Tire blowouts are a common cause of crashes on Texas roads. When a tire suddenly bursts, it can cause a driver to lose control. In a blowout scenario, a tire rapidly deflates, making it difficult to steer or brake effectively. In Texas, where high-speed driving is common on both highways and rural roads, a blowout can quickly become a dangerous reality.
Tire blowouts can occur for various reasons, including poor tire maintenance, extreme temperatures, road hazards and manufacturing defects. Underinflated tires are a frequent cause of these hazards, as they increase friction with the road and generate heat, which can weaken a tire wall and lead to a blowout. Overinflated tires are also at risk, as too much pressure makes a tire more susceptible to bursting after it comes into contact with road debris.
Texas’s hot weather can also contribute to blowouts, as high temperatures can cause the air inside tires to expand, putting extra pressure on the rubber. Additionally, hazards like potholes or road debris are common on Texas highways and can puncture or damage tires, which can lead to blowouts.
Liability considerations
A blowout often results in a sudden loss of control, particularly at high speeds. A car may veer off the road or swerve into other lanes as a result of a blowout — increasing the risk of a multi-car crash. A blowout in a front tire can cause a car to pull sharply to one side, while a rear tire blowout can make a vehicle fishtail. Trucks are particularly susceptible to blowouts due to the heavy loads they carry.
Determining liability in a tire blowout accident can be a complex task. Liability may fall on several parties, depending on the cause of the blowout. If a driver failed to maintain their tires or ignored signs of wear, they could be held responsible for damages. Alternatively, if a blowout resulted from a manufacturing defect, a tire manufacturer might be liable. In cases where poor road conditions caused a blowout, a government entity responsible for road maintenance might also be at fault.
Due to the fact that many concerns may be responsible for a blowout – and many parties could potentially be held responsible for any damage caused by one – it is generally wise for crash victims to seek personalized legal guidance in order to better understand their rights.