Defective Tires
Many times, the cause of a car accident is obvious: someone running a red light, tailgating, speeding or driving while intoxicated. But there are other times when the cause is more inconspicuous, such as when a defective part is to blame.
Faulty ignition switches, airbags, and braking systems have all been subjects of recent recalls. The all-important tire ranks as one of the most commonly defective part. In fact, since the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act was passed in 1966, there have been more than 24 million tires recalled because of safety defects, and it is estimated that defective tires are responsible for nearly 8,000 motor vehicle accidents every year. At the Mann Law Firm, we have successfully represented victims throughout Georgia who have been seriously hurt by defective tires. We have also assisted families who have lost loved ones to accidents caused by faulty tires. For more than 50 years, we have been helping injured clients put their lives back on track, and we are ready to help you. For advice on how to proceed next, please call us at (478) 742-3381 or fill out this form today to schedule your initial consultation.Causes of Tire Failures
Tire defects, manufacturing mistakes and tire design flaws have affected some of the best known tire companies, including Firestone, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Uniroyal, Michelin, Cooper and Dunlop.The leading cause of most tire recalls is tread separation, which occurs when the tread peels off from the casing or body of the tire.
Another common cause is a blowout, which happens when a tire quickly falls apart, resulting in an immediate loss of air pressure. Both types of tire failure can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle with deadly consequences, especially if the vehicle is traveling at high speed or is top-heavy. Some possible reasons for blowouts or tread separation include:
- Inadequate curing process
- Deficient skim stock
- Improper belt wiping
- Improper belt placement
- Lack of nylon overlays
- Bead failures
- Faulty split rim wheel assemblies
- Poor quality control
- Sidewall zipper failures.
Tire Failure & Accident Lawsuits
Tire defect litigation can be highly complex. For one reason, a tire blowout or tread separation can cause multiple accidents, so there may be other injured motorists involved in a case in addition to the tire manufacturer, the tire seller and any mechanics who worked on the tires. For another, expert witness testimony from industry specialists is often necessary to prove any defective-product claim and can be challenging to secure. Still another reason is that it can be difficult to find physical evidence because so many tire defect cases start out as simple auto accident claims.If you had a tire blowout or tread detachment accident and you suspect that defective tires could have been involved, save every tire component that you can because these products are important evidence in any potential claim.