Drivers place a lot of faith in their tires. When properly manufactured and cared for, good tires can last years. However, even small defects can cause blowout accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about two percent of all car crashes occur due to the vehicle itself. Of those accidents, 35 percent are due to the tires.
When tires blow out at high speeds, the driver may lose control and cause serious damage. Even minor blowouts on surface streets can injure or kill. If you’ve been hurt as a result of a defective tire, the Law Offices of Tim Misny are standing by to help.
Here’s what you need to know about defective tire accidents.
Most common defects
Tire defects are often invisible. Drivers may not be aware that they’re driving on borrowed time. Some of the most common defects include:
- Old, expired tires: When you’re purchasing tires, be sure to check the expiration date. Some unethical vendors sell old tires. Even if you purchase the tires brand new, the tires and materials are old. The older the rubber, the more likely it is to have dry, weak or cracked spots. These flaws may be seen during normal inspections.
- Separated tread: Tire tread can separate, especially when a driver is prone to speeding. The more the tread separates, the more likely a driver will be involved in a wreck. This is something that vehicle owners can spot during regular inspections.
- Over or underfilled tires: Tires require specific air pressure to function safely. Even perfect tires with the wrong pressure can cause accidents. The wrong pressure plus a defect could be deadly. When you purchase tires, make sure that they’re filled to the recommended levels before use. Check the pressure regularly.
- Material defect: In some cases, the defect could be due to faulty materials. Some companies use low quality rubber and components to save money. These materials cannot stand up to normal wear and tear.
- Design defect: Finally, the tires may have a defective design. That means the product itself is inherently flawed, even if it was manufactured perfectly. They cannot survive normal use.
If you suspect a defective tire may have been to blame for your accident, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. We’ll review your case and evaluate your legal options. If a tire defect is responsible, we’ll work with expert witnesses and your insurance company to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Discuss your case with an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
When defective tires are responsible for your car accident, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case as soon as possible. We may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.
