Do You Need a Lawyer After a Defective Tires Accident?

Defective Tires Are Highly Dangerous. We May Be Able to Help You Pursue Compensation.

We count on tires to hold together and function while we are on the road. Ever since the Ford-Firestone tire fiasco in 2000 and 2001, we know this does not always occur. Over 270 deaths and 800 injuries occurred due to tires separating while in motion. Bridgestone/Firestone ended up recalling more than 7 million tires. Over the past 20 years, different tires from different brands have demonstrated similar tread separation. Tires can fall apart due to design defects or manufacturing defects, but no matter the cause, the danger is the same.

If you have been involved in a defective tire accident, you need to contact a Los Angeles lawyer right away. At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we are dedicated to providing our clients the superior level of legal service they need to navigate this difficult time.

We are here to help people like you pursue justice after a product failure causes serious injury. Call us at (866) 884-1717 to discuss your defective tire case.

Common Types of Tire Defects

A defective tire refers to any tire that has a flaw or issue that compromises its safety or performance. These defects can arise during the manufacturing process or develop over time due to wear and tear.

Common types of defects in tires include:

• Tread Separation: This occurs when the tread of the tire separates from the casing or body of the tire. Tread separation can lead to blowouts and loss of vehicle control, particularly at high speeds.
• Belt Separation: Similar to tread separation, belt separation involves the separation of the steel belts within the tire, which can cause bulges or irregular wear patterns on the tire and increase the risk of blowouts.
• Sidewall Damage: Damage to the sidewall of the tire can weaken its structure and make it more susceptible to punctures or blowouts. Sidewall damage can be caused by impacts with curbs, potholes, or other objects.
• Bead Failure: The bead is the part of the tire that seals it to the wheel rim. Bead failure can result in air leakage, leading to underinflation or loss of tire pressure.
• Casing Damage: Casing damage refers to any structural damage to the tire casing, such as cuts, tears, or bulges. Casing damage can compromise the integrity of the tire and increase the risk of failure.
• Manufacturing Defects: These are flaws that occur during the manufacturing process, such as uneven tread wear, improper alignment of components, or material defects. Manufacturing defects can lead to premature tire failure and pose safety risks.
• Chemical Damage: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as oil, grease, or solvents, can degrade the rubber compounds in the tire and cause deterioration or cracking.
• Age-related Degradation: Tires degrade over time due to exposure to UV radiation, fluctuations in temperature, and oxidation. Aging can cause the rubber to become brittle and lose elasticity, increasing the likelihood of failure.
• Underinflation/Overinflation: Improper inflation pressure can cause uneven wear and overheating of the tire, leading to premature failure. Underinflation can also result in sidewall damage and reduced fuel efficiency, while overinflation can lead to decreased traction and handling.
• Puncture or Impact Damage: Punctures or impacts from road hazards such as nails, glass, or debris can cause damage to the tire, leading to air leakage or structural weakness.

Common Causes of Tread Separation

The more you understand about the makeup of a tire, the easier you will find it to identify defective tires and pinpoint their role in your accident.

Tires are built in the five layers:

1. Carcass, or green tire
2. Skim tire
3. Steel belts
4. Second skim tire
5. Treads

Since tires are made by hand, workers are responsible for affirming that each tire has been made correctly and is safe for road use. If dirt and moisture are not cleaned off tire surfaces after each step, the layers may not adhere correctly. In other cases, a company may use old skim stock to make tires; as the rubber deteriorates over time, tire separation becomes more likely.

In addition to the above manufacturing defects, tires may also suffer from design defects. State-of-the-art tires include a nylon overlay between the steel belts and the tread. This overlay seals the inner tire and prevents separation. Despite its proven safety value, this feature increases manufacturing costs and is therefore normally left out unless you’re buying a high-performance tire.

Who is Liable for Defective Tires?

The following parties may be held liable for defective tires:

• Manufacturer: The manufacturer of the tire can be held liable for defects that occur during the design, manufacturing, or assembly process. This includes defects in materials used, errors in production, or failures to adequately test the tires for safety and durability.
• Distributor or Retailer: If a defective tire makes its way to consumers through a distributor or retailer, they may also share liability for the defect. Distributors and retailers have a responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are safe and free from defects, and they may be held accountable if they knowingly sell or distribute defective tires.
• Automobile Manufacturer: In some cases, automobile manufacturers may be held liable for defective tires if they installed the tires on their vehicles or recommended them as original equipment. Automobile manufacturers have a duty to ensure that the components they use in their vehicles, including tires, meet safety standards and are free from defects.
• Repair Shops: If a tire defect arises due to improper installation or maintenance performed by a repair shop, the shop may be held liable for any resulting damages. Repair shops have a duty to perform services in a competent and safe manner, and they may be held responsible if their negligence contributes to a tire defect.
• Government Entities: In rare cases, government entities responsible for regulating tire safety standards may be held liable if they fail to enforce regulations or adequately oversee tire manufacturers, leading to the sale of defective tires.

Call for a Free Consultation if You’ve Been in an Accident

At Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation, we aggressively represent the victims of defective tire accidents. When a client comes to us with a new case, we bring in consultants to examine their tires for defects in manufacturing or design. Once the flaw has been discovered and fault assigned, we help the client bring suit to recover compensation for medical costs, property damage, income loss, and pain and suffering. We’ve helped clients recover 7- and 8-figure payouts after going through accidents caused by careless manufacturing.

We know that suffering an injury or losing a loved one in an accident caused by a defective tire can be devastating. If this plight has affected you or a family member, you deserve compensation to help you through the hardship. You are not on your own. Ask our team to help you in the fight for justice.

Contact us online or call (866) 884-1717 to set up a free consultation with our defective tire accident attorneys.