When we think about who was at fault for a car accident, our minds usually go to one of the drivers. But there is another reason. Mechanical failure can make even the safest driver crash because the car becomes unpredictable.
Mechanical failure can be due to a lack of maintenance on a vehicle, but it can also be due to manufacturing defects. This is why manufacturers issue recalls on vehicles so those problems can be fixed before they cause an accident or injury. The Takata airbag recall was a recent case like this, but airbag injuries of that nature are rare.
A far more common mechanical reason for accidents is tire failure. Tires separate your car from the road, so when they fail bad things happen. Your car can pull suddenly to the left or right, pulling you into traffic or down into a ditch or canal. The sudden failure can also surprise you and make you overcorrect.
If you notice a flat, do not drive on it! Get the tire replaced. You should also know the signs of a failing tire and how to maintain them. On this page, we’ve collected a lot of information on how to keep your tires in good condition and information about major tire recalls and danger signs. A few minutes reading then taking a look at your tires (including your spare!) could reveal that you need to get a replacement before it blows out on the road.
If you are injured by another driver and they blame a bad tire, you still might be eligible for compensation if it can be proven that there was an existing problem with their tires. Chalik Law can help. Take photos of the tires if you can and show them to us as part of your free consultation.
Tire Defects and Tire Recalls Defective tires are a major concern of consumer safety advocates and industry watchdogs, who point to their involvement in numerous traffic accidents and fatalities. A defective tire can suddenly come apart at the treads or blow out, sending the vehicle spinning out of control. In recent years, high-profile defective tire…
The Continental Tire company’s General brand line of tires have been in the midst of an extensive recall for over a decade now. We have already mentioned their negligence in offering defective products in an earlier post on Continental tire recalls. Since 2002, their General tire products have been popping up in news stories for…
While customers have been complaining about Nexen Tires, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) still hasn’t issued a recall on these dangerous tires. Nexen manufacturers several types of tires, the Nexen CP671(2), the Nexen N5000, and the Nexen Roadian HP. As of May 23, 2015, twelve complaints to the NHTSA have been filed regarding Nexen…
Car accidents are far too common but some can be prevented. According to safecar.gov, nearly 11,000 accidents a year are caused by tire failure. While some of these may be caused by aging tires, a car accident caused by tire failure could be the result of a defective tire offered for sale. Tire failure an…
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has announced a new recall of tires that includes as many as 45,500 tires installed in many General Motors SUVs. The company says that the recall is linked to possible defects in the tire tread. The company became aware of those defects during endurance testing. General Motors has already taken…
In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced several recalls for tires. From tread separation to incorrect markings, tires were recalled for a variety of problems in 2014. Dynamic Tire Towmax STR Dynamic Tire Corporation recalled 17,369 tires because of inaccurate load capacity and inflation pressure information markings. Misleading information could increase the…
While Nexen tires have been the subject of some consumer complaints, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, there are no recorded recalls. The following takes a look at each of the three tire lines about which consumers issued complaints to the NHTSA, and what your options are if involved in an accident…
Cracks in tire tread can increase the risk of a tire blowout when the vehicle is in operation. It can lead to loss of tire pressure, then tire failure, and then an accident in some cases. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company recently announced a recall of 48,512 Fortera HL P255/65R18 109S tires because of cracks…
All vehicle owners should know what tire dry rot is, how to spot it, and what to do if their tires have it. Meanwhile, if it causes an accident, talk to an attorney about liability. In some cases, a manufacturer may be liable if the dry rot was due to a defect in the tire….
While there are many counterfeit products that consumers might come across, ranging from clothing to handbags to watches and more, counterfeit tires are an unexpected development. The following reviews a scary report of the discovery of counterfeit tires, and what you should do as a consumer when purchasing tires. …
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire failure causes approximately 11,000 accidents per year, some of which lead to serious injuries or fatalities. But how do consumers know when a tire is at risk of failure and requires replacement? Some experts argue that there are flaws in the tire identification, registration and recall…
2014 was a big year for tire recalls with 55 – the most since 2008. Toyo Tires U.S.A. Corp. had the most tires recalled with 2,454,340 tires spread over 14 recalls. American Pacific Industries Inc. had the most recalls at 18, and ITG Voma Corporation also saw 664,230 tires recalled. Tire recalls are almost always for…
In August 2013, 24-year-old Krystal Cantu lost her left arm in a rollover accident caused by the faulty Capitol Precision Trac II tire on the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in which she was riding. As a result of that accident, ITG Voma recalled 95,000 Capitol Precision Trac II tires in October of that year….
When objects or moisture is trapped in the tire during the curing process, it can cause tread or belt separations, which can lead to blowouts and accidents. Tire companies have a responsibility to ensure the tires they manufacture are safe and free from defects. If they make a mistake and their defects cause a consumer…
Tire defects can lead to tire failures, which can significantly increase the risk of an accident when the car is in operation. One of the more serious causes of tire failure is a tire bead failure. Causes of Tire Bead Failures The tire bead is the part of the tire that sits on the wheel….
Strict product liability laws allow consumers to recover damages when they suffer injuries because of a defective product. Under these laws, an injured consumer does not have to prove that the manufacturer of the product was negligent. A court might find the manufacturer liable even if it did everything to manufacture and sell a safe…
When a defective tire causes an accident that leads to injuries, the victims of the accident have the right to file a product liability claim for damages. A product liability claim can yield compensation for medical expenses, personal suffering, lost wages, physical repairs, and more. While a product liability claim can be a good option…
Most car owners assume they can find spare tires in the trunks of their vehicles. They rely on it being there in the event of a flat tire. But today, more and more cars are being sold with a tire inflation kit instead of a spare tire. If you’re car shopping, here is what you…
Purchasing a vehicle is an exciting process, but it’s one that requires a lot of work and research, too, especially when the vehicle you’re purchasing is used. If you’re considering buying a used car, one thing that is absolutely critical to assess is the car’s tires. When tires aren’t in good shape, they can be…
Low rolling resistance tires are popular among vehicle owners hoping to save some money on fuel expenses. However, these tires have their downsides, too. Read on for all you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of these tires, as well as some more fuel-saving tips to reduce gas costs and keep your tires…
