We trust our tires to safely take us from one destination to another. But what happens when a tire fails due to a defect? Even with regular maintenance and inspections, defective tires can still cause serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective tire, The Paul Powell Law Firm is here to help you explore your legal options and seek compensation. This article will guide you through the key points of tire defects, including how they occur, the dangers they pose, and what you can do if you’ve been affected by one.
Understanding Tire Defects
Tires are made from multiple layers of rubber compounds and other materials designed to create a sturdy, reliable product that meets the demands of various road surfaces. However, defective tires can still make it to market, leading to dangerous outcomes such as blowouts, tread separations, and even fatal accidents. Tire defects typically fall into two categories: design defects and manufacturing defects.
- According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a staggering 33,000 accidents occur yearly due to tire problems.
Types of Tire Defects
- Design Defects: These occur when a tire’s design is inherently flawed, leading to issues like cap ply defects, skim stock flaws, or inner liner weaknesses. Even if a tire passes federal safety standards, poor design can still pose a risk.
- Manufacturing Defects: Even well-designed tires can be flawed during the production process. Common manufacturing issues include material contamination, misaligned belts, trapped air or water, and inner liner cracks.
Some of the most common defects that can lead to accidents include:
- Blowouts
- Tread separation
- Sudden loss of air pressure
- Sidewall separation
What Happens When a Tire Fails?
A tire blowout or tread separation is not just inconvenient—it can be life-threatening. The sudden loss of control often results in spinouts, rollovers, or multi-vehicle collisions. If this happens to you, it’s important to know how to respond:
- Stay Calm and Maintain Control: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid sudden movements.
- Gradually Slow Down: Let your vehicle slow naturally by taking your foot off the gas or disengaging cruise control.
- Safely Pull Over: Once the vehicle slows, move to the side of the road in a controlled manner.
The aftermath of a blowout or tire separation can be devastating, especially if injuries or fatalities occur. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Your Legal Rights: Can I Sue for a Defective Tire?
Tire manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe. However, defects can slip through the cracks, leading to recalls, accidents, and injuries. If you suspect that a defective tire caused your accident, you have the right to pursue legal action. The Paul Powell Law Firm can help you determine whether a product liability claim is warranted.
Filing a Product Liability Claim
To succeed in a tire defect case, your attorney will need to prove:
- The tire was defective.
- The defect directly caused your accident.
- You suffered injuries and/or damages as a result.
It’s crucial to preserve as much evidence as possible, even if your tire is in pieces. Every component—no matter how insignificant it may seem—could be important in proving your case. A tire reconstruction expert may be needed to analyze the remains and pinpoint the defect.
Take Action: Contact a Las Vegas Tire Defect Lawyer Today
If a defective tire has turned your life upside down, don’t wait to seek help. The Paul Powell Law Firm specializes in product liability cases, and we’re committed to fighting for fair compensation. We’ve represented clients in similar situations and have the experience to navigate the complexities of tire defect cases. We never take more than you win, and we put that in writing. The Paul Powell Law Firm cares about you, not your money.
A free case evaluation is waiting for you. Contact us today at (702) 728-5500 or through an online form. Let us help you get back on track with the compensation and support you need. Paul Powell. More Lawyer. Less Fee.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.