When you or a loved one is harmed in a serious motor vehicle collision, it may be essential to contact experienced injury attorneys. Personal injury attorneys ca hold negligent drivers and other parties accountable if they caused or contributed to the collision. In the case of serious or fatal car accidents caused by reckless drivers or drunk drivers, matters may seem cut and dry. When the collision was caused by vehicle defects, the case can be more complicated. That’s where skilled legal representation becomes crucial.
With this issue in mind, we’d like to consider the hazards posed by defective tires. Different kinds of tire defects can lead to serious collisions.
The Dangers of Defective Tires
Defective tries can make single-vehicle and multi-vehicle auto accidents far more likely. When tires fail, drivers can lose control of their vehicle, harming nearby motorists, bicyclists, and possibly even pedestrians. The injuries can be severe, and perhaps even fatal.
In many cases, the tire failure and defects are not the fault of the motorist at all. Rather, the defective tires are due to problems with tire manufacturers or automakers. When companies are responsible for defective products, they need to be held accountable for injuries and damage related to their mistakes.
Poor Traction and Loss of Control
Sometimes the primary issue with a car tire is a matter of traction. Poor traction on a tire means that a vehicle is more likely to skid or lose contact with the road. This can be very dangerous when driving at high speeds or when making tight turns.
Increased Potential for Tire Blowouts
One of the biggest dangers with regard to defective tires is the increased risk of blowouts. This refers to tires suddenly bursting and losing pressure rapidly. This is most common in the hottest months of the year. When a blowout occurs, drivers may lose control of their vehicle and strike others nearby.
Potential for Tread Separation
Tread separation occurs when the tire tread comes loose from the casing/body of the rest of the tire. Drivers will notice major problems with handling should this occur. The tread may come off the tire completely, sometimes flying out at high speeds. Should the tread itself remain on the road, it can become a hazard to other motorists who run over it or swerve to avoid it.
Issues with Undetected Deflation
Blowouts aren’t the only deflation issue. Sometimes a small hole in a tire can lead to serious problems with tire pressure and overall vehicle control. Driving on partially deflated tires can affect your ability to maneuver your vehicle, increase friction, and make a full blowout or tread separation far more likely.
Causes of Tire Defects
Some potential causes of tire defects include:
- Poor tire design
- Poor materials used in manufacturing
- Contaminants in the tire material
- Dirty tire manufacturing and storage facilities
- Tires stores at improper temperatures
- Poor quality testing
- Lack of safety inspections
Regardless what the cause is, tire manufacturers should not allow dangerous tires on the market. They owe it not just to their consumers, but to others who have to share the road.
Speak with Experienced Product Liability Attorneys
For more information about your legal rights following a serious motor vehicle collision, be sure to contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. The attorneys of Tipp Coburn Schandelson PC will fight diligently for you in your time of legal need.
