Defective tires are a problem for anyone, but they may pose extra danger to Florida drivers. The constant heat and humidity in Florida can affect the air pressure in the tires; this inconsistent or unexpected change in air pressure combined with a faulty tire can lead to serious accidents. There are several things all Florida drivers should know about defective tires, including identifying defective tires, determining why they are more dangerous in Florida, how they can cause injuries, and who might be liable for those injuries.
Why Are Defective Tires So Dangerous in Florida?
Florida is warm year-round. This year-round warmth can cause your tires to deteriorate more quickly. When tires are already defective, they can fail and cause a serious accident.
How Can You Identify Defective Tires?
A tire can be defective in a variety of ways:
- Tread separation
- Missing components
- Belt separation
- Manufacturing defects
- Wear and tear
- Improper fit
Each of these potential defects can lead to a dangerous situation. It is important to monitor your tires for any visible defects. Check for damage to the sidewalls and examine the tread levels. You should also pay attention to the amount of air in your tires and fill them when necessary. Drivers should check their tires at least once per month and prior to any long road trips.
Florida drivers can also check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if there have been any recalls issued. The company records all complaints and investigates potential tire defects. This can allow you to find any problems before they cause an accident.
Who Is Responsible For A Defective Tire?
The type of tire defect usually indicates who is to blame for the defect.
The following parties may be responsible for a defective tire:
- Manufacturer: Responsible for mistakes created during the design or manufacturing process.
- Tire Shop: Responsible for improper tire installation (or selling old tires and claiming they are new).
If the tire manufacturer identifies a problem, the company may issue a recall. This is often after numerous drivers report a specific problem with the tire. You should act immediately after receiving notification of a tire recall. Driving on a recalled tire is dangerous, and you could lose your right to collect compensation in the event of an accident.
If the manufacturer or the tire shop is to blame for your defective tire accident, you might qualify for compensation for your injuries, property damages, and pain and suffering. We can assist you in evaluating the details of your case.
What Are My Options If I Suffer Injuries Because of a Defective Tire?
It is important to discuss your case with a tire accident lawyer to better understand your legal options. Our team will investigate the accident and determine who is at fault and how the tires played a role in the accident. This will allow to determine whether you want to pursue the responsible party for compensation.
How We Can Assist You With Your Defective Tire Case
Defective tires can result in severe car accidents, often injuring the driver, passengers, and nearby pedestrians. This is how we can assist you with your defective tire case:
Complimentary Consultation
The first step is to talk with us. It costs nothing for you to learn more about your options, and we want to learn more about you and collect the details concerning your accident. By evaluating the specific events that led to the accident, we can determine liability and take the necessary steps to establish fault.
Calculate Damages
Because defective tire accidents are often severe, the associated damages can get expensive. These costs often exceed the coverages available under a personal insurance protection policy, which means we will have to seek compensation from the manufacturer, tire shop, or other responsible party. We will assist you in calculating the damages and ensure you receive compensation for expenses related to the accident:
- Medical bills
- Household costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Temporary transportation costs
- Vehicle repairs
- Childcare costs
Handle All Communications
Dealing with the aftermath of a defective tire accident can be overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with numerous medical appointments, you might also be struggling to handle household costs if you are unable to work because of your injuries. Throwing in the requirements of a lawsuit at this time can feel almost impossible.
The lawyers at Chalik & Chalik are here to help you manage the aftermath of an accident. We will handle all communication with the defendant and insurance providers and help you navigate the legal process.
Why a Lawyer May Be Important to Your Defective Tire Case
In some cases, manufacturers can identify a defective tire before they cause any significant harm to anyone. Unfortunately, this is not always the case; if you suffered injuries because of a defective tire, you can — and should — seek justice. We are here for you. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at 855-529-0269.