The Base of Automobile Safety: Tires

Automobiles are made of countless parts and components, each with a specific purpose and responsibility to the overall health of the vehicle. One of the most important components of vehicle safety is ensuring the tires are reliable and well-maintained. Tire failure often causes accidents because vehicles become nearly uncontrollable in the event of a blowout or detread. These types of incidents many times lead to disastrous outcomes, so we urge all drivers to take responsibility for ensuring their vehicles’ tires are in good shape. While it is sometimes impossible to prevent a blowout or tire defect, sometimes regular vehicle servicing is the difference between a safe drive and a tragic crash. There are certain tire care safety tips you can keep in mind to prevent these types of unfortunate events from occurring.

In the event that an auto accident is caused by a tire defect or recall, the manufacturer can be held liable for losses and damages. When prosecuting a tire defect case, there are a variety of issues for product defect attorneys to keep in mind. These are based off historic experience in product defect injury cases.

1. Improper design or manufacturing: tire failure is commonly caused by tread separation, which can be attributed to poor design or development. Sometimes it’s as simple as a tire having been exposed to contaminants or elements that cause rubber to break down while in the factory.
2. DPT Serial Number: found on the wall of tires, these numbering systems detail manufacturing information and age, two important factors in a legal claim. These details are imperative to the discovery process.
3. Age of the tire: Components dry out as tires age, which leads to deteriorating rubber and adhesion break down. If the cause of a crash is age and your vehicle’s tires are more than six years old, it is unlikely that fault will be assigned to the manufacturer. Owners should always change tires before the six-year age limit (sooner depending on how often the vehicle is driven).
4. Recalls on products: manufacturers have an obligation to alert the general public to issues involving their products, including tires. If they do not report a known defect or fail to correct a known issue, they can be held liable for damages. Unfortunately, the current tire recall system is ineffective, allowing service center to use defective tires.

Tires are the only thing separating your vehicle from the roadway, and likely a collision, so it’s important to take proper care of them. Unfortunately, an owner taking care of their vehicle may not guarantee their safety. Product recalls and defects are common and there are countless lawsuits currently ongoing in relation to vehicle defects. If you or someone you love have been injured in a crash that was attributed to a defective product, call Jones & Swanson today for assistance and legal expertise.