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.
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident that resulted from a tire defect, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages from the tire manufacturer. Manufacturer liability claims can be complex, and each case is unique, so make sure to consult a product liability attorney to discuss the specifics…
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are used within cars to detect the level of air pressure within the tires, and are mandated for use under federal law. Specifically, 49 CFR Parts 571 and 585 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provide a federal motor vehicle safety standard requiring the presence of a TPMS that…
When the steel cables in tires begin rusting, it can cause tread separation, which increases the risk of tire blowouts and crashes. In many cases, it’s a defect of the tire that allows for excess moisture to seep in, creating the right environment for rust to develop. When a tire model is defective, it’s the…
Vehicle owners have always been burdened with the task of constantly monitoring air pressure in their tires, change a tire when flat, and some drivers may be at risk of experiencing a tire blowout while driving. The invention of a new tire, manufactured by Bridgestone, may change all that. However, tire problems may be here…
The tires on a vehicle are one of its most important parts and are responsible for keeping drivers safe and secure. However, tires are not cheap, nor are they necessarily environmentally friendly. In fact, the energy and materials required to manufacture tires costs thousands of dollars and causes damage to the environment. In an effort…
There’s an ongoing discussion about tire registration, and many vehicle owners want to know whether or not they should bother with it. Below we explain a couple of key concepts about registering tires, and why the issue is still a topic of discussion. Registering Tires is Voluntary First, it’s important to know the legal rules…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating a Michelin truck tire line after having received six complaints. In all cases, Michelin XZA heavy duty truck tires failed and subsequently caused a crash. The NHTSA also received a police report about one of the crashes. No injuries or deaths have yet been reported….
Teenagers are at high risk for auto accidents and some of that accident risk stems from tire issues. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 teenagers die every year in accidents. About 12 percent of accidents every year involve inexperienced motorists and tire issues. Learn some factors that might lead…
Rollover accidents are some of the least common accidents on American roads, and some of the most devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover accidents comprise three percent of the total vehicle crashes that occur across the country every year, but constitute as many as 31 percent of vehicle occupant fatalities,…
Taking good care of your tires is an important part of safe driving. However, in the event that a flat tire does occur, you’ll need to know how to replace the flat tire with a spare tire. Here are nine facts about spare tires you might not know. 1. You Can’t Drive Spare Tires as…
Many accidents that occur in Florida annually are linked to tire failures or tire blowouts. Tire failures are often the result of inadequate tire pressure, tire tread separation or other factors. However, in some cases, tire failures and tire-related accidents are caused by road conditions like those listed below. Potholes You may try your best…
Tires are one of the most important parts of a vehicle, and knowing how to test tire pressure, check for tread wear, and change a flat are important skills that every driver should know. However, a survey paid for by Michelin and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile revealed that 52 percent of teenagers ages 15…
Purchasing tires may not be an exciting or fascinating endeavor, but it is an important one. Understanding the information available in the tire identification number (TIN) can provide you with valuable information and resources that will allow you to make wise purchasing decisions, stay updated on recalls and be aware of the age of your…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approximates that every year, tire failures causes 11,000 motor vehicle crashes. Some of the most common causes of tire failure include the following. tread separation. blowouts. bald tires. and, underinflated tires. When a tire isn’t repaired correctly, it can put you at great risk for accident and injury….
In 2000, Congress responded to the tragic outcome of a major tire recall involving Ford vehicles and Firestone tires. There were many fatalities related to problems with the tires, and the response spurred the creation of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act. With oversight from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety…
Tires do not come with an expiration date in the way that food does, but they age and can become less effective or more dangerous after a certain number of years. Most manufacturers will tell you that the age of a tire is only one factor in determining its level of safety or usefulness. Other…
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…
