Just two months ago, a Lafayette school bus was struck head-on by an SUV that crossed the median into oncoming traffic. The accident resulted in four deaths, with a 17-year-old as the only survivor in the SUV. The crash was not caused by poor driving, but rather a failing of the vehicle’s rear tire, causing it to lose control. Although road conditions may have played a part in the accident as well, this is a prime example of just how important a role tires play in everyday road safety.
With proper maintenance, most tires can satisfactorily perform their function without incident. However, even a brand new tire can lead to unexpected accidents and injury if it is defective. If you are the victim of an auto accident due to a failing car part – especially one as integral as a tire – learn how you can be fairly compensated by working with our experienced New Orleans personal injury attorneys.
The Dangers of Defective Tires
Many drivers have experienced tire troubles at one point or another. In most cases, a small hole or rip will simply cause tires to gradually deflate, resulting in more frustration than injury. But when a tire is defective and is not just in danger of leaking, it can spontaneously separate from the rim or explode from sudden rupture, otherwise known as a blowout. Moreover, these events can occur while a car is traveling down a freeway or when someone is standing next to the parked vehicle, leading to severe injury or death. When road conditions are poor or a driver has to stop suddenly, the dangers of defective tires are increased dramatically.
Causes of Defective Tires
A tire may be defective for a number of reasons, including:
- Poor manufacturing standards: In an effort to save money, some manufacturers may cut corners in the construction of a tire. This can include old adhesives, imprecise cooking temperatures, and contamination of the rubber with foreign materials.
- Poor tire design: A tire may be manufactured well but designed poorly. The steel belts may be oversized or undersized, leading to separation.
- Ineffective treads: Treads that are poorly shaped may not be able to provide the proper traction for stopping or even driving under certain conditions. Treads that are worn are similarly problematic.
- Tread separation: This is one of the most common problems among defective tires. When traveling at a high speed, the treads may detach from the rest of the tire, resulting in a blowout or sudden loss of control.
- Sidewall failure: When a tire is unable to support internal air pressure and external stress from the vehicle’s weight, it may explode outward from the sidewall, injuring those nearby. This accident is often seen while inflating the tire.
Determining Liability
Tire manufacturers have a history of shifting the blame to consumers, even when a tire is demonstrably defective. It is therefore vital that drivers or victims work with knowledgeable car accident attorneys to ascertain and prove negligence. In some cases, product liability may be attributed to manufacturing errors or oversight, in which case other drivers may also be at risk. If a brand of tire has already been deemed defective, a salesperson or business may be held responsible for distributing it to customers. In other cases, a garage may be at fault for overlooking worn treads and failing to bring them to the customer’s attention during inspection.
No matter who is liable, you should not be weighed down by the financial consequences of another’s negligence. Our auto accident attorneys can help award you compensation for damages, including injuries, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and future medical costs. If someone has been killed as a result of a defective auto part, a wrongful death suit may award compensation for additional factors such as funeral costs and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Attorneys Today
Harrell & Nowak is devoted to getting you the compensation you deserve. We will investigate every detail of an accident to guarantee that you receive the best representation for your case. Contact our legal office for additional information or to set up an appointment.