If you are like most drivers, you assume that as long as you perform the necessary maintenance on your vehicle, everything will work as it is supposed to. However, that is not always the case, especially when it comes to tires. Almost half of all adult drivers have experienced a tire blowout at least once. When a tire blows out, drivers often lose control, sending their car off the road or into oncoming traffic. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, our product liability attorneys effectively bring Miami car accident and product liability cases on behalf of those injured due to defective tires. Since 1976, we’ve represented thousands of accident victims, giving us unparalleled knowledge and experience in these complex and high-stakes cases.
What Happens When a Tire Blows Out?Most tire blowouts occur at high speeds and present a serious danger, not only to the driver of the vehicle but to everyone else on the road. When a vehicle’s tire blows out, the driver will often lose control. Often, this sends the car off the side of the road. However, in some cases, a motorist will be unable to steer their way to safety and ends up crossing the median into oncoming traffic, potentially leading to a head-on collision.
Defective tires are also a leading cause of rollover accidents. When a tire blows out, it can result in the vehicle spinning to one side. For vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as pick-up trucks and SUVs, this greatly increases the chance of a rollover. Of all motor vehicle collisions, rollover accidents are responsible for most fatal car accidents.
Reasons for Tire DefectsTires, like most other products, are mass-produced. Manufacturers are under enormous pressure to design and produce as many tires as they can to maximize their profits. However, too often, errors occur during the design and manufacturing process. In most cases, defective tires show no visible signs of any problems. Some of the most common tire defects include tread separation and belt separation. These tire defects may be the result of a poor design or a defect in the manufacturing process.
Not all Miami tire accidents involve defects that were within the manufacturer's control. In some cases, the negligence of mechanics or vehicle owners can cause a tire to fail, such as:
If you’ve been injured in a Florida car accident caused by a tire failure, you may be able to bring a defective tire lawsuit against the manufacturer, a mechanic, or the owner of the vehicle; however, figuring out who was at fault can be challenging. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help by reviewing your case to determine all potentially liable parties.
Liability of Tire ManufacturersTire manufacturers owe a duty to those who purchase their products. This duty requires tires are well-designed and safe when properly maintained. When a tire suffers a manufacturing or design defect, the manufacturer may be liable for any resulting damages through a Florida product liability lawsuit. It does not matter if the tire manufacturer issued a recall; they may still be liable for any injuries caused by their defective tires.
Contact a South Florida Tire Defect Lawyer for Immediate Assistance