Defective Tires and Car Accidents
Defective Tires and Car Accidents
Tires are an important part of any car. They allow you to safely grip the road, turn corners, and stop. But what if a tire fails? A blowout or sudden tread separation can make you lose control, causing a dangerous crash.
Defective tires sometimes result from mistakes made by the tire maker. However, many tire-related accidents happen because drivers do not care for their tires properly. This can include letting the treads get too thin or not rotating tires on schedule.
After a defective tire crash, always consult a car accident attorney who can assess who should be liable for your injuries.
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What Are Defective Tires?
A “defective tire” has a problem with how it was made or designed. For example, the rubber may be too weak, so it splits when driving at high speed. Or maybe the treads peel off the tire because of a factory error. Sometimes, the tire’s design causes it to wear out faster than normal.
Even a careful driver might not know when a tire is defective. You are driving along one moment, and the next, your tire fails, making your car jerk or spin.
But that does not mean every tire problem is the maker’s fault. Tires can also fail if drivers do not check air pressure, rotate the tires as needed, or replace them when treads get too low. If a driver lets their tires wear down too far, the tires are much more likely to slip or blow out. A blowout can cause major accidents, especially at high speeds on highways.
You might wonder who is to blame if you crash because someone’s tire failed. A car accident lawyer can examine your case to determine if the tire maker made a mistake or if the tire wore out due to neglect. This difference can matter significantly when determining liability.
Why Do Tires Matter So Much for Safety?
Cars need four healthy tires to move smoothly and safely. The tires grip the pavement when you brake or steer. A tire with poor treads might slip on wet or oily roads. A tire with low pressure heats up faster and fails more easily. Each tire is a big part of your car’s stability, especially around curves or during sudden stops.
Think about your daily driving. You might go on highways at 60 or 70 miles per hour. Drivers trust tires to hold up. But they might give out if they are worn or have hidden defects. That can send you skidding into another lane, flipping over, or crashing into a guardrail. These crashes can lead to serious harm.
Some people suffer spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or brain trauma in tire-related wrecks. That is why drivers must pay attention to their tires. If you are badly injured, a car accident attorney can determine what happened and who might be at fault.
How Can Defective Tires Cause a Car Accident?
Tires can fail in many ways. Below are some common events:
- Tread Separation: The top layer of the tire (the tread) peels away from the tire body. This can cause a sudden jolt or a blowout.
- Sidewall Blowout: The side of the tire bursts open, often because of weak spots.
- Rapid Air Loss: If a crack or faulty valve occurs, the tire might suddenly lose pressure.
- Uneven Wear: If the tire has a design flaw, it might wear faster on one side. This can lead to an unexpected blowout.
When any of these happen at high speed, a driver can lose control of the car in seconds. They might swerve into another lane or spin out and hit the median. A crash like this can be severe, especially if multiple cars are on the road.
If your injuries are serious, you might need a lot of money for hospital stays, rehab, or missed work. That is where a car accident lawyer can step in. They look at how the tires failed, who should be responsible, and guide you on legal steps.
Why Is It Important to Rotate and Replace Worn Tires?
Rotating tires is important for vehicle safety, as it helps them wear down more evenly. The front tires often wear faster because they carry the engine’s weight and handle most of the braking force. By rotating them, a driver allows all four tires to wear out at a similar rate.
Replacing worn tires is also key. The treads must be deep enough to grip the road, especially on wet days. If the treads are almost gone, a car may slip or skid.
Some accidents happen because drivers keep driving on bald tires. Then, they blame the tire maker when they crash. But the driver should have replaced the tires a while ago. Keeping up with tire care can save motorists from dangerous crashes and expensive hospital bills.
What if You Suffer a Catastrophic Injury from a Tire Blowout?
Car accidents caused by tire failures can lead to catastrophic injuries. These are injuries that change your life in a major way.
For example:
- You might damage your spine and cannot walk.
- You can suffer a traumatic brain injury that causes memory loss or cognitive impairments.
- You might lose a limb in a severe crash.
These injuries often require surgeries, therapy, and constant medical help. You might not work for months or years.
If you face these costs, you need to determine who is responsible. Was the tire truly defective? Did the tire maker know about an issue and never fix it? Did the tire store sell an old tire as if it were new? Did the other driver neglect tire maintenance?
A car accident attorney who handles catastrophic injuries can dig deep. They can look at the tire’s serial number, check the factory details, and talk to professionals about your accident. You might file a claim against the other driver’s insurance if their tire management was inadequate. A lawyer explains these things so you can make the best choices for your claim.
