"My wife and I found Torgenson Law the beginning of 2023. Hunter and his colleagues were very easy to work with! They knew exactly how to address our problems and that made me feel very comfortable. This is a Professional Team that I highly recommend. Thank You for all your help."
"Mi esposa y yo encontramos Torgenson Law a principios de 2023. Fue muy fácil trabajar con Hunter y sus colegas. Sabían exactamente cómo abordar nuestros problemas y eso me hizo sentir muy cómodo. Este es un Equipo Profesional que recomiendo altamente. Gracias por toda su ayuda."
Stephen K.
Read our 5 Star Google Reviews
Lea nuestros comentarios de 5 estrellas en Google
Tires are one of the most critical safety components of a vehicle. When a tire fails due to a blowout or defect, the driver may lose control, increasing the risk of a serious or fatal accident. Tire blowouts and defects are responsible for thousands of crashes each year, many of which could have been prevented with proper tire maintenance or manufacturer accountability.
In Phoenix, where highway speeds, extreme heat, and heavy traffic put additional strain on tires, the risk of a tire-related accident is even greater. Whether the failure is caused by manufacturing defects, improper maintenance, or hazardous road conditions, victims of tire blowout accidents may be entitled to compensation.
At Torgenson Law, we help those injured in tire-related accidents pursue the financial recovery they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash caused by a defective or failing tire, our experienced Phoenix car accident lawyers can help determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
A tire blowout is a sudden and complete loss of air pressure, often causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. A tire defect, on the other hand, is a flaw in the tire’s design or manufacturing that weakens its integrity, making a blowout or failure more likely. In either case, the results can be catastrophic.
When a tire suddenly fails, the vehicle may swerve into other lanes, spin out, or even roll over — especially at high speeds on Phoenix highways. Some of the most common ways tire blowouts and defects lead to accidents include:
Understanding how tire failures cause accidents is critical in determining who is responsible for the crash. In many cases, tire manufacturers, maintenance providers, or even road maintenance agencies may share liability.
Tire blowouts and defects can result from a variety of factors, including manufacturing flaws, improper maintenance, and hazardous road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Tires must be built to withstand high speeds, sharp turns, and extreme weather conditions. However, defects in rubber quality, tread bonding, or sidewall construction can make tires more likely to fail under normal driving conditions. If a manufacturing defect caused a crash, the tire manufacturer may be held liable.
Tread separation occurs when the outer rubber layer detaches from the inner tire structure, causing sudden deflation. This defect is especially dangerous at high speeds, as it can lead to immediate loss of control.
Improper tire pressure weakens the structural integrity of the tire. Underinflated tires overheat more easily, increasing the risk of a blowout, while overinflated tires are more prone to bursting under pressure.
Tires degrade over time, even if they appear to be in good condition. Arizona’s extreme heat accelerates this process, making old or worn-out tires more likely to fail suddenly.
If a mechanic or tire shop fails to properly install or repair a tire, it may become unstable, leading to premature failure. A tire mounted on the wrong wheel size or with improper balancing can create uneven wear and instability.
Phoenix roads, particularly in construction zones or areas with frequent heavy traffic, can develop potholes, cracks, and debris, all of which can contribute to tire damage. A sudden impact from a deep pothole can cause a blowout, tread separation, or sidewall rupture.
Because multiple factors can contribute to tire blowout accidents, an investigation is often needed to determine who is at fault.
Determining liability in a tire-related accident requires identifying whether the failure was due to manufacturing defects, poor maintenance, or unsafe road conditions. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, depending on the cause of the blowout and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Identifying the liable parties is essential for holding the right entities accountable and securing maximum compensation for the victim. Some of the parties that may be held responsible include:
If a tire defect caused the blowout, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws. Companies are responsible for ensuring their tires are safe, properly tested, and free of defects before they are sold to consumers. If a tire was improperly designed, made with low-quality materials, or subject to a recall, the manufacturer may be financially responsible for any accidents, injuries, or fatalities caused by the defective product.
Drivers are responsible for maintaining their tires, ensuring they are properly inflated, rotated, and replaced when necessary. However, mechanics, tire shops, and auto repair services can also be liable if they improperly installed, repaired, or failed to detect a dangerous tire condition. If a service provider installed the wrong type of tire, failed to properly secure it, or neglected to warn a driver about excessive wear or defects, they may be held accountable for negligence.
