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Car accidents happen for many reasons. A tire blowout ranks among the most frightening causes. Drivers in Arizona often wonder whether a tire blowout makes them liable for an accident. 

The Sorenson Law Firm, a trusted personal injury law firm in Tempe, helps clients understand fault in these cases. This guide explains tire blowout accidents, their causes, and how fault is determined in Arizona.

What Is a Tire Blowout?

A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure, causing it to burst or go flat. The sudden loss of control can lead to a collision or a car crash. 

Many factors contribute to a tire blowout, and not all point to driver fault. Understanding the causes helps determine liability in a tire blowout accident.

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts stem from various issues. Some relate to driver maintenance, while others involve external factors.

• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or sharp objects on Arizona roads can puncture a tire, causing a blowout. A road hazard often means no one is at fault.
• Tire Damage: Worn tread, low tread depth, or an old tire increases the risk of failure. Drivers must maintain proper tire condition to avoid liability.
• Defective Tires: A manufacturing defect or tire defect from the tire manufacturer can cause a blowout. In such cases, the manufacturer may be liable.
• Improper Tire Pressure: Low air pressure or overinflation weakens a tire. Regular tire pressure monitoring prevents issues.
• Overloading: Excess weight in a passenger car or truck can stress tires, leading to a blowout.

Each cause affects how fault is assigned in a tire blowout crash.

Is a Tire Blowout an At-Fault Accident?

Arizona follows a comparative fault system. This means fault can be shared among multiple parties, and each party’s percentage of fault impacts their ability to recover damages. 

A tire blowout does not automatically make a driver at fault. Courts and insurance companies will examine the circumstances to determine fault.

Factors That Determine Fault

Several elements decide whether a driver is held liable for an accident caused by a tire blowout.

• Maintenance Records: Keeping records of tire maintenance shows a driver’s responsibility. Neglecting routine tire checks, like tread depth or air pressure, may lead to partial fault.
• Tire Age: Old tires weaken over time. Using an outdated or the wrong type of tire could point to driver negligence.
• Road Conditions: A blowout caused by a road hazard, like a pothole, often reduces driver liability.
• Defective Tire: If a tire blew due to a manufacturing defect, the tire manufacturer or tire shop may share fault.
• Driver Reaction: Slamming on the brakes or swerving after a blowout can worsen the accident. Proper response, like turning on hazard lights and slowing down, minimizes risk.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer at The Sorenson Law Firm investigates these factors to build a strong personal injury case.

How Insurance Companies Handle Tire Blowout Claims

Insurance companies play a big role in tire blowout cases, as they investigate the accident scene to determine fault. 

A claim may involve the driver’s car insurance, the tire manufacturer, or another party. Insurance adjusters look at evidence like tire damage, maintenance history, car safety features, and police reports.

In Arizona, a personal injury claim may be covered if another party’s negligence caused the blowout. For example, a defective tire or poor road maintenance could shift fault away from the driver. However, if the driver neglected tire care, they might be partially at fault.

Steps To Take After a Tire Blowout Accident

Experiencing a tire blowout while driving is stressful. Taking the right steps protects your safety and strengthens your injury claim.

1. Stay Calm and Safe: Avoid slamming on the brakes. Slow down gradually and turn on your hazard lights. Pull over to a safe spot if possible.
2. Check for Injuries: Ensure everyone in the car is safe. Call 911 if anyone is injured in the car accident.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of the blown tire, road conditions, and damage to your vehicle. Keep the damaged tire as evidence.
4. Report the Accident: File a police report and notify your insurance company. Provide accurate details without admitting fault.
5. Contact a Car Accident Attorney: Cases involving tire blowouts can be complex. An accident lawyer at The Sorenson Law Firm helps prove fault and seeks compensation.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

Accidents caused by tire blowouts require thorough investigation. A skilled attorney examines evidence like tire condition, maintenance records, and accident reports. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that tire failure contributes to thousands of crashes yearly. 

An expert personal injury attorney services team, like The Sorenson Law Firm, holds negligent parties accountable, whether it’s a tire manufacturer or another driver.

In Arizona, victims injured in a car accident due to a tire blowout may seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer ensures your rights are protected.

Contact The Sorenson Law Firm

A tire blowout causes an accident in seconds, but the legal process takes time. The Sorenson Law Firm in Tempe, Arizona, offers expert guidance for those injured in a car accident. Our accident attorneys understand Arizona’s comparative fault laws and fight for fair compensation.

Reach out today for a free consultation. Call us at 480-839-9500, or visit us at 950 W Elliot Rd, Suite 226, Tempe, AZ 85284. Let our personal injury law firm help you navigate your tire blowout case.