Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance Claims
A sudden tire blowout can turn a routine drive into a terrifying accident. The loud explosion, loss of control, and potential collision make these incidents extremely dangerous. In Louisiana, where high temperatures and rough road conditions are typical, tire failures happen more often than people realize.
When a tire blowout causes an accident, the biggest question is: Who is responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, the Driver may be at fault for neglecting their tires. In others, the tire manufacturer, a mechanic, or even the city responsible for road maintenance could be held liable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tire blowout accident, understanding liability, insurance coverage, and legal rights is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these accidents, including who may be responsible, what to do after an accident, and how to seek compensation.
Understanding Tire Blowout Accident
A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure and bursts, often leading to loss of control and a crash. These accidents are hazardous on highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds. The Driver may struggle to keep the car steady, causing it to swerve, roll over, or collide with other vehicles.
Tire-related accidents are more common than many people think.
“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire failures contribute to approximately 612 fatal accidents per year, accounting for 2% of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.”
Why Are Tire Blowout Accidents So Dangerous?
- A sudden loss of control can cause rollovers and multi-car collisions.
- Blowouts are more dangerous at high speeds, where drivers have little time to react.
- If a front tire blows out, the Driver may experience a violent pull to one side.
- If a rear tire fails, the vehicle may fishtail or spin out of control.
Since Louisiana highways often have uneven surfaces and potholes, drivers face an increased risk of tire damage that could lead to accidents.
Common Causes of Tire Blowouts
A tire blowout doesn’t happen for no reason. There’s always an underlying cause—and identifying that cause is key to determining who is liable.
1. Driver Negligence
Many tire blowout accidents happen simply because drivers fail to maintain their tires.
Some common examples of driver negligence include
- Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires
- Failing to replace worn-out tires with low tread depth
- Ignoring warning signs like bulges, cracks, or uneven wear
- Overloading the vehicle, which puts excessive pressure on the tires
If a driver knowingly drove with unsafe tires, they could be held responsible for a crash caused by a tire blowout.
2. Defective Tires
Not all tire failures are the Driver’s fault. Sometimes, a tire is flawed from the start due to a manufacturing defect or design flaw.
Tire defects may include:
- Weak sidewalls that can’t withstand normal driving conditions
- Tread separation, which causes a tire to peel apart while driving
- Poor materials that degrade faster than expected
In these cases, the tire manufacturer may be held liable in a product liability lawsuit. If the company knew about the defect but failed to issue a recall, they could be responsible for damages.
3. Road Hazards & Poor Road Maintenance
Louisiana roads are notorious for their potholes, debris, and poor maintenance. These hazards can cause tires to wear down faster or even burst on impact.
If a government agency failed to repair known hazards, they could be held liable for accidents caused by road conditions. However, proving liability against a government entity can be challenging.
4. Weather Conditions
Extreme temperatures increase the risk of blowouts. Louisiana’s hot climate causes tires to expand, sometimes leading to:
- Increased air pressure, causing a tire to rupture
- Faster rubber degradation, making blowouts more likely
While drivers can take steps to reduce these risks, some tire failures may be unavoidable due to weather conditions.
5. Poor Tire Installation or Maintenance by a Mechanic
If a mechanic or auto shop installed the wrong type of tire or failed to detect a defect, they could be partially liable for the accident.
Determining Liability in a Tire Blowout Acciden
Who is responsible for a tire blowout accident? It depends on what caused the tire failure
Possible Liable Parties:
- The Driver, if they failed to maintain their tires properly
- The tire manufacturer, if a defective tire caused the accident
- The mechanic, if improper installation or maintenance was a factor
- The government or city, if road conditions led to the blowout
- Another driver, if they created a road hazard that caused the accident
Does Car Insurance Cover Tire Blowout Damage?
One of the most common questions after a tire blowout accident is whether insurance will cover the damage.
“Collision insurance may cover vehicle damage from a tire blowout if it occurs during a crash. However, standard liability insurance does not cover damage to the Driver’s car unless another party is at fault.”
Insurance companies often deny claims if they believe the blowout resulted from driver negligence or improper maintenance.
Steps to Take After a Tire Blowout Accident
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Call the police and file a detailed accident report
- Take photos of the tire, road conditions, and vehicle damage
- Gather witness statements and contact information
- Do not accept a quick settlement without speaking to a lawyer
Compensation for Victims of Tire Blowout AccidentsIf you were injured in a Louisiana tire blowout accident, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays and rehab
- Lost wages if the injury affects your ability to work
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering from emotional and physical distress
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed
Liability in Tire Blowout Accidents: Who Pays?
| Liable Party | Reason for Liability |
| Driver | Failing to maintain tires, ignoring warning signs |
| Tire Manufacturer | Selling defective tires, poor quality control |
| Mechanic | Installing the wrong tires, failing to detect defects |
| Government | Poor road maintenance, potholes |
| Other Driver | Creating a road hazard |
FAQs: Common Questions About Tire Blowout Accidents
Is damage from a tire blowout covered by insurance?
It depends on your policy. Collision insurance may cover blowout-related accidents, while comprehensive insurance might apply to road hazard damage. Liability insurance usually does not cover the Driver’s car unless another party is responsible.
Can I file a claim if a pothole caused my tire blowout?
Yes, but proving liability against a government agency can be complex. You must show that the road hazard was not adequately maintained and that the agency had a reasonable time to fix it.
Who is liable if a defective tire caused my tire blowout?
If a tire had a manufacturing defect, the tire manufacturer could be responsible. This may involve a product liability lawsuit to seek compensation.
What should I do immediately after a tire blowout accident?
Call 911, document the scene, take photos, collect witness information, and keep tire maintenance records. Seeking medical attention is also essential, even if you don’t feel injured right away.
Can I sue for injuries caused by someone else’s tire blowout?
Yes, if another driver’s negligence led to your accident. A personal injury attorney can help gather evidence and determine if you have a strong case.
How long do I have to file a claim for a tire blowout accident in Louisiana?
Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of the accident (CC Art. 3492) to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering damages.
Get Legal Help for a Tire Blowout Accident
A tire blowout accident can lead to life-altering injuries and financial losses. If you or a loved one has been affected, knowing your rights is crucial.
At Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest, we have the experience and legal knowledge to hold the responsible parties accountable. Don’t let insurance companies deny your claim. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