If a tire retailer sold a faulty, recalled, or dangerously aged tire, they may share responsibility for accidents caused by tire failure. Some retailers continue selling old or defective tires, even when they pose a serious safety risk. A tire that has been sitting in a warehouse for years can degrade, even if it appears to be new, increasing the risk of blowouts and tread separation once installed on a vehicle.
If poor road conditions, potholes, or lack of maintenance contributed to the accident, a government agency responsible for road upkeep may be held liable. Highways and city streets must be properly maintained to ensure drivers do not encounter hazards that could cause a sudden blowout. If a city, county, or state failed to repair dangerous potholes, remove debris, or properly mark hazardous road conditions, they may be financially responsible for damages caused by tire-related crashes.
Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning that multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. Even if the driver played a role in the crash, they may still be entitled to compensation if another party’s negligence contributed to the tire failure. Consulting an experienced tire blowout accident attorney can help determine who should be held accountable and how to maximize the financial recovery for victims.
Because tire blowout accidents often involve high speeds and loss of control, they frequently result in severe or fatal injuries. When a tire suddenly fails, the driver may swerve into oncoming traffic, roll over, or crash into roadside barriers, increasing the severity of injuries. Victims often require emergency medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and, in some cases, permanent lifestyle adjustments. Some of the most common injuries in tire blowout accidents include:
A sudden impact can cause head trauma, concussions, or brain hemorrhages, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairments, or permanent disabilities. Victims may experience difficulty concentrating, mood swings, dizziness, or speech problems, all of which can significantly impact their daily lives. In severe cases, TBIs can result in lifelong neurological damage, requiring constant medical supervision, rehabilitation, and therapy to regain lost functions.
The force of a rollover or high-speed collision can damage the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of mobility. Victims with partial or complete paralysis may require wheelchairs, home modifications, and physical therapy to regain some level of independence. Even in less severe cases, spinal injuries can cause nerve damage, reduced coordination, and long-term discomfort, affecting the victim’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common due to the extreme force of impact in a blowout-related crash. Some fractures may be minor and heal with time, while others require surgical intervention, metal implants, and months of rehabilitation. Broken ribs can be particularly dangerous, as they may puncture internal organs or lead to lung complications, requiring immediate medical treatment.
Blunt force trauma can lead to organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs, all of which require immediate medical intervention. Internal injuries are especially dangerous because they may not show symptoms right away, leading victims to delay medical care, worsening their condition. Without prompt treatment, internal bleeding can become life-threatening, and organ damage may result in long-term health complications or permanent disability.
Shattered glass, debris, and vehicle fires can cause deep cuts, burns, or permanent scarring, often requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. Severe burns from engine fires or explosions can lead to nerve damage, infections, and long-term pain, while deep lacerations may damage muscles, tendons, and nerves, limiting movement. Victims with permanent scarring or disfigurement may also experience emotional trauma, requiring psychological counseling and long-term medical care.
The physical and emotional impact of a tire blowout accident can be overwhelming, and victims should seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications and begin the recovery process. If you have suffered serious injuries due to a tire-related crash, consulting an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation needed for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.
Victims of tire blowout accidents in Phoenix may be entitled to financial compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. The amount recoverable depends on the severity of injuries, the long-term impact on the victim’s life, and the level of negligence involved. Compensation typically falls into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages cover the financial losses directly resulting from the accident. This includes medical expenses such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment.
If the injuries prevent the victim from returning to work, they may also be entitled to lost wages and reduced earning capacity, especially if their ability to earn income is permanently impacted. Additionally, economic damages include property damage, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing the victim’s vehicle and any other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
Non-economic damages compensate for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident. Pain and suffering damages account for chronic pain, long-term discomfort, and any permanent disabilities resulting from the crash.
Emotional distress damages cover psychological effects such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or difficulty coping with the trauma of the accident. Victims may also receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, particularly if their injuries prevent them from engaging in hobbies, recreational activities, or spending quality time with loved ones as they once did.
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. If a tire manufacturer, retailer, or mechanic knowingly ignored safety risks — such as selling defective tires or failing to warn consumers of a known hazard — courts may impose punitive damages as a penalty.
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate the victim, punitive damages serve to punish negligent behavior and deter others from engaging in similar reckless conduct.
Understanding the full extent of available compensation is essential for victims seeking justice and financial recovery. An experienced Phoenix tire blowout accident attorney can help fight for the maximum compensation possible and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
At Torgenson Law, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable and help victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our legal team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tire blowout accident in Phoenix, call Torgenson Law today at 602-726-0747 or reach out to us online for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
