With some accidents, determining fault is straightforward. However, tire blowouts introduce a wide range of potentially liable parties. Whether your tire blew out or another driver’s tire blowout led to your accident, you are entitled to seek compensation for your damages. Please continue reading to learn how liability is determined in these types of accidents and how a determined Essex County Auto Accident Attorney can help you attain the justice you deserve.
What is a Tire Blowout?
First, a tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses pressure, making it burst or explode. When the structural integrity of the tire is compromised, it can cause a rapid loss of air pressure. It’s important to understand that this isn’t a mere puncture, but rather a catastrophic failure that can render the vehicle uncontrollable. The tire’s tread will detach and the rubber will separate, which means tire blowouts will always require a replacement.
There’s a common misconception that tire blowouts and flat tires are the same thing. However, flat tires occur when the tire gradually loses air pressure, whereas tire blowouts happen instantly. This creates a far more dangerous outcome.
Who is Liable for My Injuries?
Unfortunately, several risk factors can cause a tire blowout, including pressure issues, tire age, manufacturer defects, and road hazards. Understanding the cause of a tire blowout is crucial as it can impact liability when the tire blowout leads to an auto accident.
One of the most common causes of tire blowouts is poor maintenance. In New Jersey, vehicle owners are legally obligated to maintain their vehicles, which includes thorough inspections of tires to ensure the vehicle is in a safe operating condition. If a tire blowout occurs due to neglect, such as driving on tires with worn treads, underinflation, or overinflation, they can face liability.
However, the driver is not the only entity that can face liability for a tire blowout. If a manufacturer’s defect is the root cause of a tire blowout, the tire manufacturer may be held liable for damages resulting from the accident. Road hazards also pose a signficant threat. For instance, when a travels at high speeds over deep potholes, the sudden and intense pressure exerted on the tire can cause it to burst. As such, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be liable for failing to rectify the dangerous condition.
At the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we are prepared to help you consider your legal options and hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
