According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 23,000 car accidents and 500 deaths caused by tire blowouts. When a tire blows out while driving, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, leading to a severe car accident.

Causes of Vehicle Tire Blowout

A tire blowout can be very dangerous for the driver, as well as for passengers. While most drivers change the oil in their vehicle regularly, they may forget about the importance of checking their tires. There are many possible causes that lead to tire blowout, some of which are:

  • striking a curb
  • low pressure in the tire
  • punctured tire
  • old tire
  • overinflated tire

Structural Defects in a Tire

In many tire blowout accidents, the key cause is a defective tire, which may be due to either a manufacturing defect or a design defect. Any defect in the tire, even a minor one, could lead to separation of tread, which means that the tread becomes separated from the tire’s main body. This can lead to accidents, especially if the car is traveling at a high speed. One of the main causes that lead to separation is the inability of the metal belt's materials to remain bonded to the tire’s rubber. Some other structural issues can also appear and lead to tread separation, some of which are:

  • parts of improper size
  • below optimal temperatures
  • contaminated materials, such as materials that are prone to rust, oxidation, or moisture
  • bonding ingredients that are outdated

Injuries Caused by Tire Blowout Car Accidents

Some of the most common injuries that can be caused by tire blowout car accidents include:

Preventing Tire Blowout Car Accidents

Tire blowouts can happen even to those cars that are properly maintained and taken care of. However, it is important to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of a tire blowout. This can be done by following the advice of the National Safety Commission. The commission recommends the following steps:

  • When a tire blows out, the driver should lift the foot from the accelerator.
  • Never apply the brakes suddenly.
  • The driver should concentrate on steering the vehicle in the desired direction.
  • Gradually slow down the car’s speed.
  • Slowly apply the brakes.
  • Steer the car off the road.

If you become involved in a motor vehicle claim process due to an accident caused by a tire blowout, it may be because of a defect in the tire. Contact a Willens Law Offices product liability at our law offices to learn more about your legal rights. Call (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation.