Tire defects can turn a reliable vehicle into a serious safety hazard. Often, these issues aren’t immediately apparent, and tire failures can occur unexpectedly, causing accidents and injuries. Compensation for medical costs and other losses may be available if you've been involved in a blowout or other tire-related incident. Reaching out to an experienced tire defect lawyer is crucial for understanding your rights.
At Conner Marr & Pinski, our team is here to help those affected by defective tires in Montana, guiding you through the complexities of product liability cases.
Common Tire Defects and Their Causes
Tires can become defective due to several factors. Some of the most common causes include:
- Manufacturing errors: Mistakes during the tire production process may lead to defects that compromise safety.
- Design flaws: Even if a tire is manufactured as intended, inherent design issues can cause it to be dangerous.
- Substandard materials: Using low-quality materials in tire construction can result in premature wear or failure.
- Negligent quality control: Inadequate inspection may allow defective tires to reach the market, putting drivers at risk.
These issues often go unnoticed until a tire fails, resulting in car accidents. Understanding the underlying causes can help determine liability in a tire defect case.
Are Tire Manufacturers Liable?
Tire manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumer use. When they fail in this duty, they may be held accountable for any injuries or damages caused by their products. If a defective tire has hurt you, consult with the Conner Marr & Pinski team - we can help you determine whether the manufacturer is at fault and pursue the compensation you deserve. Liability can arise in the following scenarios:
- Tire tread separation: Even if a tire is inflated correctly and used as recommended, tread separation can still occur.
- Failure to issue a timely recall: Manufacturers aware of defects but don’t act quickly enough to recall faulty tires can be held responsible.
- Selling defective tires: If a manufacturer knowingly sells defective tires, they can be liable for any resulting harm.
- Injuries from defects: If a defect causes serious injuries or fatalities, the manufacturer may be required to compensate the victim.
Recalls of Defective Tires
Tire recalls happen when manufacturers or regulatory bodies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identify issues with a tire model. In some cases, tires pass initial inspections only to fail after they've been distributed. Defective tires can cause serious accidents, including loss of control and blowouts. Some major manufacturers that have had tire recalls include:
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Firestone
- BF Goodrich
Recalls typically occur when a tire’s performance falls below safety standards, leading to issues like:
- Rapid loss of air pressure
- Separation of the tire belt
- Sidewall defects
- Reduced tire strength
When a recall is issued, the manufacturer needs to notify consumers quickly. The recall notice details how to return or replace the defective tires. Even if a recall has been started, manufacturers can still be held liable if their defective product caused harm before the recall was enacted.
Compensation for Defective Tire Accident Injury Claims
If you've been injured in an accident involving a defective tire, several types of compensation may be available to you:
- Medical expenses: Covers costs for treatment related to injuries sustained in a tire-related accident.
- Lost wages: Compensates for lost income if injuries prevented you from working.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for your injuries' physical and emotional toll.
- Lost earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
In some instances, you may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded when the court finds the manufacturer’s actions reckless or harmful.
Working with an attorney experienced in tire defect cases is always best when pursuing a personal injury claim. The Conner Marr & Pinski team is dedicated to helping victims maximize their compensation by providing experienced legal representation. If you’ve experienced injuries due to a defective tire, don’t wait.
Contact Conner Marr & Pinski today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
