Tire defects are the leading cause of car accidents when the actual cause of the car accident stems from the vehicle itself. Tire defects can cause property damage, increase insurance rates, and injure or even kill drivers and passengers. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports (as of February 14, 2022) that tire defects are responsible for an average of 11,000 car accidents every year due to bad tires. As a result, over 700 people per year die on US roadways due to a tire defect. NHTSA has issued a resource called TireWise which helps you make smart decisions to keep you and your family safe, whether you are in the process of buying new tires, or you want to ensure the safety of the tires already on your car or truck.
Defective tires can contribute to accidents in a variety of ways. Here are a few possible causes:
- Tread separation: If a tire’s tread separates from the rest of the tire, it can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, especially at high speeds. Tread separation can occur due to manufacturing defects or inadequate bonding of the tire components. If a tire is not repaired or retreaded correctly, it can cause the tire to fail, and contribute to accidents.
- Blowouts: A blowout happens when a tire suddenly bursts while the vehicle is in motion. This can result from weak spots in the tire’s structure, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance, such as underinflation, overloading, or excessive wear. Tire blowouts are often unexpected and sudden, and seem to be a more frequent occurrence due to the heat in the summertime. They leave a driver trying to compensate for losing control of the vehicle, which could cause injury to yourself or others. Fortunately, these types of car accidents can often be prevented with proper attention to car maintenance and careful driving. In cases of faulty products, however, there’s not much that can be done on the consumer end to avoid a blowout, which means that responsible and attentive driving at all times is essential. Blowouts, unlike flat tires, are explosions that make tires burst and (usually) leave rubber debris on the road, which can further contribute to collisions.
- Faulty design or manufacturing: Defects in the tire’s design or manufacturing process can lead to weak points, insufficient structural integrity, or inadequate materials. These defects may cause tire failures and accidents.Tire design is generally guided by certain specifications. However, mistakes can still happen during the manufacturing process, leading to tire defects.
Keep in mind that poor quality control during production, use of substandard materials and a lack of adherence to safety regulations can also cause tires to be faulty in their design. Lastly, if the tire manufacturer or distributor fails to provide adequate warnings about a potential defect, or fails to issue a timely recall for a defective tire, this can lead to an increase in accidents as well.
- Need for Proper Maintenance and Inspection: It is important that you do your part to keep your tires in proper working order. For example, it is crucial that you keep your tires properly inflated, periodically rotate your tires and do not exceed weight limits for your car or truck. Lastly, make sure that your car undergoes its necessary inspections and maintenance.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those Involved in Car Accidents Due to Defective Tires
If you have been involved in an accident in Texas that you suspect was caused by a defective tire, it is important to consult with legal professionals who can assess your situation, gather relevant evidence, and provide guidance based on the specific circumstances of your case. Ceja Law, PLLC can help assess liability and help you to pursue any legal remedies that may be available to you. Reach out to us today!
