Can You File a Lawsuit For Crashes Caused by Tire Defects?

Tire failure contributes to nearly 11,000 accidents per year nationwide, according to a recent study. In 2017 alone, tire failure was a contributing factor in as many as 738 deaths on America’s roads. While some tire failure can result from aging alone, tire manufacturing defects are more common than one would expect.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that was caused by a manufacturing defect in your tire, you may have a product liability case. Get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Causes of Tire Failure

There are many potential defects that could lead to an accident because of tire failure, but here are a few of the more common types of failure that aren’t connected to the consumer. 

·         Tread Belt Separations

Tread belt separation happens when there is a defect in the steel outer belt edge of the tire, which gradually works its way to the center of the tire. This type of failure can lead to tire failure without warning, potentially causing rollover accidents, especially in taller vehicles like SUVs and vans. If this type of failure takes place at highway speeds, drivers and passengers are in serious danger of injury or death. 

·         Installation or Maintenance Errors

This can include things like over-inflation of the tires, improper lubrication, and improper positioning of the tires. Under-inflation of the tires can also pose a serious danger. Tires that are misaligned or simply not properly installed can lead to handling difficulties at the least, and they may even result in outright tire failure. The manufacturer may or may not be liable for improper installation, but the supplier or installer of the tires could very likely be liable. 

·         Belt-to Belt-Separation

Belt separation occurs when sections of the tire that are meant to adhere to one another become separated. This creates a situation where the tire is more likely to blowout or simply not perform in the way it is meant to. These separations can lead to catastrophic collisions, especially in situations where the vehicle is traveling at highway speeds. Belt separations can be caused during the manufacturing process, especially when moisture is introduced to the tire while it is being made.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Tire-Failure Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash where the cause was a tire failure, you may have a product liability case. A key part of this case will be to prove – with the help of experts  - that the failure of the tire was caused by a manufacturer’s defect.

If you’ve been injured, contact a personal injury attorney you can trust. The right attorney can help you through the legal process and give you the best chance of getting the payout and peace of mind you deserve. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so feel free to reach out even if you’re not sure you want to take legal action.