Underinflated tires pose a serious risk to motorists on Michigan roads. Over 25% of cars nationwide are equipped with tires underinflated by at least 8 psi below the suggested level. In 2021, accidents linked to tire issues resulted in 622 fatalities across the country, highlighting the risks associated with inadequately maintained tires for drivers.

Knowing the hazards of operating a vehicle with underinflated tires, particularly in snowy, icy, or cold conditions, can help you stay safe this winter. If you’re involved in a crash with another motorist, our Michigan car accident lawyers at Fieger Law can investigate if negligence played a role and assist you in pursuing a settlement for your injuries.

How Does Winter Weather Affect Your Car’s Tires?

During winter, the chilly temperatures can affect the pressure in your tires, reducing their PSI. As temperatures drop, the air inside the tires contracts, resulting in underinflation. This reduction in pressure compromises the tires’ ability to grip the road efficiently, posing an increased risk on icy or snow-covered roads.

Driving with underinflated tires can make vehicle control more challenging; reduced traction can result in skidding or longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of accidents. Underinflated tires also tend to wear down faster and more unevenly, potentially leading to alignment issues and mechanical problems over time, as well as increased risk of blowouts.

Being a diligent driver in Michigan includes regular car maintenance. If you were hurt in a crash because another person drove on underinflated tires, our car crash attorneys at Fieger Law can help you file a compensation claim.

Types of Injuries and Accidents Caused by Underinflated Tires

In 2022, Michigan drivers experienced 14,831 car crashes due to ice, 22,105 due to snow, and another 2,478 collisions because of slush on the road. The Michigan State Police urge drivers to check their tire pressure before venturing out in the winter, ensuring it’s at the proper level to prevent the following injuries and accidents:

  • Tire blowouts: Low tire pressure can cause blowouts, leading to loss of control and potential injuries in resulting crashes like concussions, broken bones, or even death.
  • Skidding and sliding: Underinflated tires reduce road traction, increasing the risk of skidding in wet or icy conditions and potential collisions.
  • Increased stopping distances: Reduced braking efficiency from low tire pressure can lead to rear-end collisions and injuries like whiplash. It can take up to 47 feet to stop at just 10 mph with underinflated tires or summer tires in winter.
  • Rollovers: Poor handling from underinflated tires can cause you to lose control during a turn, resulting in a rollover and serious injuries.
  • Increased risk in high-speed driving: Driving at high speeds with underinflated tires can lead to reduced control and stability of the vehicle. This is particularly dangerous on highways, where losing control can result in high-speed collisions or multi-vehicle pileups, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Truck crashes: Underinflated truck tires can lead to major accidents, like blowouts or jackknife crashes. These crashes are often more serious due to the truck’s size and can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities for those involved.
  • Emergency maneuver accidents: Underinflated tires can impair the ability to maneuver quickly in emergencies involving sudden stops or turns. This increases the risk of crashes and injuries.

When to Speak with an Attorney After a Tire-Related Crash

Accidents in winter weather can be frightening and frequently result in long-term physical and emotional impacts for the victims. While accidents caused by weather conditions might be beyond a driver’s control, speaking with a car accident attorney is always advisable to fully comprehend your legal rights.

Our experienced legal team at Fieger Law can evaluate your situation to establish whether the other driver’s negligence led to your injuries. This involves examining whether they overlooked tire upkeep, like using underinflated tires or tires with worn treads, or if they were driving irresponsibly in icy conditions.

We can compile evidence, including accident reports, witness accounts, and records of tire maintenance, to build a strong case for you. Once we have established the other driver’s liability, we can assist you in filing a claim to cover your medical costs, reimburse lost wages resulting from the accident, and compensate for the pain and suffering you endured due to the crash.

Know Your Rights After a Tire-Related Crash

Understanding your legal rights and pursuing appropriate compensation following a car accident helps safeguard your financial, physical, and emotional health. With over 70 years of experience, Fieger Law has a strong track record of advocating for the rights of accident victims, securing millions in damages to aid their recovery from the repercussions of another driver’s negligence.

Choose us to represent your auto accident case. Let our team get you the settlement you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free case review to start your claim.