What is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout occurs when a tire rapidly loses air pressure, causing it to burst. This can happen unexpectedly while driving, leading to a dangerous loss of vehicle control. If you’ve ever experienced a blown tire on the highway, you understand how terrifying it can be. 

Knowing what to do in this situation could mean the difference between life and death.

Understanding how to react if you have a tire blowout is crucial, especially in high-speed driving scenarios like those on highways. 

This article will explore what causes a tire blowout, the steps to take when it happens, and what preventative measures you can implement to minimize risk.

Understanding Tire Blowout Statistics

Tire blowouts are a serious driver concern, often leading to severe accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. According to the United Tire Service, an estimated 11,000 tire-related crashes occur daily across the United States, contributing to significant traffic incidents. 

Tire blowouts account for nearly 6% of all highway crashes, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities annually.

A deeper analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that over 75,000 tire blowout incidents happen yearly, with an estimated 400 fatalities directly linked to these crashes. 

Many of these accidents occur due to poor tire maintenance, including underinflation or overinflation, aging tires, and overloading vehicles. In Texas, where temperatures can soar, blowouts are even more common due to the intense heat putting additional stress on tires. 

Therefore, understanding the causes and prevention of tire blowouts can save lives and reduce the frequency of road accidents.

Causes of Tire Blowouts

There are various reasons why a tire blowout may occur, and many of them are preventable with proper vehicle maintenance. Some common causes include:

Underinflation

One of the leading causes of blowouts is underinflated tires. When a tire doesn’t have enough air pressure, its structure weakens over time, causing the sidewalls to flex excessively. This can generate heat and eventually lead to a tire blowout.

Overloading

Overloading your vehicle beyond its weight capacity can put excessive pressure on the tires, especially in hot weather. This causes the tires to wear out faster and more susceptible to a blown tire.

Tread Separation

Tread separation occurs when the tire’s tread detaches from the body. This can happen due to manufacturing defects, poor tire maintenance, or excessive wear. When tread separation occurs, the tire is more likely to blow out.

Road Hazards

Hitting sharp objects, such as debris, nails, or potholes, can puncture a tire, leading to rapid deflation. In some cases, a blowout tire occurs instantly. In contrast, the damage worsens over time in other cases, eventually leading to a blowout.

Excessive Heat

Extreme temperatures can cause the air inside a tire to expand significantly if it is already underinflated. The increased pressure can lead to a blown-out tire, particularly during long drives in hot weather conditions.

How to Prevent Tire Blowouts

While tire blowouts can be unpredictable, there are measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing one:

Regular Tire Maintenance 

Regularly check your tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Proper maintenance can help avoid underinflation and tread separation, common causes of tire blowouts.

Avoid Overloading 

Adhere to your vehicle’s weight limit to prevent overloading your tires. Excessive weight puts extra strain on your tires, making them more likely to blow out, especially at high speeds.

Drive Carefully on Rough Roads 

Avoid potholes, debris, and other road hazards when possible. If you frequently drive on rough terrain, ensure your tires are in excellent condition and replace them if you notice any damage.

Stay Within Speed Limits 

Driving at excessive speeds can increase the likelihood of a tire blowout because the heat generated by high-speed driving can overinflate a tire. Stick to posted speed limits to reduce this risk.

What to Do if You Have a Tire Blowout

Knowing what to do when you experience a tire blowout while driving is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide to follow if your tire suddenly blows out:

1. Stay Calm and Maintain Control

When a tire blows out, your first instinct may be to panic. However, staying calm is essential. Grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control of the vehicle.

2. Do Not Slam on the Brakes

Braking suddenly can cause your vehicle to spin out of control, especially if the blown tire is at the rear. Instead, take your foot off the gas and allow the vehicle to slow down gradually.

3. Steer Gently

If your vehicle veers to one side, gently steer in the opposite direction to keep it going straight. Avoid making sharp turns or jerking the wheel, which can cause further loss of control.

4. Pull Over Safely

Once your vehicle has slowed down, turn on your hazard lights and steer toward the side of the road or a safe area. Pull over as far away from traffic as possible.

5. Call for Assistance

After stopping, call for roadside assistance or a tow truck to help you with the blown-out tire. If you’re in a dangerous area, staying inside the car until help arrives is advisable.

Consequences of Tire Blowouts

The aftermath of a tire blowout can lead to serious consequences for the driver and others on the road. These include:

Loss of Vehicle Control: 

A tire blowout can cause the vehicle to veer off course, increasing the risk of a collision.

Rollover Accidents: 

High-speed blowouts are especially dangerous, as they can lead to rollover accidents, which are often fatal.

