Can you guess what company makes the most tires? That would be LEGO, which produces over 300 million tires each year. Of course, none of those tires will cause a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were at least 646 traffic fatalities in 2023 in tire-related crashes.
What happens if you’re involved in an incident where poor tires cause a car accident? If it can be established that the other driver was aware of the conditions of the tire, they could be held responsible.
This type of accident claim needs a thorough investigation to determine who to hold accountable.
The car accident lawyers at GDH Law have helped many clients who were victims of catastrophic car accidents. When we take on a case, we provide the full support of our investigative teams to gather evidence and support our client’s version of the accident.
If the car’s tires are a factor in an accident, it could be for one of the following reasons that are associated with tires with a low tread:
Hydroplaning
Tires with good tread “grip” the road when it rains and the roads are slick. Without that tread, water gets between the tires and the road, causing hydroplaning, which causes the car to slide uncontrollably.
Buildup of Excessive Heat
The friction between the tires and the road on hot summer days can trigger excessive heat buildup. A good tread allows airflow to keep the tires cool, while a tire with a bad tread is closer to the road.
When that occurs, there can be a tire blowout.
Blowouts
Speaking of blowouts, those can occur at any time when the tire is worn out and its structure is compromised. If a tire blowout occurs at high speeds, it can be extremely dangerous. Good tread reduces the risk of experiencing a blowout while driving.
Difficulty Braking
Bald tires can impact your ability to come to a complete stop effectively. Without the grip of a strong tread, you could find yourself careening into the car in front of you.
Increase Risk of Puncture
Any tire can suffer from a puncture caused by debris on the road. However, tires with low treads are thinner, increasing the risk of puncture.
Poor Tires Make You the At-Fault Driver
Maryland is a contributory negligence state. That means if you are found to be even partially responsible for the accident, you would not be entitled to recover any compensation.
For instance, if your tires are bald or the sidewalls are cracked, these could contribute to your inability to stop or cause a blowout. The police who are investigating the crash will note your tire condition.
On the other hand, if you hit debris on the road that causes a tire blowout, you might not be responsible.
Signs of Bad Tires
When was the last time you checked your tires and tire pressure? A quality tire can last from 40,000 to 60,000 miles. If your tires are in that zone, you want to look for the following signs of a bad tire:
- Blisters or bulges in a tire
- Unevenly wearing tread
- Unusual vibrations during driving
- Cuts or splits in the tire sidewalls
You can also perform the classic penny test. That is where you place a penny into your tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get some new tires.
Know Your Options
If you are involved in a car accident caused by another driver’s poor tires or any other type of negligence, you need to know your options for pursuing a remedy. GDH Law can provide the information you need to make the right decision about moving your car accident claim forward.
You can get that information at a free consultation.
Call to set that up today.
