Car tires are more than just an accessory; they are arguably one of the most critical parts of your vehicle. Tires provide stability and control over your car. As such, tires require adequate design, manufacture, and maintenance. Failure to do so can lead to a wheel-off car accident. These types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries to all people involved. Here, we explain more about the causes of loose tire accidents and injuries suffered by the victims.
What Causes Loose Tire Accidents
Loose tire car accidents can be hazardous especially when they involve large vehicles such as semi-trucks, trailers, or commercial trucks. A rolling tire, especially at high speeds, can turn into a deadly projectile on the road. The following represents some of the causes tied to fall-off tire accidents.
Under-inflation/Over-inflation
Under-inflation occurs when the tire lacks the recommended levels of pound-force per square inch (PSI). Normally, car manufacturers include the recommended PSI levels for your tires on a sticker which is placed inside the driver’s door. You can also find this information inside the owner’s manual. The specified amount of air pressure plays a critical role in the car’s performance.
If a car runs on underinflated tires, it can exert undue pressure to the tire’s casing and walls. Additionally, friction on overheating can happen quicker which can cause a tire to blow up. If a tire explodes, all the weight on the blown up tire’s side will sit on the wheel which can break the entire wheel loose.
Over-inflation occurs when a tire is filled beyond the manufacturer-recommended PSI levels. Over-inflated tires can put pressure over the entire tire casing. If the tire is above the manufacturer-recommended PSI levels, it can turn rigid and less able to resist impacts. Over-inflation can cause a tire to blow up and cause your vehicle to lose its wheel. While you can’t be criminally prosecuted for driving with over-inflated tires, you can be held liable in a civil lawsuit if you cause a serious injury or death during an accident.
Tread Separation
Tread separation occurs when the treading on the tire separates from the steel belts. Tread separation can be dangerous because it can cause the tire’s tread to detach. Pieces of torn tires can fly off your vehicle and cause damage to nearby cars. As the treading tears, the complete tire structure can sustain damage, eventually blowing up. Recently, a truck driver lost his life after losing control over his truck after a blown tire on Interstate 59 in Birmingham.
Mounting and Demounting Defects
Many times, rolling tire accidents can happen because of mounting and demounting errors. These errors can occur in tire replacements, tire rotations, tire repairs, and other major mechanical procedures. Commonly, mechanics use air guns to loosen and tighten wheel nuts. Many times, these guns are not calibrated as they are supposed to which can wear the nuts and lugs out. Furthermore, the lack of calibration can prevent the nuts from being adequately fastened. If a car or truck runs on worn out lugs and nuts, they can work themselves loose, leading to a potential crash.
Injuries Caused by Loose Tire Accidents
Wheel-off accidents can lead to multiple devastating injuries. A loose tire can bounce out of control and impact one or more vehicles on its path. Additionally, the weight, speed, and momentum carried by a loose tire can cause damage to drivers, passengers, and unsuspecting pedestrians. People involved in a wheel-off accident can sustain life-threatening injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
TBI occurs as a result of a massive blow to the head. Severe head injury cases may require costly surgical procedures and an extended recovery period. Another type of injury people may suffer as a result of loose tire accidents is whiplash. Whiplash is associated with a shaking motion to the head that can cause neck stiffness, pain, and other health issues related to the injury. A driver can also suffer spinal cord injuries as a result of a wheel-off Baltimore car accident. If you sever your spinal cord, you may lose bodily function from the site of the damage down. Severe spinal cord injury cases include quadriplegia and paraplegia. Sadly, many loose tire accidents end up in the wrongful death of the driver, passengers, and surrounding pedestrians.
Handling Loose Tire Accident Claims
Many loose tire accidents happen due to the negligence of a third party. In a negligence-based lawsuit, you will need to show the liable parties owed you a duty of care that was breached, caused you harm, and damages. If you or a loved one was injured in a loose tire accident, we may be able to help. Your only focus should be recovering from your injuries while we fight for the compensation you deserve. An experienced injury attorney like https://www.reifflawfirm.com/philadelphia/personal-injury-lawyer/ can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. To learn more about your case in a free confidential consultation, call your local attorney today.
