How Defective Tires Can Cause Auto Accidents
Defective tires are one of the major reasons for automobile accidents. Most drivers overlook the importance of periodically checking car tires. This essential component of a car can have a major impact on overall driving safety. Faulty tires can also result in accidents causing severe or fatal injuries.
A car accident injury attorney can help if a driver caused a car accident resulting in injuries and losses to others because they were negligent in checking the tires. Similarly, tire manufacturers, car companies, and car dealers may also be held liable if the accident and injury occurred due to a manufacturing defect in the tires. This article explores a few common types of tire defects which can cause a car accident.
Common Tire Defects in California
Tire defects can happen for a wide array of reasons. In relation to this, the more common causes are because of defects in the manufacturing or designing process. Overworked tire manufacturers may produce defective and deadly products in their efforts to meet a certain amount of per day tire manufacturing quota.
In some cases, tires that don’t show any physical signs of defect can prove to be incredibly dangerous depending on their condition and age. These are a few common tire defects:
- Belt separation
- Tread separation
- Improper repair of tire puncture
- Tires manufactured without prevention design features
- Retread failure
- Unsuitable tires as per the vehicle type
- Design and manufacturing defects
- Tires damaged during the mounting process
- Aged and old tires
- Side all blowouts
- Zipper failures
- Bead defects
- Trapped internal air pockets within the tires
- Foreign materials within the tire
Tire Defects Can Cause Catastrophic Accidents
Different types of accidents can occur when motorists drive with defective tires unknowingly. As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a minimum of 11,000 tire-related accidents take place each year.
Defective tires can easily explode while being inflated leading to serious injuries. Blowouts, tire explosions, and tread or belt separations can result in serious vehicular accidents.
These are a few common types of car accidents that can result from defective tires:
- Loss of control
The defective tire may explode or blow out unexpectedly causing drivers to lose control of their cars. The car may skid, swerve, spin, or rollover. Loss of control accidents can be single-vehicle crashes or involve multiple cars.
- Rollovers
Rollover accidents take place when a vehicle rolls onto its roof or side. As per the NHTSA, rollover accidents have the highest fatality rate as compared to any other type of vehicle crash. Tire defects and failures can result in dangerous rollover accidents, which may cause fatal or devastating injuries.
- Run off the road
Defective tires can easily cause a vehicle to entirely run off the road. It may make the vehicle jump into the opposite lane. The driver may get involved in a head-on collision as a result. Head-on collisions are rare, but deadly because of the high speeds involved.
Defective Tire Treads Can Cause Serious Injuries
Accidents as a result of defective tires can cause serious injuries. In some cases, the accident may prove to be fatal as well. These are a few common tire defect accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Closed head injuries (CHI)
- Chest injuries
- Neck and whiplash injuries
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Damage to the back and spinal cord
- Bruises
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Signs of Defective Tires
NHTSA conducted a study of 11,500 vehicles in 2014 and observed that an estimated 50% of cars were being used with at least one worn-out tread. Also, 1 in every 10 vehicles had at least 1 bald tire. This only goes to show that majority of vehicle owners and drivers are not serious about keeping up with tire maintenance. They don’t check their tires regularly either for ensuring whether they are in good shape or properly functioning.
Performing the penny test is an easy way of checking the tires’ tread. In this test, a penny is placed in the tire tread. You probably need to replace the tire if you can see the penny mostly or the top of Lincoln’s head. Your tire is likely in good shape if the penny goes in most of the way and you cannot see Lincoln’s head.
In addition, most tire warranties are meant to last for a certain amount of time or cover a specified number of miles. For instance, the tire may have a warranty covering them for the first 50,000 miles. You should take advantage of the warranty if you believe the tires are defective and still in warranty. You may be able to get the tires replaced if required.
Other signs to look out for include:
- Bulges or blisters indicating a weak spot (immediate replacement)
- Uneven tread wear
- Cuts or cracks in the sidewall
- Worn out tread
- Vibration while driving
Speak with a Dedicated Car Accident Attorney in California Today
The experienced attorneys at Garmo & Garmo, LLP are here to help you if you or a loved one was injured in a vehicle accident. Our capable lawyers will fight aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve. You can schedule an appointment today by calling at 619-441-2500 or using our online contact form.
