Underinflated tires do present dangers to people in cars. Underinflated tires flatten out and touch more of the road. This causes more friction and increases the likelihood of a car accident.
It is the duty of every driver to check their tire pressure regularly. If they do not, they could be at risk of causing an accident in which they and other people get injured.
Underinflated Tire Problems
Not only can underinflated tires cause fast and catastrophic accidents, but also they can cause long-term damage to your vehicle. If your car warning light tells you to check your tire pressure, do so as soon as you can by safely pulling off the road.
Underinflated tires can cause a blowout, which frequently leads to a rollover collision. Underinflated tires can also make it more difficult to control your car. Because the tire is not properly inflated, there is more pressure placed on the rim and axle.
The most common problems caused by underinflated tires include:
- Faster tread wear
- Hotter tire temperature
- Less control
- Damage to the vehicle
- Difficulty braking
- Longer stopping distance
Because you cannot see your tires while you are driving, you may not realize that your tire pressure is low. That is why it is crucial to check your tire pressure regularly, pay attention to your car’s warning lights, and be aware of how your car handles. If a tire pressure is low, your car usually pulls in that direction. If you find it takes you longer to slow down, that too could be an indication of low tire pressure. Do not ignore these warning signs. The results could be catastrophic.
How to Stay Safe
Not every vehicle requires the same tire pressure. Larger vehicles such as pickup trucks and RVs have larger tires and require more air pressure. Smaller cars usually require less pressure. To know for sure what your car needs, check the recommended tire pressure listed on the inside of your driver’s door.
Even that recommended pressure can vary. If you are carrying a heavy load, you may need to increase the tire pressure before your trip. Your mechanic can also advise you on the recommended pressure based on how much your vehicle is carrying.
Tips to keep your tires in prime operating condition:
- Check your tire pressure at least once per month.
- Check your tire pressure when the tires are cool.
- Check your tire pressure immediately before going on a long road trip.
- Keep a high-quality, accurate tire gauge in your vehicle at all times.
- Rotate your tires regularly.
- Increase your tire pressure if you carry a larger than usual load.
Unfortunately, you can only do so much to protect yourself and your occupants. Many times, other drivers do not take the proper precautions and that can lead to serious accidents caused by underinflated tires.
What to do after an Accident
You may have taken every precaution to make sure your car’s tires were properly inflated. However, another driver may not have done so, and that caused an accident with you. What you do right after the accident can make a difference in your ability to hold them accountable for your medical bills and other financial losses.
- Call 911. Even if you think your accident was minor, call the authorities. When you do, emergency medical personnel will rush to the scene to make sure you are alright. The police will also arrive to speak with you, the other driver, and witnesses. They will compile this information in a police accident report, detailing what happened. Although it may not assign fault, this information may prove crucial to showing that another driver’s car had underinflated tires that caused your accident. This is important to know because that could be a sign of negligence on the part of the other driver, giving you an advantage in proving your claim against them.
- Take pictures. Pictures and video are vital pieces of evidence. Get images of the entire accident scene, your injuries, all the vehicles involved, and anything else that appears relevant. Because the accident scene will quickly be cleaned up, taking pictures and video immediately after the accident can give a good idea of what occurred.
- Speak with witnesses. The police will speak with witnesses for information, but many witnesses will not wait around for the police to arrive, especially for more minor accidents. Therefore, it is important for you to at least get witness contact information so your legal team can speak with them later. They can often provide unique insights about the seconds leading up to your accident.
- See your doctor. Even if you receive medical attention at the accident scene or you are taken to the hospital for further medical care, see your regular physician as soon as you can. No one knows you better than your regular doctor, and they can evaluate you by keeping in mind what your life and body was like before your accident. Your doctor is also the best person to help you chart a course for your recovery. Getting back to your regular life as soon as possible will require diligence and determination. With your doctor’s help, you may be able to get there faster.
- Keep records. Your doctor will keep detailed records about your recovery. Keep copies of these records, as they can prove vital to showing that someone else was the cause of your injuries and your suffering. Also keep your receipts for medical bills and car repairs. You may be able to get these expenses reimbursed by the negligent driver. In addition, keep any documentation you receive from the insurance company. You want to be certain that you keep all correspondence. You never know what might be helpful in your case.
- Keep a personal injury journal. Write in a journal every day. Keep detailed notes about how you are feeling, the pain you feel, and any progress or setbacks in your recovery. Your doctor’s notes will provide objective information about your injuries and your recovery, but putting that into your own words can paint an even stronger picture. By writing in your journal every day, you also ensure that you do not forget what it took for you to get better. Over time, you will not recall every setback you endured and every hurdle you had to overcome. Keeping a journal helps to record those memories, ensuring that you can produce a clear picture of what the negligent driver put you through.
- Speak with a lawyer. Filing a lawsuit maybe the last thing on your mind after a car accident. Depending on your injuries, you may face a lifetime of medical care. That will be expensive, to say the least. Even minor injuries can result in astronomical medical bills. You should not be the one responsible for these bills; that should be the sole responsibility of the at-fault driver. Proving that the other driver owes you monetary damages for your medical bills, financial losses, and your physical and mental suffering is not going to be easy. But with the right legal team at your side, you can give yourself a good chance of recovering appropriate compensation.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC, Help Clients Involved in Accidents Caused by Negligent Drivers
If you have been involved in an accident caused by another driver failing to properly maintain their vehicle, reach out to the experienced Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Our legal team will investigate the cause of the accident and fight to secure the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 215-569-4888 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Abington, and Media, Pennsylvania; Wilmington, Delaware; and Haddonfield, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.