Property Damage: 

A vehicle that loses control after a blowout may collide with other cars, barriers, or structures, causing significant property damage.

Injuries or Fatalities: 

Drivers and passengers involved in a blowout accident can suffer serious injuries or death, depending on the severity of the crash.

What Should You Do if You Have a Tire Blowout?

If you’re driving and experience a blowout tire, remember these essential steps:

• Keep your vehicle steady: Do not slam on the brakes; let the vehicle slow down gradually.
• Focus on controlling the vehicle: Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sharp movements.
• Move to safety: Pull over to a safe spot once you’ve slowed down.

Following these steps can help prevent an accident after a tire blowout.

Why Are Tire Blowouts More Dangerous in Commercial Vehicles?

Tire blowouts are especially dangerous in commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, due to their size and weight. When a large commercial vehicle experiences a blowout, it can be difficult for the driver to regain control, often leading to multi-vehicle accidents. 

According to Texas crash statistics, tire-related accidents significantly contribute to severe accidents involving commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles must adhere to strict safety and maintenance standards, but negligence in these areas can result in catastrophic accidents.

What If You Lose a Tire on the Highway?

If your right tire comes off the highway, what’s the first action you should take? In such a situation, the first thing you should do is remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and slowly guide your vehicle to the side of the road. Once safely pulled over, you can assess the damage and call for assistance.

Legal Help After a Tire Blowout Accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a tire blowout, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. In some cases, the accident may result from a defective tire or improper maintenance by a third party, such as a tire manufacturer or auto service provider. 

In these cases, victims can file personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose DeHoyos Accident Attorneys?

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we have extensive experience handling cases involving tire blowouts and other vehicle accidents. If you’ve been injured due to a tire blowout or any other vehicle defect, our team can help you navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Our commitment to our clients is reflected in our client testimonials. We understand the challenges that follow a severe accident and work diligently to ensure our clients receive the support and guidance they need during these difficult times.

FAQs About Tire Blowouts

What should you do if you have a tire blowout while driving?

Stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes if you experience a tire blowout while driving. Hold the steering wheel firmly, let the car slow down gradually, and pull to a safe spot. Turn on your hazard lights and call for assistance.

What causes a tire blowout?

Common causes of tire blowouts include underinflated or overinflated tires, overloaded vehicles, hitting road hazards, excessive heat, and manufacturing defects. Regular tire maintenance can help prevent blowouts.

How dangerous is a tire blowout at high speeds?

A tire blowout at high speeds can be extremely dangerous as it can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of accidents. Maintaining vehicle control, slowing down gradually, and pulling over safely is crucial to avoiding severe crashes.

Can a tire blowout be prevented?

Yes, tire blowouts can often be prevented with proper maintenance, including checking tire pressure, inspecting for wear and damage, avoiding overloading your vehicle, and driving safely.

Who is liable for an accident caused by a tire blowout?

Liability depends on the cause of the blowout. If a defective tire or improper maintenance caused the blowout, the manufacturer, auto service provider, or vehicle owner could be held responsible.

Why You May Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident

While many car accidents can be resolved through insurance claims, there are situations where hiring a lawyer may be beneficial:

Complex Injuries: 

Suppose you’ve suffered severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or amputation. In that case, a lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Multiple Parties Involved: 

Determining liability can be challenging if multiple parties are involved in the accident. A lawyer can help you identify all responsible parties and build a strong case.

Insurance Company Disputes: 

Insurance companies may try to undervalue your claim or deny your claim altogether. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: 

If the other driver involved in the accident is uninsured or underinsured, your insurance coverage may be limited. A truck accident lawyer can help you explore different options for obtaining compensation.

Testimonials: Tire Blowout Cases

Hear from our satisfied clients who have successfully navigated tire blowout cases:

“After my tire blowout caused a serious accident, I was overwhelmed and unsure of my legal rights. DeHoyos Accident Attorneys provided me with the guidance and support I needed to navigate the complex process. They fought tirelessly to ensure I received fair compensation for my injuries and damages.” – Maria Rodriguez.

“I was involved in a tire blowout accident that resulted in significant property damage. DeHoyos Accident Attorneys handled my case efficiently and professionally. They negotiated with the insurance company and secured a favorable settlement for me.” – David Lee.

Don’t just take our word for it. Read more testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Contact the Tire Blowout Attorneys at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys Today!

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a tire blowout, don’t hesitate to contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys. Our experienced attorneys will help you investigate the cause of the blowout and pursue the compensation you need to recover. Contact us today for a free consultation.