According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tire failure causes approximately 11,000 accidents per year, some of which lead to serious injuries or fatalities. But how do consumers know when a tire is at risk of failure and requires replacement?
Some experts argue that there are flaws in the tire identification, registration and recall system that leave unsafe tires on the road.
Unsafe Tires are Hard to Identify
One of the biggest problems with unsafe tires is knowing how to identify when repairs or replacements are necessary. While most manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six to 10 years, some tires – especially those that get a lot of road time – will need to be replaced earlier. According to Sean Kane, a tire safety expert quoted by CBS News in December 2014.
Below are some things to look for on the tire that can help determine that a tire needs to be replaced.
If you notice any of the above, talk to a mechanic or tire professional about replacing the tires right away. Consider some other possible causes of tire blowouts.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Flaws in Tire Recall System
Kane said that there is a lack of information on tires for consumer review and that he also sees a lot of flaws in the recall system. He points to recall remediation rates of 20 percent as indicative of the problem.
The CBS News article also quotes Dan Zielinski of the Rubber Manufacturers Association. He notes that a big problem in recalling dangerous tires is locating them. He points to a flawed registration system that should help manufacturers locate consumers with tires subject to a recall. “[w]e want to take steps and see steps taken to fix that,” he notes.
Contact an Attorney Now if You Suffered Injuries
When tires are defective and manufacturers don’t recall them, they can put drivers and others on the road at risk of an accident. If you suffer injuries in an accident that you believe was the result of a defective tire, then you may have the right to pursue legal action. At Chalik & Chalik Law Offices, our attorneys can guide you through the process of filing a product liability claim to recover damages. Call us now at 855-529-0269 or fill out the form on our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269