A tire blowout can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. When a blowout occurs, the incident often leads to damage, motor vehicle accidents, and injuries. However, determining liability is rarely an easy task. Negligence on the part of the vehicle owner / driver may have been a contributing factor, but it’s also possible that the tire was defective. If you have been involved in an accident caused by a tire blowout, a MA injury lawyer can help you determine who’s liable for any resulting injuries or property damage.
Do You Have a Product Liability Claim?
If your tire blowout caused an accident, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the tire or wheel. In these types of cases, it is common for experts to be consulted. They can analyze the details of the blowout and testify to how it most likely occurred. If the tire was relatively new, properly installed, and recently inspected, your chances of success will be much greater than if the tire is old and worn. Improper installation may have also played a role in the blowout. If a new tire blows out on the road, it is likely due to improper installation or driver negligence.
Driver Negligence
If you are injured or suffer a financial loss due to another driver’s tire blowout, you may have a claim against the driver. Did negligence play a role? This is generally easier to prove than a product defect or improper installation because you only need to show negligence on the part of the driver. And proving negligence, as it pertains to a tire blowout, may be a relatively easy task. The fact is, drivers rarely inspect tires as often or thoroughly as they should, even though they are bound by duty to do so. However, even individuals with brand new tires, a solid tire-maintenance schedule, and whose tires were properly installed can have a blowout due to driver negligence. If you have been injured due to a tire blowout, a Boston injury attorney can help.
Common Tire Defects
A tire can be defective for multiple reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Manufacturing defects
- Design defects
- Improper or inferior materials
- Old tires that appear new
- Improper tires for the vehicle type
The side effects of the above defects may include:
- Tread separation
- Bead failure
- Belt separation
- Tire explosion or blowout
In most single vehicle accidents and rollovers, tire blowouts are to blame. When an older tire is sold as “new,” the tire may appear fine until the driver reaches high speeds. This can be especially dangerous in hot weather. If you are concerned about the safety of your tires, have them professionally inspected as soon as possible. Don’t let something as simple, and inexpensive to fix as a faulty tire, cost you your life.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Personal Injury Law Firm Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been injured due to a defective motor vehicle part or driver negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. If you have been harmed, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. At Altman & Altman, LLP, our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. We will analyze the details of your case and position you for the best possible outcome. Our lawyers will ensure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward. Don’t go through this alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
.