Car Accidents and Underinflated Tires
Car accidents can have catastrophic or deadly consequences. When a driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they need to do their part to minimize the risk of a collision. Most people think that safe driving practices are enough to prevent a car crash, but vehicle maintenance is also important.
Vehicle malfunctions and unaddressed maintenance issues, such as underinflated tires, frequently result in car accidents. Car accident lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau urge drivers in Daytona Beach, FL, and surrounding areas to consider the dangerous link between car accidents and underinflated tires. With a few simple safety measures, drivers can reduce the number of these types of collisions.
Dangers of Underinflated Tires
Every brand, make, and model of tire has a recommended tire pressure. This is not an arbitrary number, but rather one that has been carefully calculated to allow the tire to operate at maximum efficiency and function. To drive on a tire that is inflated below the recommended pressure can be extremely dangerous.
Under-inflation causes more of the tire surface to make contact with the road when driving. This increases the amount of friction placed on the tire and shortens the lifespan its wear and tread. As tires weaken, there is greater danger for complications such as:
- Difficulty bringing the vehicle to a stop
- Compromised road grip
- Tire overheating
- Tire blowout
Any of the abovementioned problems significantly increases the risk of a car crash, which is why it is so important for drivers and vehicle owners to keep their tires properly inflated.
Who Is Liable for Accidents Caused by Underinflated Tires?
Unfortunately, many drivers fail to take the steps necessary to monitor and maintain proper tire pressure, and accidents do occur. Our Daytona Beach attorneys can help accident victims determine liability for car crashes related to underinflated tires, so that they can be properly compensated for their losses.
Liability for accidents caused by underinflated tires usually falls on the driver or owner of the vehicle, or on the tire manufacturer. It is a car owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. If they drive on underinflated tires, that is a form of neglectful driving. As such, they can be held accountable for any accidents and damages that occur.
Sometimes, a car owner does their part to maintain their vehicle, and a tire failure still occurs. If tires are underinflated, worn down, or experience a blowout because of a malfunction, the manufacturer can be held liable for resulting accident damages.
Maintaining Proper Tire Inflation
Proper tire inflation prolongs a tire’s lifespan, optimizes vehicle control, and reduces the risk of an accident. To ensure that tires are always properly inflated, we urge drivers in the Palm Coast area to adopt these practices:
- Use the owner’s manual or tire placard to determine the recommended tire pressure
- Purchase a reliable tire pressure gauge – preferably one that is a dial-type or digital
- Check tire pressure once a month or more
- Always check tire pressure before long road trips or when your vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period of time
- Let out air or refill tires as necessary to maintain proper pressure
- Make sure your vehicle always has a properly inflated spare tire
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been injured in an accident caused by underinflated tires, the attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can help you explore your right to financial compensation. To discuss your case with our legal team, contact our practice online at your earliest convenience or call us at (386) 439-7760.