Tires do a lot for automobiles. They are often the only thing standing between you and the road, and when they malfunction, it can spell disaster. Tire blowouts are especially dangerous at high speeds. They can lead to severe accidents that can involve more than one vehicle. Who has legal liability when a car crash occurs because of a tire malfunction?
Acting Reasonably Behind the Wheel
Drivers have a duty to drive reasonably and in a way that will not endanger others around them. There are many situations in which you cannot tell that you have problems with your tires or the problems do not arise until after you are on the road. When you suddenly get a flat, it is easy to lose control behind the wheel.
A reasonable person will slow down and get to the side of the road quickly. If you act unreasonably, you can still be liable for the damage you cause, even when the tire problem was sudden and unexpected. Remaining calm and knowing how to handle your car in the event of a blown tire can help you avoid legal liability.
Driver Responsibilities Before Getting on the Road: The Duty to Inspect
Every driver has a duty to other drivers to maintain control of their vehicle and drive responsibly. That obligation actually starts long before you get behind the wheel, however. It starts with an inspection of your vehicle to ensure that it is safe to drive.
A simple walk around your car can often let you know whether you are having trouble with your tires. The law assumes that you will do this type of check because that is what a reasonable driver would do before getting on the road.
You are not required to know a lot about cars to fulfill your duty to inspect your vehicle. Your only real obligation is to spot obvious problems, such as low or flat tires. Failing to pay attention to warning lights may also be unreasonable in some circumstances. It is important to note that the law imposes liability on those who “should have known” about a problem with their vehicle.
Driving with Defective Equipment
Part of the duty to other drivers to drive safely is that you will not operate equipment that could cause harm to others, which often includes defective equipment. If you know that your tire (or any other part of your vehicle) has a dangerous defect, you are obligated not to drive the car until the problem is addressed properly.
When Liability Extends Beyond the Driver
There are situations where the driver may not be the only person or entity at fault for a blown tire. When tires are defectively designed, or manufactured, the manufacturer or retailer may have legal liability for your injuries, or injuries to others, in a tire-related accident.
If a tire is not installed correctly, then the mechanic or another individual that did the installation could be liable too. If, for example, the mechanic put the wrong kind of tire on your car or failed to inflate it properly, that could lead to legal liability.
If you have been involved in an accident due to a tire malfunction, you may have legal options. Contact Williams Elleby Howard & Easter at 833-LEGALGA today to set up an appointment.
