When you are on the interstate or in heavy traffic, you are focused on other drivers and road conditions. You watch for commercial trucks, motorcycles, reckless drivers, distracted drivers, and drunk drivers all in an attempt to avoid car accidents. It is wise for you to drive defensively to reduce your risk of causing a car crash; however, there is one cause of car accidents you may never consider — tire blowouts.
What Causes Tire Blowouts?
Tire blowouts cause car accidents all the time and the injuries sustained could be very serious, especially when the tire blowout happens to a commercial truck or big rig. However, any vehicle can experience a tire blowout that results in a vehicle crash. Common causes of tire blowouts include:
- Improper tire maintenance
- Tire defects
- Poor road conditions
- Overloaded trailer on commercial trucks
- Underinflated or overinflated tires
You can take steps to reduce the risk of tire blowouts from some of these causes. Keep the tire pressure at the manufacturer’s specifications and maintain your tires by rotating them periodically and replacing tires as soon as they are showing signs of wear. If you see cuts or cracks in the rubber, damaged or visible cord, bulges and bumps due to internal damage, or fabric breaks, replace the tires immediately.
What Do I Do If I Have a Tire Blow?
Unfortunately, you may not be able to do anything about tire defects until it is too late. Overloaded semi-trucks are another problem you cannot anticipate or change. If you have a tire blowout remember not to panic, turn on your emergency lights, slowly and gradually take your foot off the gas pedal, and if possible, coast to a stop at the shoulder, or off the roadway if possible. If you have to use the brakes, slowly apply the brake with steady, even pressure, and coast to the shoulder of the road. When you are safely on the side of the road, call 911 for assistance if anyone is injured and call for roadside assistance.
What do I do if I am The Victim of a Tire Blowout Accident?
If you are injured in a car accident caused by a tire blowout, take the same steps as you would in any New Orleans car accident. Seek immediate medical attention, call the police, take photographs, get information for all parties and witnesses, get a copy of the police report, and contact an experienced car accident attorney.
Avoid discussing your accident or injuries with anyone other than medical providers until you have consulted with your attorney. Your attorney will investigate the accident to determine if the cause of the accident to identify the parties who must be named in a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys understand the importance of a thorough car accident investigation to maximize the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Contact The Olinde Firm For a Free Consultation After A Car Accident
Contact our office for a free case evaluation with an accident attorney about your rights to compensation after a car accident. We never charge you an attorney fee until and unless we win compensation for your damages and injuries. We believe everyone deserves legal representation when battling the insurance companies and defendants to obtain what the person deserves for his or her injuries.