Texas Accident & Injury News
Defective tires can cause serious accidents.
Tire Detaches from Vehicle, Causes Rollover Accident on the West Side
According to a KSAT News report, a man was hospitalized after a tire malfunction caused him to lose control of his vehicle.
Police reported the accident occurred at around 5 a.m. today on Highway 90 near Spurs Ranch Road, just outside of Loop 1604 on the West Side. The vehicle was traveling westbound down Highway 90 when the front tire became detached from the rim. This caused the driver, a 33-year-old man, to lose control and roll the vehicle into an embankment. The driver was transported to the hospital via ambulance in unknown condition. No other injuries were reported, and the accident is under investigation.
Did You Know?
562 people died in tire-related crashes in 2022.
Tire Falls Off While Driving: What to Do and Legal Options for Injury Victims in Texas
Tire defects are the leading cause of vehicle-related accidents, causing roughly 35% of these accidents.
Oftentimes, tire issues are the result of improper maintenance or lack thereof on the part of the owner of the vehicle. However, if your tire falls off while you’re driving, it is likely not your fault.
If you’re injured in an accident because your tire fell off or detached while you were driving, you could be eligible to recover compensation.
What Causes the Tire to Fall Off?
Anything that causes a tire to loosen can make it suddenly detach while you’re driving. This is most commonly caused by things like:
- Loose/broken lug nuts,
- Axel fractures,
- Fastening failure,
- And broken hubs.
These can happen because of defective parts or improper installment, and also afterward, by hitting a large pothole or construction debris while driving.
What to Do If Your Tire Detaches While You’re Driving
- Don’t Panic — It will undoubtedly be scary, but try to remain calm.
- Don’t Slam the Brakes — It seems counterintuitive, but slamming the brakes will make losing control more likely.
- Straighten Out — Give yourself a little gas and straighten out as much as you can.
- Slow Down — Take your foot off the gas once you’ve straightened out to slow down.
- Turn on Your Hazard Lights — To alert any nearby vehicles of the danger.
- Move to the Righthand Lane — When it’s safe, get over to the right and pull into the shoulder or exit and park in a safe location.
- Call 9-1-1 — If you were hurt or anyone else was hurt by the detached tire or if the accident caused any damage.
Who’s Responsible for a Detached Tire Accident?
If you’ve put on your own tires, you likely won’t be able to receive compensation for any injuries after an accident.
However, if a tire repair shop, another person, or a dealership did not fasten tires correctly or used a defective part, they would be responsible for the accident. Sometimes, local governments can also be involved if a poorly maintained road or construction debris causes the tire to loosen. If either of these scenarios can be proven, you may be eligible to sue for compensation.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a detached tire accident, you should consider talking to an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options.
Runaway Tire Accident? Call Carabin Shaw.
You may be eligible for compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Surgeries,
- Property Damage,
- Ongoing Medical Treatment,
- Pain and Suffering,
- PTSD/Trauma,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
Carabin Shaw will help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Carabin Shaw’s experienced personal injury attorneys at 800-862-1260 to set up a free consultation today. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.