’s distance between other drivers and eliminate all distractions to ensure the capability of changing gears when something unexpected happens. If you’re a vehicle owner and you find yourself in a tire blowout situation, do your best to remain calm. Directing your car can be challenging; however, there are a few ways you can stay safe and prevent further damage from occurring. Follow these instructions if your tire blows in Texas:
- Don’t slam on the brakes. At a slow pace, remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
- Keep a tight grip on your wheel and move to a safe area on the shoulder or away from other cars
- Activate your emergency hazard lights
- Keep a safe distance from your car and the road
- Call roadside assistance for help changing your tire
- If you were in an accident, call 911 and check if anyone is hurt
Aggressive Legal Counsel After a Tire Blowout Accident in Texas
Whether your tire blows or you’re on the road when a passenger vehicle’s tire blows, the most important thing is your safety. If you experience an injury due to a tire blowout accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A tire blowout should never turn into a devastating car accident. Drivers, manufacturers, and public entities have a duty to act with due care, ensuring the safety of the public. When a negligent party makes even the slightest error, the consequences can be life-altering. Sutliff & Stout has the professional guidance and support you need to overcome these troubling situations.
At Sutliff & Stout, we are a personal injury accident firm that advocates on behalf of the injured. We’ll demand justice and monetary recovery for you. Speak with a Board-Certified trial attorney today by calling (713) 987-7111 or completing a contact form for a free, no-obligation case review.
(713) 405-1263 
550 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 530