Florida Dunlop Defective Tire Lawyer

If you own a car, then you probably know the importance of keeping your tires in good condition. Poorly maintained tires can be dangerous and can cause accidents that injure you and others on the road. However, even the best-maintained tires in the world wouldn’t necessarily keep you safe if the tires were defective.

Defective tires are the cause of numerous accidents every year in the United States. Problems with tires may be related to manufacturing or design defects, and these problems can be deadly for unsuspecting victims. Dunlop Tire Corporation is one tire company that has produced defective tires that have been subject to recalls and lawsuits. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Dunlop tire, here is what you need to know about Dunlop tire defects:

Types of Dunlop Tire Defects 

The most common type of tire defect — and the most prevalent among defective Dunlop tires — is tread separation. Tire tread separation refers to the splitting of the tire’s tread from the body. Tread separation can happen if the tires are manufactured defectively. Similar to tread separation is tread chunking, which can be equally dangerous.

Internal tire rusting is another type of tire defect that can lead to a blowout while driving. In fact, in 1999, $4.9 million was awarded to a man injured by a tire that had rusted internally, paid by Dunlop Tire and Sumitomo Tire Corp. A manufacturing defect of the tire’s wire caused internal rusting, which allowed moisture to make its way inside of the tire. Other types of tire defects that a person should be wary of include sidewall zipper failure, bead separation and multi-piece wheel explosions.

Causes of Tire Defects 

Tire defects typically are caused by mistakes during either the design or manufacturing process. For example, one possible cause of premature tread separation is using the incorrect cooking temperatures during the manufacturing process. Sometimes, a mistake in the chemical process can cause the tire tread and the steel belt to bond improperly, leading to tread separation. Tires may be rendered defective when old adhesives are used or when adhesive materials become contaminated during the cooking process.

If you notice any unusual cracks, bumps, blisters, low air pressure or anything else out of the ordinary on the tire, stop driving and seek professional assistance from a mechanic. Dunlop tire defects have caused accidents that resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. For more information about Dunlop tires with known defects, including consumer complaints and recall information, SaferCar.gov, a service of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is a great resource. 

Taking Action if Injured by a Dunlop Tire Defect

If you’ve been injured in an accident that involved a Dunlop tire defect, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your injuries. Defective product law is complicated in Florida and requires you prove the accident wouldn’t have happened but for the defective product, according to Florida Code 768.81. Your case must prove the tire was defective, led to the accident and that you suffered damages as a result. An attorney is your best resource is achieving this.

At Chalik & Chalik, we understand that recovering compensation for your injuries is important, and we’ll work hard to ensure you get the representation that you deserve. For guidance through the process of filing your claim, questions about product liability law, or information about previous defective tire lawsuits and the damages you may recover, our attorneys can help. For a free case consultation, call us today at 855-529-0269.