Whether we’re making a quick trip to the grocery store or traveling across the country, our vehicles get us to our destinations. When parts of our vehicles fail, the consequences can be deadly. At Urban & Taylor, our Milwaukee tire defect lawyers are prepared to hold manufacturers, dealerships, and other parties accountable for their mistakes when your tires fail you on the road.
Types of Tire Defects
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 11,000 tire-related crashes occur each year. In 2016, those 11,000 crashes lead to the deaths of 733 individuals and the injuries of 19,000 people. Many of those deaths could have been avoided if the tires had been manufactured and sold properly.
Let’s take a look at the more common tire defects and why they occur.
- Tread Separation. When tread is not properly sealed together it has the potential to separate from the tire. When this happens, the tire may run flat or have a sidewall A blowout is possible because the pressure can force a separation around the entire tire.
- Manufacturing Defects. If a tire is constructed without all its components a defect is likely. The manufacturer may forget to install a safety device, or the tire may be sealed incorrectly. Manufacturing defects often lead to blowouts.
- Improper Tires. Tires have specific grades and sizes that make them suitable for only certain vehicles. A mechanic may put the wrong tires on your vehicles, or a dealership could try to sell you more expensive tires than what you actually need. A vehicle with improper tires could face malfunction or blowout because the tires are not fit for the speed, weight, or other specifications of the vehicle.
- Mounting Issue. A tire’s performance relies on proper tire mounting and balancing. When a mechanic makes a mistake mounting and balancing your tires, there’s a chance you’ll run into issues later. Mounting mistakes happen for a variety of reasons. The most common involve improper lubrication, ignoring special systems needed for newer vehicles, and improperly handling the reverse mount wheels.
- Retread Failure. Having your tires retreaded may seem like an economic benefit, but you won’t think that if your car ends up totaled. While retreading can be safe, if the person doing the job doesn’t adhere the tread properly to the tire, you could face tread separation later down the line.
Consequences of Tire Defects
A vehicle’s tires play a crucial role in ensuring the car is safe to operate. If your tires are defective for any of the reasons listed above, your risk of getting into an accident significantly increases. Blowouts are common tire-related accidents that can result in rollovers, rear-end accidents, and side-impact collisions.
It’s important to stay aware of the state of your tires. You should visually inspect your tires on a regular basis, so look for the following issues that could lead to a failed tire:
- Cracking or cuts in the sidewalls could lead to a blowout because of the pressure the vehicle’s weight will put on those weakened spots.
- Excessively worn tread likely means it’s time for new tires.
- Uneven tread wear may be a result of misaligned wheels, improper inflation, or damaged tires.
- Bulges or blisters are a sign you need to replace your tire as soon as possible. It’s likely your tire will fail if you do not do so.
- Excessive vibration may be a sign the wheel is misaligned, unbalanced, or bent. If you notice vibration, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. You may also have internal tire damage that could lead to failure.
Determining Liability After a Defective Tire Accident
Defective tire accident claims can be incredibly complex; however, we won’t shy away from going up against a major manufacturer to get you the justice you deserve.
In order to build a successful case, we’ll need to focus on a few key elements. Our Wisconsin faulty tire attorneys will need to prove the tire was defective, why the tire was defective, and who is responsible for the accident. We may be able to hold the automaker, mechanic, or dealership responsible for your accident.
It’s also important to note that in some instances, your tires may have been recalled. To check on the status of your tires, you can access NHTSA’s Safety Issues & Recalls page.
Contact Our Milwaukee Tire Defect Lawyers
No one likes to feel out of control. If you suffered from an auto collision because of a tire defect that should have never happened, our Milwaukee car accident lawyers are ready to help you take the action necessary to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn about your options.
