Around 33,000 car accidents occur every year due to tire-related reasons. One of the most dangerous causes of those accidents is tied to tire tread separation, which can lead to a catastrophic blowout.
When a defective product leads to injury or worse, an attorney can hold the manufacturer of those products liable. Manufacturers of tires are no different.
If you experienced a vehicle accident recently and believe that a manufacturer defect led to that accident, you may benefit from hiring a product defect lawyer.
What Causes Tire Tread Separation?
When the part of a tire that grips the road (the tread) separates from the body of a tire, the tire can fall apart. This is a blowout, and it can lead to a fatal car crash in certain circumstances.
There are several potential causes of tire tread separation. Obstructions in the road or potholes could cause a blowout. Overinflation and underinflation can also lead to tire tread separation.
If the tread separation results from a manufacturer defect, the company that created the tire could be held financially liable in certain circumstances.
Suing the Manufacturer
If a manufacturer is found to be at fault for tire separation that leads to an automobile accident, the driver may have grounds to sue the manufacturer of the tire. In court, the defendant will have to prove that they did not alter the tire in any way and that the tire was within its warranty period.
Awards or settlements can be used to recoup lost wages, property damage, medical bills, and other losses that resulted from the tire blowout. Tread separation can result from advanced age. If your car sat idle for two years, your court case would be more difficult to win.
In cases where the tire was relatively new and unaltered, defendants may be able to prove that a manufacturer defect was the cause of tire tread separation.
The lawsuit will generally focus on the company that made the tire, not the car manufacturer. The judge will consider whether the tire was still under warranty. Drivers can reasonably expect optimal performance from tires that are still under warranty.
If the warranty is in writing, the defendant can sue for breach or express warranty. An implied warranty is more difficult to sue for.
Cases where a company failed to warn the public about a possible defect are also grounds to sue the manufacturer of a tire that experiences tire separation while on the road.
Schedule Your Tire Tread Separation Legal Consultation Today
Tire tread separation may entitle you to damages. If you or a loved one has recently been in an accident that resulted in injury, you can count on the experienced attorneys at Newsome Melton Law Firm to handle your lawsuit.
Contact our team today to start the process. We look forward to fighting for the settlement you deserve.