In 2017, tire blowout car accidents lead to 738 fatalities and countless driver, passenger, and pedestrian injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This makes them a serious problem, however, many tire blowouts can be avoided.
Tires have to be inflated to a certain air pressure so they perform at maximum capacity. This helps them hug the road as expected. When tires begin to lose air pressure, their performance suffers. A tire blowout can happen during a drive.
Even a properly inflated tire may blow out if the tread is worn too thin, the tire has a defect, or if the tire hits an object, like a curb, rock, pothole, or nail. Tires can blow out if the vehicle they are supporting becomes overloaded.
How Should I Handle a Tire Blowout?
If you have never seen a tire blowout, you might be surprised by the experience. Tire blowouts emit a loud, explosive sound. As a driver, you may lose control of your steering ability as your car pulls toward the blown out tire, making you veer. As you can imagine, driving under these conditions can be stressful.
Although you may feel like you have no control during a tire blowout, you do have some recourse. When a tire blows out, try not to panic. Then, slightly apply the accelerator rather than the brake. This helps you avoid skidding out of control. You want to try to stop your car. Instead of braking, move your foot off the accelerator and let your car slow down on its own. Doing so enables you to decelerate consistently. That way, you can find a safe place to bring your car to rest.
Remain as calm as you can. Call 911, accept onsite medical attention, and never admit or assign fault to anyone. Also, remember that even if you feel fine, you may be hurt. Therefore, make an appointment with your doctor or visit an urgent care center as soon as you can.
Should I Speak to a Lawyer?
What happens if you get into a severe tire blowout car accident? If you have significant injuries and property damage, you may want to talk with a lawyer. Getting legal advice upfront does not mean you have to hire a lawyer. Nevertheless, it can help you understand your rights.
Remember that it can be difficult to motivate insurers without a legal team on your side. It can also be challenging to prove that a third party contributed to the tire blowout accident. A lawyer may be able to help you recover damages.
Delco Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Work With Clients Who Have Been Hurt in Tire Blowout Collisions
Were you seriously injured in a tire blowout accident? If you need to talk about your legal options, contact our Delco car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. today. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online for an initial consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.