Peeled caps on radial and bias tires can cause blowouts and accidents. Often, the cause of a peeled cap is loss of adhesion of the cap from the tire casing during the retreading processes. If all of these terms sound a bit foreign to you, read on for an explanation of what a peeled cap is, why…
When it comes to parts of a car, there are few more important to vehicle stability, maneuverability, and safety than a car’s tires. Tires are responsible for carrying the weight of the vehicle, and require routine maintenance and replacement to guarantee that they’re performing at their best. Tire markings, however, remain a mystery to most…
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle, and greatly contribute to the overall safety of the car while driving. If a tire has a defect, isn’t the proper size, isn’t fitted correctly, or doesn’t receive proper maintenance, it can result in disastrous consequences – such as a tire blowout – that…
A convenient new online tool to search for vehicle recall information is now available to the public. The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the release of this new recall search tool on SaferCar.gov. The tool allows vehicle owners or those shopping for a new vehicle to find information quickly and…
Car safety seats for children play a vital role in protecting your kids when driving in the car. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing a 2011 study in Pediatrics, car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants by 71 percent, and for toddlers by 54 percent. Sadly though,…
When purchasing a new set of tires, consumers typically assume they will get a high-quality product that is free from manufacturing or design defects and that will ensure their safety while driving on the road. And in most cases, the tires perform well and do so without leading to accidents. Unfortunately though, some new tires,…
Tire lubrication is an important step in the tire demounting and mounting process. Professional tire installation technicians are trained to understand the importance of proper lubrication and what substances can be used. Failure to properly lubricate a tire during the demounting and mounting process can lead to improper mounting or corrosion on the rim. This…
Tire mounting and demounting requires specific knowledge and tools. Only trained professionals should mount and demount tires. The Rubber Manufacturers Association has established guidelines for safe demounting and mounting which are available in manuals and wall charts often displayed in professional garages where these services are provided. Tire technicians are trained to safely demount, mount…
All tires come with a maximum load capacity that is clearly dictated on the tire itself. When you exceed this capacity by overloading the automobile, you may increase your risk of being involved in an accident caused by premature wear and tear of the tire. Tires can suffer excessive strain when the load capacity is…
Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle and can improve or decrease the overall safety of a vehicle. Having tires on a vehicle that are designed and manufactured in an effective, safety-minded manner is paramount in ensuring motorists’ overall security and protection. Unfortunately, there are thousands of tires on the road…
While a car may have a variety of features that contribute to its controllability, handling and ultimate safety while driving, if a car’s tires are defective, the vehicle is inherently unsafe. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that tire failures cause approximately 11,000 crashes per year. Defective tires — and ultimately tire…
Tires need to be in good repair and properly inflated in order to maintain their durability. Improperly inflated tires – both under- and over-inflated – can cause excess wear, maneuvering issues, and an increased risk of blowouts and crashing. Determining the Proper Pressure for Your Tires Before you check your tires’ pressure, you’ll need to…
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a 33-page report regarding a special investigation conducted by the board concerning the safety of the parasailing industry. The NTSB conducted eight investigations across the U.S. involving parasailers who were seriously injured or killed. Four of the incidents occurred in Florida, including the accident where our client, Alexis…
Debi Chalik, founding partner of Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, was featured in the media last month when she publicly urged Gov. Rick Scott to sign new legislation that requires parasailing operators to take safety precautions and carry insurance. She was also quoted in local news coverage about the legislation, which is designed to reduce…
Defective tires have been the cause of numerous injurious and fatal accidents throughout the country. And in order to prevent these accidents, tire manufacturers often initiate recalls for tires that have known defects. According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 46 million tires recalled since 1966. Unfortunately…
Earlier this year, General Motors (GM) announced it was recalling 2.6 million vehicles due to the presence of a faulty ignition switch. This specific defect could cut off the engine while driving, thereby preventing the deployment of the airbags in the event of a crash. This defect has been associated with 31 crashes and 13…
People bicycle for many different reasons. Some do it for exercise, to save money on gas, or for sport and recreational purposes. But bicycling can be a dangerous source of transportation on Florida roads. Even streets with designated bike paths might not always provide the greatest protection from cars and put cyclists at risk for…
One potential risk of childbirth is prolonged labor, which occurs when the mother remains in labor beyond the standard period of time. This condition can carry a higher risk for birth injuries, and it’s vital that doctors monitor cases of prolonged labor and respond appropriately to minimize or avoid risk of injury. Prolonged Labor Overview…
Florida is a hotbed for private and public pool use, thanks in large part to the state’s year-round warm weather. But pools and other bodies of water also present certain dangers, and the state has the highest age-adjusted drowning rate in the nation at 0.7 per 100,000 people. Examining the statistics highlights certain hazards of…
Just last summer, 17-year-old Alexis Fairchild and her friend Sidney Good were critically injured in Panama City, Fla. when strong winds snapped their parasail free from the tow boat. Despite the fact that between 1982 and 2012, 73 people have died and another 1,600 have been injured in parasailing accidents, the industry operates virtually unregulated. …
