Experiencing a tire blowout while driving can be a terrifying and dangerous situation. In Louisiana, where unpredictable weather conditions and busy roads can make driving hazardous, knowing how to handle a tire blowout is critical for your safety and avoiding a car accident. If you find yourself in this unsettling situation, follow these five steps to stay safe and protect your legal rights.
1. Stay Calm and Maintain Control of the Vehicle
When you have a tire blowout you should it’s essential to stay calm. A blowout can cause your car to swerve, and your instinct may be to overcorrect. However, keep a firm grip on the wheel and avoid slamming on the brakes immediately. Instead, gently ease off the accelerator and allow the car to decelerate gradually.
In Louisiana, vehicle control is crucial to avoid causing an accident. If your actions contribute to a crash, Louisiana law, under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, allows for comparative fault, meaning your compensation could be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
2. Pull Over to a Safe Location
Once you regain control of the vehicle, carefully steer it to a safe location. Ideally, pull over to a flat surface away from traffic, such as the shoulder of the highway or a parking lot. Louisiana’s traffic laws require you to avoid blocking traffic and to exercise caution when stopping. Pulling over safely protects you and other drivers.
If you can’t find a safe place to stop, or if the blowout happens on a bridge or curve with limited visibility, turn on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers.
3. Assess the Situation and Call for Help
Once safely stopped, assess the damage. If the tire is the only issue, and you feel confident changing it yourself, you can proceed with that step. However, if you’re on a busy road or in an unsafe location, the best option is to call for roadside assistance. In Louisiana, many insurance companies offer roadside assistance to help you quickly and safely.
If the tire blowout caused further vehicle damage or if you were involved in an accident, contact the police. A police report can be crucial for an insurance claim and legal purposes.
4. Change the Tire or Wait for Assistance
If you’re equipped to change the tire, make sure you have a spare, a jack, and a lug wrench. Always follow your vehicle’s manual to ensure the job is done safely. Louisiana law requires vehicles to be in safe working condition, and driving with a flat or blown-out tire violates this statute. Failing to maintain your vehicle could impact insurance claims or legal proceedings.
If you don’t feel comfortable changing the tire or you’re asking yourself what to do if your tire blows out and you don’t have a spare, it’s safer to wait for a professional to help you. Always prioritize safety and avoid attempting repairs in a hazardous location.
5. Document the Incident for Legal and Insurance Purposes
Once the immediate situation is resolved, document the incident. Take photos of the damaged tire, any vehicle damage, and the surrounding area. If the blowout caused an accident, gather witness information and file a police report if necessary.
Safely Handle a Tire Blowout and Seek Legal Help
A tire blowout is an emergency that requires quick thinking and careful action. By following these five steps, you can ensure your safety and minimize damage. Stay calm, pull over to a safe location, assess the situation, change the tire or wait for help, and document everything for legal and insurance purposes. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate any challenges that arise from a tire blowout.
Whether dealing with insurance claims, protecting your rights, or pursuing legal action in the event of an accident, a trusted lawyer can provide valuable guidance. Stay safe on the roads, and remember that preparation and knowledge are key to handling unexpected situations like tire blowouts.
Contact a Baton Rouge, LA Car Accident Lawyer from Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Baton Rouge, LA today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
318 Harrison Avenue Suite 107
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70802
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991