Tire blowouts are extremely common and extremely dangerous.  They cause over 23,000 motor vehicle accidents a year in the U.S. resulting in 500 fatalities. That is more than one fatality a day and more than 60 auto accidents a day.

What Causes Tire Blowouts?

• Low tire pressure
• Worn out tires
• Defective tires
• Puncture in the tire
• Overloaded vehicle

By inspecting your tires on a regular basis, you may be able to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of experiencing a tire blowout.  It is important to always take your car into a reputable tire dealer to have balancing and rotating done.  Mississippi drivers should be wary of bargain tire shops that do not have a solid reputation because they may use defective tires to save money.

Motorists in Mississippi should keep track of mileage since their tires were replaced and be mindful of when the tires need to be changed out. The appropriate time to replace your tires will depend on what type and how much driving you do. Your tire dealer will let you know too.  It is also very important to check your tire pressure frequently either just by looking at them or better yet take a hand-held pressure gauge and check them. If you need air go down to the local gas station and pump them up.  Under-inflated tires frequently results in serious blowout related Mississippi auto accidents.

Blowouts and Accidents

Tire blowouts are never expected and impossible to prepare for so that driver’s are usually caught off guard and panic when they occur. This is why preventing tire blowouts when navigating the highways and streets of Mississippi is the best line of defense.  Even if you take careful precautions, tire blowouts on Mississippi roadways may still occur, especially if you have defective tires on your vehicle so you should know how to handle the situation when it occurs.

The noise of a tire blowing out is going to sound like a big boom, which often startles drivers.  You should regain your composure and make sure that you have both hands on the wheel.

1. Try not to slam on your brakes or jerk the steering wheel one way or another.

2. Maintain your speed as best you can in a straightforward direction.

3. You will need to counter-steer a bit because whatever side the blown out tire is on, that car is going to being pulling in that direction.

4. Stabilize the car, begin to slow down and carefully pull over to the side of the road.

5. Once you get over to the side of the road, be careful that you pull as far off the road as possible and be careful of oncoming traffic if you get out of the car.

If your blowout occurs on new tires then it may be a manufacturing issue with the tires. Most tires have a warranty so if you bring them back to your tire dealer, they should be able to help you. If you or anyone was injured or even killed due to the blowout then the manufacturer could be liable.

If your tire blowout turns into a car accident causing you or your loved one to be injured, you should call our experienced Mississippi defective tire attorneys right away.

At Barrett Law, PLLC, our Mississippi accident lawyers have been representing residents in Lexington and throughout Mississippi in serious motor vehicle accidents for over 75 years.  We offer a free initial case evaluation so that we can assess your case and advise you of your rights so contact us today at (662) 834-2376.