We rely on our vehicles to get us from place to place. However, cars consist of thousands of parts, and any of these parts can fail at any time, causing an accident. Sometimes these parts fail due to poor maintenance, but one thing you should not overlook is a possible defect.
A tread separation, unexpected flat, or blowout at high speeds can cause serious injuries and even death. If you drive a vehicle, you need to be aware of the possible tire defects that can occur and why you should seek legal help if any of these problems happen to you.
Types of Tire Defects
Here are some common defects you should be aware of:
- Tire tread separation. This occurs when the tread becomes separated from the body of the tire. This is a serious issue, so pull over immediately and replace the tire.
- Uneven tire wear. This is often caused by improper alignment, a worn-out suspension, overinflation, or underinflation.
- Poorly repaired or patched tire puncture. A previous tire puncture that has not been repaired properly could cause issues to the tire and lead to a blowout.
- Tread and steel belt separation. This occurs when the tread-belt peels away from the body of the tire. Highway speeds and heat are common causes of these separations.
- Improper mounting of tire. A tire that is not mounted properly can lead to vibrations while driving. You may also notice slipping during braking or acceleration.
- Wrong-sized tire used on vehicle. The wrong size tire can be unsafe. Vehicles are tested for safety and longevity based on specific tire dimensions. Using tires that are too tall or too thin can cause blowouts and accidents.
- Mechanical problems causing rapid or irregular tire wear. A tire defect can create a mechanical problem that causes tires to wear out too quickly.
Warning Signs
In many cases, tire blowouts due to defects happen suddenly, without warning. However, it is a good idea to check your tires on a regular basis to see if there are any issues that could indicate a problem. Here are some warning signs to look for:
- Uneven or excessive tread wear, which could indicate improper inflation or a problem with the suspension or alignment
- Cracks or cuts in the sidewalls
- Bulges or blisters on the sidewalls
- Excessive vibration
If you notice any of these issues, get your tires inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Even issues such as underinflation or overinflation can lead to a blowout while driving on the freeway, which can be a scary and dangerous situation.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
When you purchase a vehicle or buy new tires for your car, you should not be worried about tire defects that could lead to a crash. Tire makers determine the usable life of the tires they sell. Consumers should be able to anticipate that the tires will be safe for use as long as the tires are regularly rotated and inspected for tread wear.
When your tire does have a defect, you should not be responsible for paying to repair or replace the tire. You should not have to bear the financial costs associated with an accident caused by defective tires. You need to hold the appropriate entity liable for your injuries and other damages.
You can do this through a product liability lawsuit. Product liability is an area of law that requires manufacturers and suppliers of products to refrain from putting unsafe products onto the market. If they fail to follow safety guidelines and put dangerous products on the market, they can be held liable. They may be ordered to compensate the victim for damages.
When it comes to a defective tire or any other product, there are three types of products liability law that may be involved:
- Design defect. The tire defect occurred during the design stage of the tire or component.
- Manufacturing defect. The tire defect occurred while manufacturing the tire or one of its components.
- Marketing defect. A marketing defect can occur if the tire is mislabeled or comes with incorrect information that could lead to an injury.
Design defects and manufacturing defects are the most common types of product liability claims arising from defective tire accidents. Keep in mind that multiple parties also can be liable for crashes involving defective tires. Liable parties may include the following:
- Designer of tire or tire component or tire
- Mechanic who mounted the tire on your vehicle
- Mechanic who performed regular maintenance on your tires
- Owner of mechanic shop where the error occurred
Contact Us Today
When driving, the only thing separating you from the ground are your tires. When your tires are not in good shape, you face the risk of a serious accident.
The team at Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, can assist you if you are dealing with a defective tire or other car part. We will help you file a claim against the manufacturer so you can get full and fair compensation for all your damages. To schedule a free consultation, call (954) 876-4344 or fill out the online form. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.