Product Liability and Defective TiresCar accidents are a major cause of injury in New York and most car accidents are the result of distracted or reckless driving. While passenger vehicles are generally safer than ever, sometimes accidents aren’t the fault of the driver but the result of a defective part of the car. You trust that the tires on your car will get you safely where you need to go, but tires are one of the most commonly defective parts of a vehicle. When a tire is defective, the manufacturer or distributor may be held responsible in a product liability claim.

Types of Tire Defects

According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA), 738 motor vehicle traffic fatalities were the result of tire issues. Improper tire maintenance and installation can lead to accidents, but so can tires that are defectively designed or manufactured. Common tire defects include:

  • Tread and belt separation—this is the most common tire defect. It occurs when the plies of a tire separate from one another, exposing the inner tire, belts, and cords. This separation increases the likelihood of a tire blowout.
  • Tire inflation explosion—a tire that is improperly designed and manufactured can sometimes explode while being installed and inflated. Explosions during inflation can be the result of bead failure, side-wall failure, or a failure of the tire rim.
  • Bead failure—the bead wire is the weakest part of the tire. If the bead wire is too weak, it can result in an explosion during inflation or a tire blowout on the road.
  • Sidewall failure—sometimes occurs during tire inflation but the failure of a tire sidewall can also cause a tire blowout.

Tire Recalls

If a defect has been discovered in a line of tires, then typically a tire recall will be issued by either the manufacturer or the NHTSA. Consumers should be notified of a tire recall, but this isn’t always the case. If your concerned about the safety of your tires, you can search for your brand of tires to determine if there has been a recall. You can also search the U.S. Tire Manufacturer’s website by the tire identification number found embossed on the sidewall. If your tire has been the subject of a recall, it is essential that you follow any instructions and have your tires replaced as soon as possible. A failure to do so could lead to a serious accident.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by defective tires, you should have an experienced product liability attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.]]>