How Do Car Accident Attorneys Investigate Tire Accidents?
A car accident lawyer does not just guess about who is at fault. They gather proof.
They might:
Get the Damaged Tire
An attorney or a professional can inspect the tire for cracks, bubbles, or a factory defect. The tire itself is important evidence in your case.
Check Maintenance Records
A lawyer reviews receipts or logs showing if the driver rotated or replaced the tires on time. This can prove the driver was not taking proper care.
Look for Recalls
A car accident attorney will check if the company recalled the tire model. A known problem can make your claim stronger.
Interview Witnesses
A car accident lawyer can talk to people who saw the blowout or noticed worn treads. Their statements help show how the tire failed. The lawyer can also gather professional testimony to strengthen your case and prove liability.
Talk to Professionals
An attorney may hire tire specialists who explain whether the failure was due to a design flaw or lack of maintenance. These professionals’ views can be crucial in a lawsuit.
Using this information, a car accident lawyer shows the insurance company or court what happened. If you face huge medical bills, that is crucial. You need a strong case for who must pay for your losses. You must ensure you seek compensation from the proper party and also want to ensure you are not unfairly blamed for causing the crash.
Does Insurance Always Pay for Defective Tire Accidents?
If the tire maker is at fault, you might file a product liability claim against them or their insurance. However, if another driver’s lack of maintenance was to blame for the tire blowout, their auto insurance should cover your losses due to their negligence.
If the crash is major and you have severe injuries, your medical costs might exceed policy limits. A car accident lawyer can step in, see if there are other sources of money, and negotiate with the insurer. They want you to get a fair amount if you cannot work or have to pay expensive hospital bills.
How Does a Car Accident Attorney Help With Serious Crashes?
A car accident lawyer does much more than just file paperwork.
They:
Investigate How the Crash Happened
A car accident attorney will examine the scene and gather facts about how and why the wreck occurred. This can include checking road conditions and vehicle damage or talking to witnesses. The lawyer may also work with accident reconstructionists to better understand the events leading to the crash.
Gather Medical Records, Police Reports, and Any Photos or Videos
A car accident lawyer collects key documents that show your injuries and what happened. Police reports, doctor notes, and images help prove your case.
Talk to Your Doctors About How Long You Might Need Treatment
A car accident attorney works with your medical team to learn the full extent of your injuries. They want to know if you need months of therapy, surgeries, or other long-term care. This information helps them secure a settlement covering current and future medical expenses.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies So You Do Not Have To
A car accident lawyer speaks to the adjusters for you. They aim for a fair settlement covering your medical bills, lost earnings, and other costs. By handling the negotiations, they help reduce your stress during the process.
File a Lawsuit If the Other Side Will Not Offer a Fair Settlement
An attorney can take the case to court if the insurance company refuses to be reasonable. They will fight for the compensation you deserve.
If your injuries are serious or catastrophic, you need a fair amount of money to cover your damages. You do not want to sign a quick settlement that barely pays for your initial hospital stay. A lawyer ensures you get enough for future surgeries, rehab, and lost income. If you cannot work again in your old job, you might need training for a new career or disability payments. The lawyer fights for all of that.
What Should You Do if You Are in a Tire-Related Accident?
First, seek medical attention to get a diagnosis of any injuries. Getting checked allows you to begin treatment immediately and creates medical records that show how the accident affected your health. You will need these records to prove your accident-related injuries to the proper insurance companies.
Next, consult a car accident lawyer, especially if you have any injuries. Bring your doctor’s notes, photos from the accident, and any other relevant details. If it was your tire that blew out, possibly due to a defect, do not throw the damaged tire away. A car accident attorney may want professionals to inspect it.
Keeping all relevant evidence can make a difference in proving what went wrong. With a lawyer’s guidance, you will be better prepared to face the insurance claims process and fight for fair compensation for your costly injuries.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney Today
Sometimes, accidents still happen no matter how well you maintain your tires. An unexpected tire defect can upend your life. Further, other drivers might try to save money by skipping proper tire maintenance, and their blowout might cause them to crash into you.
If you have suffered a serious injury in a wreck caused by a tire problem, do not face the insurance process alone. A personal injury lawyer can determine who should be liable and guide you on what steps to take next.
They will investigate what happened, gather records, and see if you have a claim worth pursuing. If you have serious injuries, they will push for the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and more.
Are you unsure who is at fault? Have you been offered a low settlement? Did you receive a costly diagnosis and want to know your rights? A car accident attorney can assess your options and fight for a fair result. Contact Bentley & More LLP today to protect your rights and focus on healing.