What Happens in a Tire Blowout Accident?

A tire blowout is among the most frightening and dangerous situations drivers face. The sudden loss of a tire at highway speed can cause immediate loss of control, leading to devastating crashes. Drivers and passengers alike face serious risks when a tire fails. 

To stay safe, you must understand why blowouts happen, the accidents they cause, the injuries that result, and the legal options available after such an event. This article will look at the common causes of tire blowouts, the types of accidents they can trigger, the serious injuries that may follow, and what legal steps you can take if you’ve been hurt in a blowout-related crash.

What a Tire Blowout Accident Involves

A blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air or tears apart while the vehicle moves at speed. Sometimes the tire rapidly deflates, while in other cases the rubber shreds and separates from the wheel. Either situation changes the vehicle’s stability in an instant.

When a front tire blows, the vehicle pulls sharply toward that side, and steering becomes extremely difficult. A rear tire blowout produces a fishtailing motion that can spin the car across lanes. In both cases, the driver faces the shock of loud noises, heavy vibration, and sudden imbalance. The chaos often triggers panic, which increases the chance of mistakes. 

Common Causes of Tire Blowouts on the Road

Several conditions contribute to tire failure.

• Underinflation – Tires that lack proper air pressure flex more than intended. This flexing produces heat, weakens the rubber, and eventually leads to rupture. Regular checks of tire pressure remain one of the simplest and most effective safety measures.
• Overinflation – Too much air pressure makes tires stiff and brittle. They become more vulnerable to punctures and more likely to burst on impact with potholes or debris.
• Excessive wear – Bald or aging tires cannot grip the road properly. Worn tread also exposes the inner layers to heat and stress, raising the risk of separation.
• Road hazards – Sharp objects, metal fragments, or potholes can instantly destroy a tire or cause damage that develops into a blowout later.
• Overloading – Vehicles carrying more weight than their tires can safely support push the rubber past its design limits.

Each of these causes highlights the importance of regular inspections and timely replacement of tires. Ignoring maintenance almost always increases the chance of sudden failure.

Types of Accidents That Result from Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts cause a wide range of accidents, from minor fender-benders to catastrophic collisions.

• Single-vehicle crashes – Many blowout accidents involve one vehicle leaving the road and striking guardrails, light poles, trees, or ditches. These collisions can cause severe injuries even without another car involved.
• Multi-vehicle accidents – When a vehicle veers into another lane after a blowout, side-impact or head-on collisions occur. Vehicles traveling at highway speeds have little time to react.
• Rollover accidents – The sudden imbalance from a blowout may cause tall vehicles such as SUVs, vans, or trucks to flip. Rollovers often cause devastating injuries to occupants.
• Debris-related accidents – Shredded tire fragments scattered across the road can puncture other tires, create obstacles for motorcycles, or force drivers to swerve unexpectedly, causing secondary crashes.

Each of these scenarios underscores the severity of a tire blowout. Even a small fragment of rubber in the wrong place at the wrong time can trigger a chain reaction of accidents.

Who May Be Liable After a Tire Blowout Accident

Liability after a blowout depends on the circumstances.

• The driver may bear responsibility if poor maintenance caused the failure. Driving on bald tires, ignoring low pressure warnings, or overloading the vehicle can all point to negligence.
• The tire manufacturer may face liability if the blowout stems from a design flaw, defective materials, or improper construction. Courts often hold companies accountable when a defect poses a foreseeable danger.
• A repair shop or mechanic may share fault if improper installation or negligent service caused the tire to fail.
• Government entities may be liable if neglected road conditions, such as deep potholes or debris, directly caused the blowout.

Determining liability requires a thorough investigation. Police reports, maintenance records, witness accounts, and expert analysis all contribute to establishing fault.

Contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

If you suffered injuries in a tire blowout accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A consultation allows you to review the facts of your accident, learn your rights, and explore your options for compensation. Contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7