Low Tire Pressure Can Cause Accidents—Here’s What You Need to Know

Most drivers do not think about their tire pressure regularly. Over time, the tires on passenger vehicles lose pressure. 

There are many negative effects of driving with low tire pressure. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are around 11,000 tire-related vehicular accidents annually in the United States.  

Low tire pressure causes many of these accidents. Although most motorists do not consider the role tires can play in collisions, the dangerous effects of driving with low pressure are significant. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by low tire pressure, do not wait. It is critical to speak with an attorney at Morgan & Morgan if you have been involved in a tire-related collision. 

When the negligence of an individual or company results in significant harm, victims have the legal right to pursue financial compensation. You should not be responsible for the costs and losses from a motor vehicle accident caused by another party. 

Fortunately, the accomplished legal team at Morgan and Morgan is ready to help. When you schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, we will diligently review the circumstances of your accident case. 

Fill out the simple online contact form to arrange a case evaluation with the compassionate team at Morgan & Morgan.

Typical Effects of Driving With Low Tire Pressure

Driving your car or truck with inadequate tire pressure can have many negative consequences, even if you do not experience an accident. 

Some of the most common effects of driving with low tire pressure include:

Loss of Fuel Efficiency: Low tire pressure causes motor vehicles to be less fuel efficient. When there is not enough pressure, a larger surface of the tire touches the road. 

This results in more drag on the car or truck, and more energy will be necessary to move the vehicle.

For every 5 psi (pounds per square inch) of underinflation, vehicles lose 2% of their fuel efficiency. The loss of fuel efficiency is one of the clearest economic effects of driving with low tire pressure. 

Decreased Tire Lifespan: Tires that have low pressure do not last as long as those that are properly inflated. When more of the tire’s surface touches the road, faster degradation occurs. 

Also, low pressure causes uneven degradation of the tires’ tread. Premature and uneven wear on your tire will require you to replace tires more frequently.

Flat Tires: Poor tire tread and low pressure can result in functional problems for your car or truck. Insufficient internal pressure and worn down tread lead to a higher likelihood of flat tires, which are serious safety concerns. 

This danger is especially real on long-distance trips. Keeping your vehicle’s tires at optimal pressure will decrease the chances of experiencing a flat tire. 

Decreased Handling: A lack of handling is one of the most dangerous effects of driving with low tire pressure. Insufficient pressure causes the tires’ walls to flex when steering, cornering, and braking.  

Flexing tire walls make it difficult to control the vehicle. For instance, it takes much longer to bring the vehicle to a stop. 

In hazardous situations on the road, decreased handling can result in collisions and other accidents. Driving safely in inclement weather conditions requires accurate handling and adequate tire pressure.

Blowouts: Most people believe that only over-inflated tires are at risk of structural failure. This belief is mistaken.  

The most dangerous effect of low internal pressure is tire blowouts. Insufficiently inflated tires result in more surface-to-surface contact between the tires and the road.  

The resulting increase in friction heats the tires. When the rubber of a tire overheats, it may suddenly separate from the surrounding material.  

Blowouts happen almost instantaneously. Drivers have very little time to determine what actions to take in the moments after a tire blowout. This is especially true when a tire fails at high speeds. 

If you experience a tire blowout, take the following important steps: 

• Stay calm
• Do not slam the brakes
• Hold the wheel as steady as possible
• Allow the vehicle to slow naturally
• Do not overcorrect if the vehicle pulls to one side 

After a blowout, your vehicle will slow quickly because of the increased drag. It is best to allow the car or truck to slow down on its own, applying the brakes after you have safely slowed to around 25 miles per hour.

Accidents Caused by Low Tire Pressure

Accidents become much more likely when a motorist experiences any of the effects of driving with low tire pressure. Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of personal injuries nationwide. 

Even if an underinflated tire does not blow out, low tire pressure may still lead to a car crash. Victims of car accidents often have grounds for a successful civil claim against the at-fault party. 

Determining legal liability in a tire-related traffic accident is difficult. If you have been hurt in a car crash, it is vital to speak with one of the skilled attorneys at Morgan & Morgan.  

Our legal professionals have plenty of experience determining legal responsibility in motor vehicle collision cases. Often, a motorist’s negligence is the cause of traffic accidents. However, this is not always the case.

Tire Defect Lawsuits

In some tire-related crashes, a negligent manufacturer may be to blame. Consumers trust their tires to help provide reliable and safe transportation.

Regular maintenance, appropriate tire pressure, and rotation are important. But even with these precautions, some tires contain defects that may cause problems.  

Defective tires are more prone to blowouts. These tire failures often result in rollovers or other dangerous accidents.  

Depending on the circumstances of your tire failure, you may be able to pursue a successful civil claim. When faulty tires cause harm, some of the potentially liable parties include: 

• Manufacturers
• Retailers
• Distributors 

One of the accomplished product liability attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will review your situation and help you hold negligent tire companies accountable. Our team will fight diligently to recover the highest amount of financial compensation possible in your case. 

Victims of faulty automotive products often face a wide range of financial and personal challenges. Because of this, they are often entitled to significant compensation paid by the responsible party.