When a defective tire causes a Texas-sized blowout

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict when you or someone you love may be the victim of a tire blowout.  If it happens to you, there are several reasons it could have happened, one of them being a defective tire that separated from its tread.

 

Regardless of the cause, there are a few things you need to keep in mind if your tire blows while you are driving.  The first rule is do not panic (easier said than done!)  Your goal is to keep your vehicle balanced and in control.  Any overreaction (like slamming on your brakes or taking your foot off the gas suddenly) can cause you to lose control.  Instead:

1. Slowly let your foot off the gas pedal
2. Gently correct your steering to stabilize the car and regain control
3. Continue to slow down and then pull off the road when safe

 

Unfortunately, most people instinctively hit the brakes or take their foot off the gas, but these are the worst two things you can do after a blowout.  Braking suddenly will cause an even greater imbalance in your car, making it even harder to steer.  Ceasing to accelerate will move weight from the rear tires to the front ones, again making it harder to control your car.

 

If you end up with serious injuries or property damage (i.e. your vehicle is totaled or wrecked) after a blowout, make sure you look into the cause of the blowout.  Defective tires are prone to tire separation, which can cause blowouts.  A tire separation case involving a defective tire can be handled by a defective product lawyer, like the BOARD CERTIFIED Texas attorneys at our office.