Tire blowouts can cause serious motor vehicle accidents. In 2017, Americans put 3.2 trillion miles on their tires in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 738 motor vehicle traffic fatalities happened as a result of tire-related car accidents. According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle owners should check the tires of their vehicle at least once every month to decrease the likelihood of a crash caused by a tire blowout. Drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care in maintaining their vehicles.
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident caused by tires exploding, you may be entitled to compensation. Commercial drivers who work for a company owe a higher duty of care to other drivers and passengers. When a company fails to maintain its commercial vehicles adequately, they may be liable for any injuries or deaths caused by their faulty tires.
At Arnold & Smith, PLLC our attorneys are skilled at helping clients secure the compensation to which they are entitled. After conducting a thorough investigation into your car accident, we can help you determine the cause and the at-fault party. Contact our Charlotte law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
What Causes Tire Problems That Lead to Car Accidents?One of the best ways to avoid a motor vehicle accident is to maintain the tires on one's vehicle adequately. A recent Crash Causation Survey issued by the NHTSA found that there a problem with a tire occurred in one of 11 crashes, or 9% of all motor vehicle accidents. Common tire problems included tread separation, bald tires, underinflation, and blowouts. Underinflation of tires causes sluggish handling, poor fuel economy, longer stopping distances, and increased stress of tire components. Heat also affects tires. Hot roads combined with high temperatures contribute to tire breakdown. Tire failure is more likely in the summer months.
Tire Problems Related to Car AccidentsWhen a tire’s tread depth is at 2/32 or less, motor vehicles begin to experience tire problems. At this tread depth, motor vehicles were three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash than tires with tread depth between 10/32” and 11/32.” Drivers who drive under adverse conditions such as wet roads, underwater roads, or slick roads are more likely to experience tire problems.
Aging Tires can Cause Tire FailureThe National Automotive Sampling System from 2005-2007 estimates that 90 people die and 3,200 people become injured every year in motor vehicle accidents in which aging tires are a factor. Aging tires are more prone to tire failure. Many tire manufacturers recommend replacing old tires with new tires every six to 10 years. These manufacturers recommend replacing the tires even if the tires are not yet worn out. Even tires that are in good condition without extensive tread wear can fail over time.
Underinflated Tires can Lead to Car AccidentsUnderinflated tires are a leading cause of car accidents caused by tire failure. Underinflated tires are dangerous for the following reasons:
A NHTSA study showed that 12% of all motor vehicles with model years from 2004 to 2011 in the United States have at least one tire that is underinflated by at least 25%. Tire pressure monitoring systems reduce the likelihood that a vehicle will have at least one severely underinflated tires. Nonetheless, even vehicles with tire pressure monitoring systems can have tire deflation. When a tire pressure monitoring system lights up, one or more tires is at least 25% under-inflated. Drivers should increase tire pressure as soon as the indicator light goes off. Failing to do so could contribute to a motor vehicle accident.
Other Structural Tire Problems That Could Cause Motor Vehicle AccidentsTire blowout car accidents can also occur during the manufacturing process. In other instances, tire separation occurs for other reasons, such as traveling at excessive speed. The following tire structural problems with tire bonding can lead to tire tread separation, such as:
If you have suffered an injury related to a tire blowout or malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. If the tire manufacturing company failed to manufacture the tire safely, or the driver failed to maintain the tires, you may have a right to compensation. Contact the personal injury attorneys Arnold & Smith Attorneys at Law today to schedule your free initial consultation. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville and our new location in Monroe.