September and October were dangerous for some Illinois drivers due to defective tires. In September, a 50-year-old Des Plaines man was killed when the rear tire of his motorcycle blew out. He lost control of the bike and was catapulted onto the roadway, where a semi-truck hit him. He was then gruesomely run over by several other vehicles. The man, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In early October, a Rutland woman was killed and three others injured when, after a tire blowout, one car rolled over and landed in the path of oncoming traffic.
A third October accident attributed to a blown tire occurred in Farina. The driver, a 27-year-old man from Joliet, was taken to the hospital. There was no report of his injuries, but it was believed the van he was driving suffered a blowout of a front tire, causing the driver to lose control, run off the highway, and flip over.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), these are only a few examples of the 33,000 accidents occurring yearly, and at least 2000 are related to blowouts. On average, more than 700 people across the U.S. are killed due to tire blowouts. Another 19,000 are injured.
Injured in a tire blowout accident? Don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced Chcago tire blowout attorneys at Blumenshine Law Group are here to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Call us now at (312)766-1000 for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.
Defective Tires Responsible for Most Blowout Accidents
The NTSB says that many, if not most, of these tire blowout accidents are preventable since defectively manufactured tires are responsible for many of them. Despite the recall of 3.2 million tires between 2009 and 2013, only about 20 percent were returned to the manufacturer.
As of the NTSB’s October 2015 report, a service technician could not check to see if a vehicle’s tires had been recalled as defective. The NTSB made some recommendations, suggesting the tire manufacturing industry improve the recall process and use technology so that mechanics can determine if a specific tire on a car has been the subject of a recall notice.
Tire Blowout Accident Statistics
Recent accident data reflect the dangers of tire blowouts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that tire failure causes approximately 11,000 vehicle accidents annually. In 2022, these incidents resulted in 562 fatalities.
Analysis shows that tire-related accidents are more common than many realize – approximately 1 in 270 crashes result from tire failure. The National Transportation Safety Board reports an even higher figure, with at least 33,000 accidents caused by tire issues each year.
Peak Danger Period
The risk increases significantly during “tire blowout season” from May to October when higher temperatures combine with underinflated tires to create hazardous conditions. During these months, road surface temperatures can reach 150 degrees on a 90-degree day, significantly increasing the risk of tire failure.
Warning Signs of Tire Failure
Don’t wait for a dangerous blowout to occur. Watch for these critical warning signs that indicate potential tire failure:
Sidewall Damage
Inspect your tires regularly for cracking or cuts in the sidewalls. These weaknesses can lead to sudden tire failure, especially during high-speed driving.
Uneven Tread Wear
If you notice irregular wear patterns across your tires, this could indicate problems with inflation, wheel alignment, or suspension. Use the quarter test—if you can see the top of Washington’s head when inserted in the tread, it’s time to replace your tires.
Bulges and Blisters
Any bubbles or bulges in your tire’s surface are serious red flags requiring immediate attention. These indicate weak spots in the tire that could lead to a catastrophic blowout.
Excessive Vibration
While some vibration is normal on rough roads, unusual shaking could signal misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, or internal tire damage. Have your vehicle checked immediately if you experience unusual vibrations.
Tire Manufacturers May Be Strictly Liable for Defective Tires
Under Illinois law, if a defective product injures you, you may sue the manufacturer and distributor of the product to collect damages you sustained as a result of your injury. Under the theory of strict liability, you can collect if you can prove:
- That the production condition was unreasonably dangerous
- That the condition existed at the time it left the manufacturer or seller
- The defect in the product is what caused your injury, and you suffered damages because of it
You do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent under a strict product liability theory.
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that you can prove the product’s condition was an unreasonably dangerous one at the time it left the manufacturer or seller with evidence that:
- There was no abnormal use of the product
- There was no reasonable secondary cause of the injury
- The product failed to perform in its reasonably expected capacity
It might sound too easy. However, some defenses may be raised against you.
Possible Defenses to Your Product Defect Claim
In some cases, the liability of the manufacturer and seller is clear, and they may settle your claim without a trial. That is rare, though. You can generally expect manufacturers and their insurers and attorneys to fight vigorously, or even viciously, and claim one or more of the following:
- You were not using the tire in the way it was intended. For example, you were speeding when the blowout occurred, or the tire was not the right size for your vehicle
- Your injury was caused by something other than the blowout of a defective tire
- You were doing something that contributed to the injury, such as driving at high speeds or in an unsafe manner
- You were driving on the tires after receiving notice that the tires had been recalled
Search for tire recalls https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Chicago Tire Blowout Attorney Can Help
At the Blumenshine Law Group, we are tire blowout attorneys with the experience and knowledge you need to have on your side to pursue your damage claim based on product liability law. If you were injured when your tire blew out or someone you love was killed, we may be able to help. Contact us immediately after your accident for a free consultation at (312)766-1000 or email [email protected].