York, PA Tire Blowout Lawyers
Strong protections for victims when tire blowouts cause injuries and deaths
A tire that blows out while you are in the middle of traffic could not be scarier. Drivers may immediately lose control of their vehicle – likely crashing into other vehicles, colliding with road barriers, or veering into other lanes of travel. At KBG Injury Law, we have 40 years of experience holding drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers accountable for vehicle accidents. Our York tire blowout lawyers file personal injury claims, product liability lawsuits, and wrongful death actions when tire blowout accidents happen in Pennsylvania. We are ready to help you assert your right to compensation today.
Pennsylvania Truck Accident Settlement
$1.625 Million
Settlement for a tractor trailer crash involving a trailer that was loaded improperly allowing load to shift.
What causes tire blowouts in York, PA?
Our York truck accident attorneys work with tire safety experts, trucking industry professionals, our own investigators, and law enforcement to show why a tire blew out on your vehicle or another vehicle – and what steps should have been taken to prevent the blowout.
According to TireGrades, more than 78,000 road accidents in the U.S. each year are due to tire blowouts. Nearly 400 of these accidents are fatal. While most tire blowouts involve trucks, tires on passenger cars can blow out, too.
Some of the causes of tire blowouts in York include the following:
- Tire pressure. Overinflation and underinflation of tires can both cause tire blowouts.
- Too much air pressure can make a tire more rigid, decreasing the tire’s ability to flex when the tire hits a pothole or a bump.
- Too little pressure can cause tires to become overheated, which can increase the wear and tear on a tire, causing a blowout. Underinflation increases the risk of a tire blowout by 300 percent.
- Tire treads. The tread on a tire helps the tire grip the road and moves water away from the tire when it is wet. If the tread wears down, the tire is more likely to puncture, and the reduction in grip could cause skidding or slipping – which increases the odds of an accident.
- Federal and Pennsylvania laws regulate the weight of commercial trucks based on the number of axles and other factors. Too much weight increases the pressure on a truck’s tires, which increases the risk of a blowout.
- Defective tires. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their tires are safe from design defects and construction defects. Manufacturers must also have clear instructions on what the tire pressure should be and other usage considerations.
- Dangerous roads. Road designers should understand how much truck traffic and overall traffic their roads should be able to bear. Those responsible for road maintenance, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, should regularly repair potholes and other road dangers, which can also cause tire blowouts.
- TireGrades states that “Summer months see a spike in tire blowouts, with the rate increasing by up to 30 percent.”
- Improper maintenance. Vehicle owners, especially truck owners, should regularly inspect the quality of their tires, including the tire pressure and the tread levels. Vehicle owners should know when to replace their tires to prevent the risk of a tire blowout.
Who do you hold accountable for tire blowout accidents in York, PA?
At KBG Injury Law, we file car, truck, and motorcycle accident claims against everyone responsible for your tire blowout accident. The defendants may include any of the following:
- Truck drivers and all other motorists should examine their tires on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear and for low or high tire pressure. Drivers should review the instructions in their vehicle manuals or tire manuals to know what tire pressure is correct for the tires on their truck, car, or motorcycle. Drivers should also respond to any electronic warning measures about the condition of their vehicle’s tires.
- Trucking companies. Truck owners, including those who own a fleet of trucks, must also inspect their trucks on a regular basis. At KBG Injury Law, we hold trucking companies accountable if they place company profits ahead of your safety – such as by overloading their trucks. Generally, trucking companies are liable for the negligence of their employees.
- Tire manufacturers. Our York tire blowout lawyers file product liability claims against tire manufacturers when their tires are defective and the defects cause accidents. Product liability claims include strict liability claims, breach of warranty claims, and negligence claims.
- Maintenance companies and vehicle mechanics. Any maintenance company or repair company that a vehicle owner uses to inspect their tires, repair their tires, or replace their tires may be liable for a York tire blowout accident if they fail to provide quality workmanship.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, York County, the city of York, and other local counties and agencies. Our York tire blowout lawyers file claims against governmental entities and agencies who design roads that cannot properly handle the volume and weight of truck traffic and who fail to properly maintain and repair the roads in their control.
How do you fight for tire blowout accident victims?
Our York tire blowout lawyers review the purchase, maintenance, and usage history of tires that blow out. We work with tire safety experts. Our lawyers also examine if a tire is subject to a recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that drivers and vehicle owners should examine their tires for the following factors. We hold these drivers and vehicle owners accountable when they fail to conduct these preventive measures:
Vehicles should have:
- The correct tires for the vehicle’s make and model
- The correct tires for the correct season
- The proper tread level. Generally, tires with less than 2/32 of an inch of tread require replacement.
- The proper inflation level. “Your tires' proper tire inflation pressure—measured in both kilopascals (kPA) and pounds per square inch (PSI or psi)—can be found on the Tire and Loading Information Label on the driver's side door edge or in your owner's manual.”
- The proper alignment and rotation
What is the value of my tire blowout accident claim?
At KBG Injury Law, we work with your doctors, your employers, and you to determine the full scope of your injuries and damages. We demand compensation for all your current and future damages, including:
- Medical bills for ER care, hospitalizations, surgeries, therapy, medications, and all other medical costs
- Loss of wages, work benefits, business income
- Compensation if you have a permanent disability
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Damage to your vehicle
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Inability to use a body part
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of consortium (enjoyment of marital relations)
If a defendant’s conduct is wanton or malicious, we also seek punitive damages.
Our lawyers also file wrongful death actions if a tire blowout is fatal. Wrongful death damages include the funeral and burial costs, the loss of your loved one’s financial support, and the loss of comfort and guidance your loved one would have provided.
Get help from our seasoned York tire blowout lawyers now
At KBG Injury Law, our lawyers understand the unique challenges in showing why your tire blowout accident was preventable and who should be held liable. We’ve helped many clients like you obtain strong verdicts and settlements in truck accident cases. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. KBG Injury Law also maintains offices in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Hanover, and Gettysburg.