Did you know that every year there are over 11,000 car accidents caused by a defective tire? It’s more common than most drivers realize.
This is why it’s important to understand the impact faulty tires have on your chances of getting into an accident. Knowing how tires cause accidents help all drivers realize how vital tire health is to their safety.
We’ve put together a quick guide that’ll give you all the defective tire information you need. Keep reading to learn more!
Common Types of Tire Defects
One of the best ways to prevent defective tire accidents is by recognizing the signs of both faulty tires and worn tires. Both of these cause many problems and pose a risk to your safety every time you get behind the wheel.
This is why tire inspections play a huge role in vehicle safety.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for all the different defects that often show up on tires, which include:
- Worn treads
- Incorrect air pressure level
- Worn suspension
- Low-quality rubber
- Blistered rubber
- Cracks
- Tread separation
You’ll want to investigate the state of your tires frequently so that you can replace the tires before they become a problem. Although some defects aren’t as noticeable, a quick check still goes a long way in keeping you safe on the road. As soon as you notice something wrong with your tire, make sure to get it fixed right away.
Keep up with regular maintenance so that your tires are always in tip-top shape whenever you go for a drive.
Types of Accidents Caused by Defective Tires
Now that you know more about the types of tire defects to look out for, it’s time to learn more about how those tires cause accidents. Since tires play such a key role in keeping your car safe on the road, many accidents caused by bad tires can lead to severe injuries.
Learn more about faulty tire-created accidents down below.
Loss of Car Control
One of the biggest causes behind these types of accidents is when the driver loses control of their car. Tires are the unsung villains of this problem because tires are the way a car keeps its control on the road.
A combination of speed, weight, and traction keeps the car under your control. When one of these components gets compromised, it turns every movement of the steering wheel into a gamble.
Tires without any tread are one of the more common issues that cause this problem. When there’s too much wear and tear on the tread, it becomes a hazard for everyone on the road. The car will begin to slip and slide at any given moment, making it difficult to keep in your lane.
This gets even more dangerous if there are any poor weather conditions. Rain and snow already tend to make driving tricky. Without proper treads, your chances of getting into an accident increase even more.
Low treads aren’t the only cause behind a loss of control. Worn suspensions, for instance, make it more difficult for the wheels to react to steering. Your movements might not be enough to turn a sharp corner, or you might turn the corner with too much force.
At the heart of every defective tire accident is the loss of control.
Going Off the Road
When you see a fellow driver veer off the road, it’s often due to a tire issue. Going off the road is dangerous due to the high chance of impact against buildings, trees, or other obstacles. Depending on the terrain, this also makes it possible for the car to start tumbling over onto the roof.
In all of these instances, the chances of severe injury are higher than in other types of accidents.
It’s a situation that no one deserves to experience, so always make sure that your tires are up-to-date with all of their maintenance.
Swerving Into Traffic
Another terrible consequence of defective tires is when a car swerves into traffic. It’s often the result of lost car control, whether due to low treads, broken suspension, or even tire falloff.
It’s this kind of situation that leads to car pileups and other tragedies.
It puts you, your passengers, and every other car on the road in danger. This is why every driver needs to take the time to make sure their tires are in tip-top condition. It doesn’t completely eliminate the risk factor, but it does lower the chances of something like this happening.
Tire Blowout
A tire blowout can happen due to incorrect tire pressure, cracks in the rubber, or a tire split. The main problem with this type of accident is the violent and sudden loss of control.
The vehicle might start to swerve into a dangerous situation.
Even if you’re able to maintain control of the car from such a random loss of a wheel, getting the car to the side of the road can cause problems as well. Without four working tires, the car is much more difficult to handle. It could even cause more damage to the car itself, making it malfunction.
Tire and Axle Separation
A tire can fall off from the axle, whether from poor pressure levels or faulty mechanics. Another common problem occurs when the tread itself separates from the rest of the wheel. This leaves the car struggling to maintain balance and control.
All of these issues can lead to a dangerous accident, similar to a tire blowout.
Never Let a Defective Tire Cause You to Suffer
Car accidents are already a difficult time for everyone involved. It’s even more stressful when that accident was caused due to a defective tire. It’s never a good feeling to realize that a harrowing experience was caused by a part of your car that’s meant to keep you protected.
That’s why it’s important to get the guidance you need to minimize your stress and suffering. A lawyer can give you that kind of guidance, and more.
Do you need a lawyer that knows all about defective tires? We can help you figure out the next best step and get you the results you deserve. Contact us today to get started!