Can Low Tire Pressure Cause a Blowout?

Many motorists do not regularly think about their tire pressure. However, this is an important part of keeping your motor vehicle in good, safe working order. 

For those who do consider the air pressure in their tires, many are only worried about over-inflation. But low tire pressure can also cause problems.   

Inadequate air pressure can decrease the lifespan of your vehicle’s tires. But can low tire pressure cause a blowout? Drivers should understand the potential role of low pressure in tire blowouts. 

When a driver experiences a blowout, collisions and accidents become much more likely. In some instances, victims of these motor vehicle crashes have the right to pursue financial compensation. 

It is important to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney if you have been involved in a crash caused by a blowout. It can be challenging to determine who is at fault in these cases. 

Fortunately, the accomplished legal team at Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience representing victims in car accident cases. If an underinflated tire caused you to sustain a personal injury, consult with a knowledgeable tort lawyer about the facts of your case. 

Since 1988, Morgan and Morgan has fought diligently for the rights of injury and accident victims. Complete the simple online form to arrange a no-cost consultation about your case today.

The Dangers of Low Tire Pressure on Motor Vehicles

It is vital to avoid driving with low tire pressure. Inadequate pressure can decrease your motor vehicle’s performance and make it difficult to control. 

Drivers may lose the ability to steer effectively when their tire pressure is too low. This is especially true when weather conditions are not favorable.  

Snowy, icy, or wet roads are particularly dangerous when a vehicle’s tire pressure is too low. But can low tire pressure cause a blowout on your car or truck? Yes!

When the pressure becomes too low, the sidewalls of the tire begin to flex under the weight of the vehicle. This causes heat to build within the tire. 

If the heat becomes too severe inside the tire, the rubber may separate. If this separation happens quickly, it can result in a dangerous tire blowout. 

Blowouts typically cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle. Tire blowouts that occur at high speeds are particularly hazardous. 

Losing control of a motor vehicle can result in serious crashes. In extreme instances, these accidents can cause victims to experience fatal injuries. 

However, low tire pressure is also dangerous at lower speeds. Tires without adequate pressure are softer and more likely to be punctured by a pothole or debris in the road.

Other Effects of Low Tire Pressure

Blowouts are not the only negative effect of inadequate vehicular tire pressure. Underinflated tires do not roll as efficiently as those with proper internal pressure. 

Motor vehicles with low tire pressure require much more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. For that reason, fuel economy is decreased by low tire pressure.  

Even if the tires remain inflated, low tire pressure makes passenger vehicles more difficult to steer. Because the tire has less effective traction, drivers with low tire pressure may have trouble avoiding debris, potholes, and other obstacles. 

When a car or truck is more difficult to handle, the driver may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Significant property damage and personal injuries can be caused by low tire pressure even if no blowout occurs. 

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision, speak with a lawyer about the circumstances of your crash. One of the experienced professionals at Morgan and Morgan will help you explore all of your legal options.

Holding Negligent Tire Manufacturers Accountable

Most blowouts happen because a tire loses integrity and deflates rapidly. At high speeds, this can cause motorists to collide with other cars or suffer single-car accidents. 

No matter how many vehicles are involved in a blowout accident, victims deserve financial compensation from the at-fault parties. But determining who is to blame for your blowout motor vehicle crash can be difficult. 

In many cases, the tire manufacturer may be held accountable for the damage resulting from the blowout crash. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help accident victims file a civil legal claim against tire manufacturers, retailers, or distributors.  

Can low tire pressure cause a blowout? Yes, but not all blowouts result from inadequate tire pressure. There are many factors that can contribute to a tire blowout and resulting crash. 

Some tires face recalls because of substandard designs. A design flaw in a motor vehicle tire may result in separating tread.  

The tread of motor vehicle tires may unexpectedly separate from the lower layers if they have been improperly designed. The damage that results from such a mishap may be the financial responsibility of the tire manufacturer. 

Manufacturing defects are another common type of consumer product flaw. If a motor vehicle tire is not properly manufactured and damage results, the victims may be able to recover compensation. 

For instance, tires that are made from materials that do not rise to industry quality standards are considered defective. Driving with defective tires can put motorists and passengers at risk. 

If you believe that a faulty tire was the cause of the accident or injuries you sustained, schedule a consultation with Morgan and Morgan. Our attorneys are ready to fight tirelessly to obtain the money that you deserve.

