Texas Accident & Injury News
Tire blowouts can cause devastating accidents.
Dump Truck Crashes, Catches Fire After Tire Blowout on I-10 Near UTSA
According to a KSAT News report, a driver was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a tire blowout caused his dump truck to crash and catch fire.
The accident occurred around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22nd, in the northbound lanes of I-10 near UTSA Boulevard on San Antonio’s Northwest Side. The 33-year-old driver reportedly lost control after a tire suddenly blew out, causing his dump truck to cross multiple lanes before rolling over and catching fire. Firefighters pulled the driver from the burning wreckage, and he was rushed to the hospital with severe burns. No other vehicles were involved.
Did You Know?
Defective or slick tires caused 3,975 crashes across Texas in 2024.
Tire Blowouts: A Common Cause of Serious Accidents in Texas
Tire blowouts are one of the most dangerous and often unexpected causes of vehicle crashes. A sudden blowout can cause a driver to lose control, especially at highway speeds, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
Commercial trucks, like the dump truck in this case, are particularly vulnerable. The size and weight of these vehicles make them much harder to control when a blowout happens—and the aftermath can be catastrophic.
While some blowouts happen due to unavoidable hazards, many could have been prevented with proper tire care or by avoiding defective products.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Tire Blowout
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the best way to prevent tire blowouts is through proper tire maintenance. Here’s what every driver should be doing regularly:
Check Tire Pressure
Maintaining the manufacturer-recommended pressure reduces the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, even if your vehicle has a pressure warning system—those sensors typically don’t activate until it’s already too late.
Inspect Tire Tread
Low tread depth can reduce traction and make tires more vulnerable to punctures. Use the penny test: Insert a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are too worn.
Replace Aged Tires
Even if the tread looks fine, tires degrade over time. The NHTSA recommends replacing tires every six years, regardless of mileage.
What to Do If Your Tire Blows Out
A tire blowout can be terrifying, but knowing how to respond can help you stay safe:
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Stay Calm. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid overreacting.
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Don’t Slam the Brakes. Braking suddenly can cause you to skid or flip.
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Gently Accelerate. This helps stabilize your vehicle before gradually slowing down.
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Steer Straight. Try to maintain your lane as best you can.
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Slowly Decelerate. Ease off the gas pedal and allow your vehicle to slow naturally.
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Pull Over Safely. Once you regain control, activate your hazard lights and move to the shoulder when it’s safe to do so.
Who’s at Fault When a Tire Blowout Causes a Crash?
Liability in a tire blowout crash isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be legally responsible:
The Driver
If the driver failed to maintain the tires or was negligent in inspecting or replacing them, they may be partially or fully at fault—especially if the blowout was preventable.
The Mechanic or Maintenance Crew
If a tire was improperly installed or if maintenance staff overlooked clear signs of wear, the shop or mechanic may be liable.
The Tire Manufacturer
If a defective tire causes a blowout—due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or quality control issue—the manufacturer may be held legally responsible through a product liability claim.
The Government or Road Crew
If a blowout was caused by road debris, potholes, or poor road conditions, a government entity or road construction crew may bear some responsibility.
This is why proper investigation is crucial. A skilled injury attorney can gather maintenance records, manufacturer details, witness statements, and other evidence to determine liability.
Injured in a Tire Blowout Crash? Call Shaw.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured in an accident caused by a tire blowout—whether as a driver, passenger, or another motorist—you could be entitled to compensation for:
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Ambulance Costs
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ER Treatment
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Ongoing Medical Bills
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Lost Wages
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Pain and Suffering
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Property Damage
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And More
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio. There are no fees or obligations attached–just the expert legal advice you need when you need it the most.
Carabin Shaw has been a trusted name in San Antonio and across Texas for over 32 years because we put our clients first. We look forward to serving you.