Having a blown tire can be a terrifying experience, especially if it happens when someone is traveling on the interstate at a high rate of speed. While any vehicle with a blown tire can be sent careening off the road, the potential for a rollover accident in an SUV, pickup truck or any other vehicle with a high profile is huge.
Tire blowouts are behind roughly 11,000 motor vehicle accidents and more than 500 fatalities in the United States every year, many of them due to rollovers. Even when nobody is killed, the survivors of these wrecks may suffer from devastating injuries that lead to lifelong complications for their future.
Determining liability in these kinds of accidents usually means investigating why the tire suddenly failed. Was it defective? Was it poorly maintained? Did the road conditions factor into the wreck? Depending on the answers, more than one party may have responsibility.
What causes a tire blowout?
Tires can fail for several reasons. Common factors include:
- Manufacturing defects: Problems with tire materials or construction can cause tread separation or sudden tire failure.
- Improper inflation: Underinflated tires can generate excessive heat from friction at high speeds, increasing the risk of failure.
- Worn or damaged tires: Aging rubber, worn tread and existing damage to a tire can compromise its structural integrity and lead to blowouts.
- Poor maintenance: A driver’s failure to inspect, rotate or replace their vehicle’s tires when needed can increase the chances of a blowout.
- Road hazards: Potholes and debris in the road can puncture or otherwise damage tires.
Liability depends on the circumstances surrounding the tire’s failure and the resulting accident. Potentially liable parties can include the tire’s manufacturer for product defects, the vehicle’s owner for failing to maintain their tires, a mechanic or supplier for bad installation of the tire or even a government entity responsible for the road’s conditions. In many cases, liability may be shared by several parties who all contributed in some way to the accident.
Digging into the “why” of an accident caused by a blowout is essential because the victims of rollovers can face massive medical bills, a significant loss of income and permanent disabilities. A thorough investigation can often open doors to additional sources of compensation that may be desperately needed to cover someone’s losses.