Steps to Take in Case of a Tire Blowout

Tire blowouts are incredibly dangerous. The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a tire blowout may determine whether you experience an accident. 

Taking the right actions can help you prevent the worst-case scenario when one of your vehicle’s tires pops. When experiencing a blowout, you will probably first hear a loud popping sound. 

If this happens, do the following: 

• Stay calm
• Do not brake
• Hold the wheel steady
• Allow the vehicle to slow

Each of these steps can help you to ensure the safest outcome in the moments after a tire blowout. Staying calm is vital when you lose control of your car or truck. 

Panicking is one of the most dangerous mistakes drivers make in these situations. Another common mistake with devastating consequences is applying the brakes.  

Trying to stop the vehicle too quickly usually results in the complete loss of vehicular control. In some cases, braking can cause the car to flip.  

Hold the steering wheel tightly and guide the vehicle in as straight a path as possible. Because one of the tires is deflated, the car may pull strongly to the left or right. Do not overcorrect because this may cause a rollover. 

Finally, allow the vehicle to slow down naturally. This will probably happen rapidly because the flat tire will cause significant drag. 

It is safe to apply the brakes gently after your vehicle slows to around 25 mph. It is helpful to activate the vehicle’s hazard lights as soon as it is safe to do so. 

When possible, pull your car or truck safely to the side of the road. This will help prevent subsequent accidents.

Damages in Car Accident Claims

Ideally, a driver who experiences a tire blowout will be able to safely pull their vehicle out of the path of traffic. Unfortunately, this is not always possible.  

When a blowout results in additional property damage or personal injuries, victims may be owed financial compensation. Compensatory payments in civil legal cases are called “damages.” 

The two most common categories of compensatory payments are called “special” and “general” damages. These payments are meant to make up for various costs and losses resulting from the accident.

Special Damages

This type of payment makes up for the victim’s monetary losses. Motor vehicle accidents usually result in many bills and costs for those involved.

This is especially true when the victim suffers a physical injury. Any related monetary costs can be claimed as part of special damages in a civil case. Some of the common examples of special damages are: 

• Medications and treatment costs
• Surgical costs
• Hospitalization
• Medical travel
• Foregone income and wages from missing workdays
• Decreased long-term earning capacity
• Vehicular repair costs
• Other associated property damage 

The team at Morgan and Morgan will review the financial documents associated with your claim to determine the appropriate amount of special damages. Do not allow a negligent party to settle for less than the full value of your claim.

General Damages

Negligent parties can also be held accountable for the intangible harm they cause the victim. Some of the most challenging consequences of motor vehicle accidents are physical and emotional. 

General damages are meant to compensate for losses, including the following: 

• Emotional anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium or relationship—in wrongful death cases
• Embarrassment
• Loss of opportunity
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Temporary or permanent disability 

These losses are difficult to quantify. Because of this, it is imperative to review the facts of your case with a seasoned attorney before pursuing a claim.

How Much Tire Pressure Is Appropriate?

The amount of pressure needed in specific tires varies. Drivers should check the owner’s manual for their vehicle to determine appropriate tire pressure. 

Most standard passenger vehicles require between 32 and 35 psi (pounds-per-square-inch). However, it is important for vehicle owners to ensure that the tire pressure is within the suggested range when driving.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations on motor vehicle collision claims varies by location. Because of this, it is critical to speak with a Morgan and Morgan attorney as soon as possible after a car crash.

Is It Expensive to Hire a Morgan and Morgan Attorney?

Most personal injury victims are understandably concerned about the potential costs of legal representation. Fortunately, the compassionate lawyers at Morgan & Morgan are compensated through contingency fees. 

Contingency fees are paid using a portion of the recovery from a civil claim. In other words, you will not pay anything to your Morgan and Morgan lawyer until they settle or win your case. 

You should not face the burden of upfront attorneys’ fees. That is why our tort lawyers only get paid if you do.

Let Us Fight for You

If you have been hurt following a tire blowout or other vehicular mishap, let our firm help. We will fight tirelessly to recover the compensation to which you are entitled. 

When you complete the simple online form, our staff will gladly arrange a free legal case evaluation for you. Let the team at Morgan and Morgan recover the money you need to move forward.