Tire Defects that Can Cause Serious Accidents
Defective Tires
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Not only do they allow you to move, but damage to the tires can also be very dangerous. Unfortunately, a sharp item in the road is not the only thing that can lead to a flat tire. In some cases, the tire was considered defective before it was ever placed on your vehicle.
Types of Tire Defects
There are a few problems that can cause a tire to be defective:
- Tread separation
- Thread/belt separation
- Tires not designed for the vehicle they are paired with
- Damage to the tire during installation
- Missing important tire materials
- Improper tire repair
- Expired tire materials
- Used tires sold as new
The most common cause of a defective tire is when the treads separate. This can occur from a faulty design or a step missed during the manufacturing process. This can cause the tire to unravel and eventually blow out. If the driver is driving fast, like on a freeway, it can lead to a severe accident.
How to Keep Your Tires Safe
There are things that you can do to ensure you keep your tires in good working condition:
- Regularly have your tires rotated
- Avoid driving with tires that are not designed for your vehicle
- Be careful of potholes or rough road conditions
- Keep up to date of any tire recalls
- Change tires when the threading is low
It is not always possible to identify a faulty tire, especially when the tire was faulty by design. However, by keeping an eye on potential recalls and changing and rotating your tires often, you may be able to catch a problem before it becomes worse.
Determining Liability in a Defective Tire Case
It may immediately seem like the tire manufacturer would be liable for a defective tire. This is not always the case. Other parties that might be liable in a defective tire case include:
- Tire shop
- Repairman
- City or county
- Tire designer
If a store sells a used tire as a new one or if a mechanic improperly installs one, then these entities could be liable for damages. It is also possible for potholes or other difficult road conditions to lead to a tire blowout. Finally, the company that designed the tire could be held liable for damages if they failed to include all of the necessary components.
Legal Representation Following a Tire Blowout
The time that immediately follows a tire blowout can be overwhelming. In addition to the fear that comes with your tire blowing out while driving, you will also need to consider the appropriate steps to ensure that you are safe and that you can collect the compensation that you deserve for any damages.
It may be helpful to contact a legal team that is familiar with defective tire cases in New Jersey. Our legal team at Drazin & Warshaw, P.C. can help you identify any known recalls and then determine who is responsible. By collecting evidence, speaking with expert witnesses, and evaluating the accident in detail, we can place blame where it belongs and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Contact a Manalapan Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Defective Tire Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a defective product in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin & Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of a defective tire in Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Freehold, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 747-3730 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 25 Reckless Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701, as well as offices in Hazlet and Brick.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
