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.
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…
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…
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…
The integrity of your tires is extremely important for your safety while operating a motor vehicle. Great tires are key for ensuring: vehicular stability; great tread and traction; and the control of your car while driving. If you’re driving with tires that are defective, you may be compromising the safety of yourself and others. Many…
If defective tires cause an accident, Hollywood drivers have a right to pursue legal claims against the tire manufacturer for the harm they suffer in the accident. Drivers must establish that a product was defective and that the defect caused their accident and resultant injuries. Defective Tire Accidents and Investigations Generally, when a tire fails…
Defective tire accidents often give rise to personal injury lawsuits that use the legal theory of strict product liability. The theory holds that manufacturers are liable for their products even if they showed reasonable care in making the product. Plaintiffs don’t have to show the manufacturer was negligent. To collect compensation for their damages, plaintiffs…
Consumer safety should be at the top of tire manufacturers’ list of concerns, but often, it’s simply not. Unfortunately, when manufacturers and distributors don’t ensure their tires are up to snuff, they can release defective and faulty tires that have the potential to cause serious injuries and fatalities. In one out of every 11 crashes,…
Retreading tires instead of purchasing new tires is an economical option as it reduces environmental waste and saves you money. However, to ensure your safety, you’ll only want to go to a well-established, reputable company for retreading. Select a trustworthy, high-quality manufacturer to ensure your tires are safe. Modern Tire Dealer’s Top 5 Every year,…
Tire recalls are a serious matter, and families in Florida and across the country need to be aware of these recalls to protect themselves. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the agency recalled more than 60 million tires since its inception. These defective tires can cause car crashes and serious injuries. Although…
The Florida Highway Patrol is working to determine the cause of a fatal van accident. The crash took place on Saturday, September 14, just south of Fort Myers on Interstate 75 in the northbound lanes. Initial reports indicate a tire blowout preceded the accident. The Sun-Sentinel reports three people died as a result of the…
What is Considered Aging in Tires? What Are the Signs? Many people think that if they get a frequent oil change and watch their check-engine light, they are doing a good job maintaining their vehicle. As a result, many believe they are safe driving their car and have little chance of being in a Florida…
Knowing the steps to take after an accident related to a defective tire can make the difference between a successful injury claim and one that does not hold up to scrutiny. If you were recently injured in an automotive accident that you suspect was caused by tire failure, contact a lawyer to help protect your…
We all notice when a new line appears on our face due to aging, but not everyone notices when their tires start getting lines or cracks from age or from other elements. When this happens, it is possible that ozone cracking in tires has occurred. There are three main causes of ozone cracking: Defects in…
